Jillian awoke feeling calm and peaceful. She looked around her strange surroundings and suddenly realized where she was.

She had arrived on the planet Randor just the day before with fifty other men and women from Earth. They had all ridden in a space shuttle from Earth to outer space where a galaxy ship awaited its eager passengers. The white ship stood out starkly against the dark space around them as they flew towards the awesome ship.

Jillian felt like she was watching a very real episode of Star Trek. She gasped as they entered the ship finding themselves in a huge docking area with several dozen space shuttles. She assumed they were for emergencies.

She felt a little lightheaded as they disembarked, but was reassured by a Randorian crew member that it was perfectly normal to feel like that. She smiled and thanked him and went on her way.

They were taken on a small tour of part of the ship. They were shown their quarters and allowed to unpack. It would be a several days’ journey to the planet Randor.

She was quite impressed with the technology of the huge ship and hoped to learn a lot more in days to come.

The journey was easy and pleasant. The food was excellent, albeit, there was a slightly unusual flavor to it. She found out later that it was a Randorian spice that gave it that particular flavor.

For most of the days on the Jules Vern, Jillian kept to herself. She spent a great deal of time in the on-ship library reading anything and everything she could find about Randor.

One unusual thing kept happening through the whole trip. Jillian kept running into a man from Randor. He was not unpleasant and quite handsome. She was rather surprised that Randorians resembled Earthlings so closely. It seemed though that everywhere she went, this Randorian was always there.

The last evening on board, Jillian decided to speak to the Randorian. They met accidentally in the library.

“Hello.” Jillian said quietly as he sat down across the table from her.

“Hello.” He answered. Immediately, Jillian noticed that his lips didn’t quite move with the words he spoke. She realized it must have something to do with the aural translator that had been placed in her ear canal before they had left.

“My name is Jillian Innes.” She said looking over at him shyly.

“I am Zorian of Randor.” The man answered smoothly and in a deep, resonant voice. “I am please to make your acquaintance.”

“I am glad to meet you too.” Jillian replied. She fidgeted with her book not knowing what to say to the man staring intently at her.

“I am not used to meeting alien women.” Zorian said with a smile. “You are quite lovely.”

“Thank you.” Jillian answered. “Um, could you tell me what Randor is like?”

“I would be happy to.” Zorian said. “Let’s take a walk.” He stood up and held out his hand.

Jillian hesitated for a moment. She didn’t know if she should trust this disarmingly handsome alien. Zorian seemed to sense her uncertainty. He leaned over and spoke to her quietly so no one else could hear.

“Jillian, I like you. I will not harm you. If you wish, we can go to the lounge where other people will be. I did want to show you my world in the Holograph Simulator.”

“Oh! That would be wonderful.” Jillian answered. Zorian once again stood up and held out his hand. Jillian took it and stood to her feet. With a warm smile, Zorian escorted her to the Holograph Simulator. He punched several of the buttons on the control panel and an unusual scene spread around them for miles.

Jillian was amazed to see blue grass and a yellow sky. The trees were blue with dark red trunks.

“How unusual.” Jillian murmured bending down and brushing her hand over the luscious-looking grass. It was soft and cool to the touch.

“It is somewhat different from your home planet.” Zorian said.

“It is lovely in its own way.” Jillian answered diplomatically.

They spent several hours in the HoloSimulator. Zorian showed her all around the beautiful countryside. By the time they had left the HoloSimulator, they were holding hands.

Jillian got up and stretched. She pulled on a soft, flowing caftan that swirled about her dreamily. She quickly made her bed and stepped across the cool floor to the bathroom. The door swished open as she stepped on the floor in front of the bathroom. She entered and the door swished shut behind her. She touched a button above the tub and warm, crystal clear water came pouring forth. She hit another button and a tray of soaps, shampoos and bubble bath issued forth. She dumped some bubbles in the tub, took a soap and some shampoo and set them on the side of the tub. She undressed and stepped into the soothing water.

An hour later, Jillian was dressed and ready for her orientation into her new life. Zorian had said he would come for her and take her to the council hall himself.

Jillian was waiting for Zorian when he drove up (if you could call it that). he was actually driving a hover car. It sat just inches above the ground. It was the smoothest ride Jillian had ever had.

After the orientation, Zorian suggested that they go chamber hunting.

“Chamber hunting?” Jillian asked with a puzzled expression.

Zorian laughed heartily. “I must apologize. In English it would be comparable to house hunting. We call them chambers.”

“Oh, I see.” Jillian giggled. “I would love to have a chamber of my own.”

After walking through several different chambers, Jillian found one that she liked. It was easily accessible to the city of Rouen where they had been taken. It was also near a lovely park with a waterfall and lots of trees. Jillian put down the first month’s rent and was given the keycard to her chamber.

As they walked through the park to get back to Zorian’s hover car, he turned to Jillian with a smile. “Jillian, will you go to dinner with me?” Waiting for an answer, he pulled Jillian close to him and wrapped his arms around her.

A bit startled, Jillian replied in the positive. She let herself go and let her hands slide up and around Zorian’s shoulders. She threaded her fingers through the dark hair at his neck. Slowly, she reached up and pressed her mouth to his in a warm, enticing kiss.

“Wow! I didn’t know that was how they kissed on earth.” Zorian exclaimed. “We normally rub noses.”

“What?” Jillian said with a puzzled look.

“I’m just kidding, milea (sweetheart in Randorian). We kiss the exact same way as Earthlings do.” He laughed. He bent forward and kissed her. His kiss took her breath away. Jillian was stunned at the intenseness of his passion.

“Th-that was marvelous.” Jillian murmured.

“I am afraid that Randorians are very passionate and very quick to fall in love, But, one thing you can count on with Randorians is that their love is not given easily and when it is, it is for a lifetime.”

“I wish it were that way on Earth.” Jillian said leaning against the tall, handsome Randorian.

“I know of your past, my lilia (flower in Randorian). I know of the sad fate that met your husband and baby. I am a very patient man and am willing to wait until you feel you can love again.”

Jillian stared up at Zorian. Her first instinct was to get angry that he had checked into her past, but her second instinct was to be thankful that she didn’t have to tell him the whole sordid story about Keith and baby Christopher.

“I am glad you know, Zorian. It has been only two years.” Jillian pulled away from the warmth of the alien’s arms. She turned and stepped away. Her hand covered her mouth as she struggled with the emotions that filled her when she thought of her beloved family.

“I am sorry for your loss, milea, but they would want you to go on and live your life to the fullest. Whether you want to admit it or not, you know they would.” Zorian said holding up his hand palm out as she turned and tried to deny it.

Slowly, she nodded her head in the affirmative.

“Yes, Zorian, about that you are right. Keith wouldn’t want me to cry and brood over him.” Jillian turned and Zorian saw the tears running down her cheeks. “I can’t help but mourn for him. He was my life and my love.” Jillian looked up at Zorian. “I am sorry for burdening you with this.”

“It is all right, Jillian.” Zorian said gently placing his hands on her shoulders. “I want to be your friend.” He decided to take the slow route to winning this young and beautiful alien. He had fallen in love with her the moment he saw her. She had totally and completely captured his heart. He knew she could love him, but it would take some time. Her feelings for her earthling husband would not be easily forgotten.

“You are so sweet and kind to me, Zorian. You must have your own life, though. You must have friends and family you can spend your time with.” Jillian said taking his hand in hers. “I don’t want to monopolize you.” Although, she knew she did. She was coming to love him and desperately wanted to spend every minute with this wonderful, handsome alien.

“Yes, I do have a family and a few friends, but you need me now. I will take you home and we will go out and have some dinner tonight. I want to show you Rouen at night. It is beautiful and you can see Earth from here.” He slipped an arm around her slender shoulders and guided her to his hover car. He helped her in, then got in on his side. he drove her back to her inn where she was staying and walked her to her room.

“Thank you for everything, Zorian, my dear, sweet friend.” Jillian murmured brushing his cheek with slender fingers.

Eagerly, Zorian drew her into his embrace and kissed her warmly and deeply. He held her close and murmured sweet Randorian nothings in her ear. He drew back, then kissed her again.

“Go and rest. I will see you this evening. Tomorrow, I will introduce you to my best friend and his betrothed.” He kissed her one last time, then turned and walked away. Jillian watched him stride down the hall, confident and proud. She felt a warmth flow up from the very depths of her being. She knew she had found a true love.

Jillian lay down on the bed and pulled a warm comforter over her. She slept like a baby until it started getting dark.

Slowly, she got up. She looked at the clock she had brought with her and saw that it was six in the evening. Zorian would be there to pick her up at seven. She went to the closet and the door swished open. She pushed a button and her fancier dresses swung forward on their rack. She pulled out a lovely, mint-green dress that flowed over her. It was made of silk and felt delicious against her skin.

Suddenly, she realized that this dress was the one that Keith loved the best. The tears started to spill and she started to remove the dress, but she suddenly felt a warmth and peace flow through her. She paused and knew that Keith was giving his blessing to pursue the relationship with Zorian. She quietly wept for a moment and then finished preparing for her date.

Her heart felt happy and at peace finally. Keith and her baby were safe and she was in love with a wonderful man from another planet. She didn’t care if she saw Earth again. She just knew that she needed to be with Zorian for all time.

There was a knock at the door. Jillian answered it and smiled happily when she saw Zorian standing there. She invited him in. When she had closed the door, she turned to Zorian.

“Zorian.” At the look in her eyes, Zorian pulled her into his embrace and kissed her. Immediately, he knew something was different. He pulled back and searched her face for a clue.

“Something has changed, milea.” He said softly. “What is it?”

“I was getting dressed when I realized the dress I was wearing was Keith’s favorite. When I started to cry, I suddenly felt a warm peace flow through me. It was as if Keith was telling me it was ok to fall in love again.” Jillian said shyly. “I have come to love you, Zorian.”

“I love you, sweetheart.” He answered using the English word instead of the Randorian word. “I have a question for you.” Jillian waited expectantly. “Will you wed with me, Jillian Innes?”

“Oh, yes! I will, Zorian!” Jillian exclaimed. Her arms went around his neck and they kissed passionately.

When they broke the kiss, Zorian took her hand in his and slipped a ring on her right hand. Jillian stared at the unusual rainbow stone set in a silvery-gold metal.

“Oh, thank you, Zorian! It is beautiful.”

“Once we marry, we will change the ring from your right hand to your left.” They embraced and kissed again. They stayed at Jillian’s deciding to talk and forego the outing to dinner. They had so much to learn about each other in such a short time.

Two months later, Jillian woke up excited and happy. She jumped out of bed when she realized it was her wedding day. She and Zorian had agreed to have a traditional Randorian wedding with a few touches of the North American ceremony thrown in.

Later that afternoon, Jillian dressed in her white wedding dress with the help of Zorian’s sister, Zaya. They had become close and swift friends.

“I am so nervous, Zaya.” Jillian said putting on a soft pink lipstick. She turned to her friend.

“You are perfect for Zorian, Jill. He is a wonderful person and he loves you.” Zaya reassured as he straightened Jillian’s veil.

They drove out to the beautiful park setting they had picked to be married in. They would stand in front of a beautiful waterfall with green grass and lovely wildflowers all around.

Jillian saw Zorian waiting for her. He was standing next to his father who was officiating for them. Jillian walked towards Zorian with love light shining in her eyes. Zorian took her hand in his when they came together.

They spoke their vows to one another…

“I, Zorian, now take you Jillian to be my wife. In the presence of God

and before these witnesses I promise to be a loving, faithful and loyal

husband to you, for as long as we both shall live.”

I, Jillian, now take you Zorian to be my husband. In the presence of God and before these witnesses I promise to be a loving, faithful and loyal

wife to you, for as long as we both shall live.”

As they spoke, Zorian’s father bound their clasped hands together with a white velvet rope signifying their union. They raised their bound hands to show their unity for all time.

Once the ceremony was over, Zorian pulled Jillian into his arms and kissed her passionately with promises of a wonderful future together.

Several days after they came home from a fabulous honeymoon on Xanderia, a small planet nearby, Jillian was straightening the living area of her new home with Zorian. Zorian had gone to work and wouldn’t be back until much later.

As she placed some of her books into the bookcase, there was a knock at the door. She stood up and brushed her hands off on her jeans and answered the door.

There stood a lovely, brunette with piercing blue eyes. She was tall and slender and very graceful.

“May I help you?” Jillian asked politely.

“Is Zorian here?” The brunette asked looking down her nose at Jillian.

“I’m sorry, he’s at work.” Jillian said automatically as she tried to figure out who this was.

“Who are you?” The brunette asked.

“I’m Jillian, Zorian’s wife.” Jillian answered.

“Oh really? Well, would you tell Zorian that Tyrena came to see him?”

“May I ask who you are?” Jillian asked suspiciously.

“I told you my name.” The brunette edged.

“What relationship do you have with Zorian?”

“Oh that. I’m the woman he will marry once he gets rid of you.” She sneered. “I hope you realize that you are just a temporary fixture in Zorian’s life. He is all mine.” She said with a toss of her head as she handed Jillian her card. Jillian let the card slip from her lifeless fingers as. Tyrena turned on her heel and left.

Jillian slammed the door and slumped against it not knowing whether to believe this woman or not. Jillian realized that she had known Zorian only a few months, but he had promised to love and cherish her. Their wedding vows had been sacred.

With a moan, Jillian grabbed up her purse and fled the home she shared with Zorian. She went back to her old chamber that she still had a couple of days rent left.

Zorian came home happy and whistling. He noticed the chamber was dark. He quickly went from room to room trying to find Jillian. Going back to the front door, Zorian suddenly noticed a small square of white on the floor. He picked it up and groaned when he saw the name on it.

He instinctively knew where Jillian had gone.

He grabbed his keycard and left the chamber to find his wife. And find her he did. Jillian was sitting on the living area floor sobbing quietly. When the door opened, she looked up and saw Zorian.

“Just go away, Zorian.” She cried burying her face in her hands.

“I will not go away, Jillian. You are my wife and we need to straighten this misunderstanding out.” He said firmly. He sat down in front of his wife and waited until she had composed herself. “Now, milea, what happened this afternoon?” Zorian asked calmly.

So, Jillian explained in sordid detail. When she finished, she watched Zorian as he thought on what she had said.

“First of all, Jillian, I made a promise to you when we were married. You are my wife for always. Tyrena means nothing to me. She is a witch who likes to prey on married men. I have known her since she was a child and she has been after me for that long. You are the only one I love, milea.”

“Oh, Zorian! I was so afraid you would leave me!” Jillian sobbed. Zorian pulled her on to his lap and cradled her close soothing her with soft words and loving touches. He kissed her again and again. Quickly, their passions built.

With a great effort, Zorian pulled back and tipped her chin up. “Let’s go home.” Jillian nodded happily as her husband held out his hand to her. He pulled her to her feet and they went home to live happily ever after.

THE END