Page 30 of Grumpy Orc Daddy

But the fear remains. I don't know if I can trust again after what I've been through. I worry I'll get hurt and Lily will suffer too. My head tells me to protect us, to keep my distance. But my heart aches for the connection we could share.

I realize now that what's growing between us is more profound than a fleeting attraction. It's a bond that defies logic, woven from shared dreams, endless conversations, and glances that bare our souls. I can't ignore it anymore.

Where it will lead, I don't know. Perhaps nowhere. But for once I want to open myself to the possibility. I want to nurture this bond and see if it blooms into a life we build together. I'm willing to take that emotional risk and make myself vulnerable. Because what we might share is worth it.

As I toss and turn all night, my head at war with my heart, I decide I need to talk this all through with someone I trust, so I shoot Sophia a text and ask her to meet me for coffee tomorrow. She responds quickly and we plan to meet at the coffee shop in town.

Lily and I head to the coffee shop early next morning, leaving Janta to catch up on some emails he’s been putting off all week. As we exit the car, Sophia spots us and runs at as immediately sweeping Lily up and smothering her with kisses.

“It’s good to see you too, I guess,” she says. “Although I’m more excited to see my Lily!” I love the relationship she has with Lily. I call her the makeshift aunt.

We find a seat outside under an umbrella, seeing as the weather is so nice. Between small talk, we order our drinks and a small appetizer to share.

As we wait for our garlic knots, and Sophia gets tired of me changing the subject every five minutes, I start to pour out everything - my growing feelings for Janta, my confusion and fear.

"Sophia, I don't know what to do. When I'm with him, it just feels so right. We connect in this deep way I've never had before. I find myself imagining this whole future together, the three of us as a family. But I'm terrified of getting hurt again. And if it didn't work out, Lily would suffer too."

Sophia reaches across the table and squeezes my hand reassuringly. "Oh honey, I know this is scary. You want to protect Lily after everything she's already been through. But you can't let fear stop you from finding love."

I nod, holding back tears. "You're right, but I just don't know if I can open myself up to that kind of hurt."

"Rayna, look at me," Sophia says gently. "You are one of the strongest people I know. If Janta can't cherish the gift of your heart, then he doesn't deserve you. But you'll never know if you don't take that leap and try. Follow what your heart is telling you."

I take a shaky breath. "Maybe you're right. I want to give us a real chance, for all our sakes. But I need to protect Lily too."

Sophia squeezes my hand again. "I understand. Take things slowly, keep communicating, and don't ignore any red flags. Set boundaries that work for you all."

I smile gratefully. "Thank you, Sophia. I think I'm going to give this a chance, cautiously. My heart says what we could share as a family is worth the risk."

Sophia smiles back warmly. "Follow your heart, and I'll be here whenever you need me." I know with her support, I can embrace love again

After my talk with Sophia, I spend the next few days really thinking things through. As much as it scares me, I decide I owe it to myself and Janta to give this relationship a real chance. The connection we've forged just feels too rare and precious to walk away from without trying.

But I know that if we're going to make this work, it has to be on my terms. I need to honor my own boundaries and the pace I'm comfortable with. Rushing into anything too fast is a mistake I won't make again.

I resolve to take things slowly, one step at a time. Long, honest conversations to deepen our understanding of one another. More time together as a family, including Lily, so we can get to know each other in that dynamic. Sharing stories from our pasts - the happiness, the pain - to build trust.

I know there's no guarantee this will end well. But I believe Janta deserves the opportunity to prove himself as a loving partner and father figure for Lily. Underneath the hard exterior, I see his kind heart. I believe with open communication and realistic expectations; we have a real chance.

When Janta comes over the next evening, we put Lily to bed and then he and I sit down on the couch, nothing unlike what we usually do.

“Hey, can we talk?” I ask, tucking my legs underneath me on the sofa. Preparing to get comfortable for what will probably be an uncomfortable conversation.

“Sure. What about?” he asks, stiffening as he composes himself.

“It’s nothing bad.”

“Well then, what is it?”

“ I want to see where this relationship goes,” I blurt out. “But it’s going to require patience on both our parts.”

“Rayna, I...” He starts but I don’t give him the opportunity to get a word in. I need to make my case before he decides that this isn’t something that he wants.

“I need to move slowly. For my sake, and Lily’s. And I need you to respect my boundaries as this is all foreign territory for me,” I say, while not making eye contact, afraid he will see the weariness behind them.

Janta takes my hands in his and looks into my eyes.

“I care about you Rayna, and I promise to respect the pace you need. I owe you and Lily that much,” he says, eyes full of compassion and care.