Page 31 of Grumpy Orc Daddy
“I may get scared sometimes and pull back. But I'm willing to fight for us if you are,” I say.
Janta squeezes my hands. “I’ll give you whatever you need to feel secure,” he says with reassuring confidence.
And I believe him now, wholeheartedly.
We talk more, and I start to relax. I feel certain I’m doing the right thing in opening myself up to him again, but in a way that protects my heart.
Days have passed full of bliss and reassurance,and I want to plan a nice family outing for the three of us. I consider going to the zoo - it's always been a fun place to take babies, and I think a relaxed environment like that will be good for bonding as a new family.
“So what do you think about us taking Lily to the zoo?” I ask, smiling at him across the table.
Janta's face lights up. "The zoo sounds perfect," he says. We sit together after cleaning up the dishes and start looking at the zoo's website, plotting out which exhibits we want to see.
Over the next few days, our anticipation builds. Janta researches the best zoo snacks and restaurants for a baby. I pack a backpack with diapers, wipes, sunscreen, and an extra outfit for Lily.
The morning of the outing arrives bright and sunny - perfect weather. After feeding and changing Lily, we all pile into Janta's car. I sit in the back with the baby, making silly faces to keep her entertained on the drive.
Seeing Janta interact with Lily so naturally, making baby sounds and playing little hand games, fills me with joy. The initial awkwardness between them has transformed into real affection.
When we arrive at the zoo, I baby-wear Lily so my hands are free. We wander leisurely from exhibit to exhibit, pausing frequently for diaper changes and feedings. Though Lily is too young to see much, Janta and I have fun looking at all the animals together.
This family outing is exactly what we needed. In the relaxed setting, our connection continues strengthening as we care for Lily together. Laughter comes easily, and I feel that trust between us is deepening. I know we still have a long road ahead, but days like today give me hope for our future as a family.
On the drive home, I catch my mind wandering - imagining little scenes of our possible future together as a family. Small moments that feel strangely normal now. I picture the little rituals that make a family - bedtime stories and silly dances in the kitchen. Childhood milestones like first days of school and bedtime fears we'll tackle together. The profound joy of watching Lily grow up with two parents who adore her.
There will be challenges too - disagreements and frustrations, obstacles to navigate. But in my mind, Janta and I face them united, with patience and open communication. We create a home filled with empathy, trust, laughter. A relationship modeling for Lily what love should be.
I imagine late nights after Lily's asleep, Janta and I curled on the couch sharing a bottle of wine. The intimacy of knowing and being known. A partner who you choose again and again.
These daydreams used to seem dangerous - too tempting to indulge in. But now they feel full of promise, a life I want to manifest. One where Lily has the family she deserves.
Maybe this fantasy future I imagine can be real someday, if we give it time and care. I look forward to the ride - the magic and the mundane. As long as we face it together.
CHAPTER 19
Janta
Iam elated that Rayna has finally decided to let her walls back down and entertain the thought that this could truly work between us. We’re on the right track to be a family. Hell, we’ve been on that track since I first came into the picture. Rayna and Lily just accepted me as if I had been there all along.
I understand she’s guarded and she has her reservations, but now that I have spent so much time with Rayna and Lily, it’s hard to picture the rest of my days without them.
I know Rayna is wary of getting hurt again, but I'm determined to prove I'm here for the long haul. I'll do whatever it takes to gain her trust and reassure her that we can make this work. I want her to know I'm ready to put in the effort to create the happy family life we both want with Lily.
Having Rayna put her guard down and let me back in means everything to me. It shows how much she cares about our bond and this little family we've started to build. I'm resolved to nurture that bond gently and be the man she and Lily deserve.
I have so many plans for the three of us. Picnics in the park, family game nights, vacations to the beach… a lifetime of simple joys together. Rayna's willingness to move forward and the glimpse of that future makes me feel like the luckiest man alive.
I know we'll still have our challenges and ups and downs. But we'll face them together, united as a family.
Today's trip to the zoo was exactly what our little family needed. From the moment we arrived, the joy and excitement was palpable. Rayna and I couldn't stop smiling as we watched Lily's eyes widen with wonder at each new exhibit. Her delighted coos filled my heart in a way nothing else can.
We strolled leisurely through the park, stopping to laugh at the monkeys' antics and marvel at the elegance of the giraffes. Lily fluttered around like a butterfly, pointing eagerly toward the next animal. Her enthusiasm was infectious and Rayna and I found ourselves swept up in the adventure.
At one point, Lily gasped and pointed as the lions let out a mighty roar. The three of us were transfixed, and Rayna slid her hand into mine. I gave it a squeeze, our eyes meeting in a moment of connection. In that instant, everything felt perfect.
Later, we stopped at the petting zoo and I lifted Lily up to feed the eager goats. Rayna snapped pictures, grinning from ear to ear. With the sun on our shoulders and joy in our hearts, it was clear we were exactly where we were meant to be - together.
As I watch Rayna lifting Lily up to see the horses better, I'm struck by an overwhelming sense of admiration. She's always been an amazing mother, but today I'm seeing her in a whole new light.