Page 41 of Grumpy Orc Daddy

One afternoon, as we sit together in our backyard, watching Lily play in the sunshine, I feel a surge of gratitude wash over me. "I'm so grateful for you, Janta," I say softly, breaking the comfortable silence between us.

He turns to me, a smile playing on his lips. "You've given me everything," he replies, his eyes warm with affection.

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over everything it touches, I lean against Janta's side. Here, surrounded by the quiet beauty of our shared life, I know that our journey is far from over.

CHAPTER 26

Janta

Istand in our living room, glancing over at Rayna who is browsing travel websites on her laptop. "We really need a break," I say thoughtfully, looking at our calendar filled with work deadlines and appointments.

Rayna nods, her eyes lighting up. "How about a mini vacation? Just the three of us."

I smile. "That sounds perfect. Any ideas where we should go?"

Rayna turns the laptop screen towards me, showing a picturesque cabin by a lake. "How about this place? It's secluded and looks so peaceful."

I lean in, studying the photos. "It's beautiful. Let's book it."

Rayna grins, quickly making the reservation. "Done. We're going to have such a great time."

I stand on the porch of our cozy cabin, cradling a steaming mug of coffee while the morning sun paints the lake in hues of gold and pink. Rayna emerges from inside, her hair tousled from sleep but her eyes bright with anticipation.

"Good morning," she greets with a warm smile, wrapping her arms around my waist.

"Good morning, my love," I reply, returning her embrace and planting a kiss on her forehead. "Did you sleep well?"

Rayna nods, glancing fondly towards our daughter Lily, who is nestled comfortably in her crib. "Like a baby. She seems to be loving it here already."

I chuckle softly. "She must sense the excitement. This trip was a great idea, Rayna."

Rayna leans into me, breathing in the crisp morning air. "I'm so glad you think so. We all needed this time together."

I nod in agreement, my gaze drifting over the serene lake. "Absolutely. It's good to take a break from work and just focus on us."

Rayna traces circles on my back with her fingertips. "I've missed this."

Quiet moments like these make me reflect on the decision to take time off from work. It hadn't been easy, worrying about responsibilities and deadlines, but seeing Rayna and Lily so happy, I know deep down it was the right choice.

"I was hesitant about taking time off," I admit quietly. "But now that we're here, I realize it was worth it."

Rayna looks up at me with adoration in her eyes. "You're an amazing father, Janta. Lily adores you."

I smile gratefully, brushing a strand of hair from Rayna's face. "Thank you, Rayna. And thank you for suggesting this trip."

We stand together, basking in the morning sunlight streaming through the trees, our hearts full of gratitude and love for each other and our little family.

"Let's make the most of our time here," Rayna suggests, breaking the peaceful silence. "Any ideas for today?"

My face lights up with excitement. "How about we explore the trails by the lake? Maybe find a nice spot for a picnic later?"

Rayna's eyes sparkle with enthusiasm. "That sounds perfect."

We continue to discuss our plans for the day, each suggestion met with nods of agreement and smiles. I share my thoughts on possibly renting a canoe to paddle around the lake, and Rayna suggests we bring a camera to capture all the beautiful scenery.

As we finalize our itinerary, I can't help but feel a sense of relief and joy. This trip is more than just a vacation; it's a chance to reconnect as a family, away from the distractions of everyday life. The moments we share here will be cherished memories for years to come.

Later that morning, after a hearty breakfast of pancakes and fresh fruit on the cabin's porch, we set off hand in hand towards the lake. The path leads us through a forest alive with the songs of birds and the scent of pine. Lily, nestled comfortably in a carrier against my chest, gurgles happily as she takes in her surroundings.