Page 44 of Grumpy Orc Daddy
I pick up Lily and feel her forehead. "She's burning up," I say, my heart racing.
"Let's get her out of the heat," he says, scooping her up in his arms.
We rush to the back of the lakehouse, where it's cooler, and lay Lily down on a cot. Janta springs into action, grabbing a wet cloth and placing it on Lily's forehead while I undress her and apply another cool compress to her body.
We take turns holding her, trying to soothe her as her fever rages on. It's a difficult time, but we work together as a team, never losing patience or getting frustrated with each other.
Finally, Lily's fever starts to break, and she falls asleep in my arms. I look up at Janta and see the exhaustion on his face. But there's also a look of determination and love that makes my heart swell.
"Thank you," I say, my voice thick with emotion.
He smiles at me, his eyes filled with warmth. "We're in this together, Rayna. Always."
This crisis has tested our patience and resilience, but we've come out stronger on the other side. Each challenge we overcome together makes me feel more secure and loved in our relationship. I know that no matter what happens in the future, Janta and I will always be able to handle it as a team.
As we settle back into our routine, I find myself feeling more confident in our relationship than ever before. The way Janta and I worked together to care for Lily during her illness showed me just how strong our bond truly is.
I know that our relationship hasn't always been easy, and there will undoubtedly be challenges ahead. But I also know that together, we can face anything. Janta's unwavering commitment to our family and his willingness to put in the work to make our relationship thrive have shown me that he's the one I want to spend my life with.
As I watch him with Lily, I feel a sense of certainty in my heart. I'm ready to fully commit to Janta, to build a future filled with love, joy, and shared dreams. I know that it won't always be easy, but I also know that it will be worth it.
The next morning on our last day at the cabin, I walk over to where they're playing and scoop Lily up in my arms. Janta looks up at me, his eyes filled with warmth and affection.
"What are you thinking about?" he asks, his voice low and husky.
"Just how lucky I am to have you both," I say, smiling down at Lily.
Janta stands up and wraps his arms around us, pulling us close. I feel a sense of contentment wash over me, knowing that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.
Together, we can face whatever challenges come our way. And I know that with Janta by my side, my future is bright and full of love.
CHAPTER 28
Janta
Today is the day I’m going to show Rayna just how deeply I love her. I have everything planned down to the smallest detail for an evening at her favorite lakeside spot.
I've thought of everything, from the strings of fairy lights I hung while Rayna was napping with Lily all the way down to a playlist of our favorite songs.
"Okay," I breathe, trying to calm my racing heart. I've left Rayna a note to get dressed and meet me at our spot.
Taking a deep breath, I try to steady my racing heart. It's almost time. On the kitchen counter, I leave a note for Rayna. It’s simple but heartfelt, instructing her to get dressed and meet me at our lakeside haven. Will she sense the depth of what this evening means?
As I give myself one last look in the mirror, adjusting my shirt and smoothing down my hair, I rehearse the words I’ve planned to say. They need to be perfect, conveying all the love, gratitude, and hope I feel.
Finally, I head out the door, my steps quick with anticipation. The walk to the lakeside spot is filled with eagerness and anxiety. I reach our designated spot and take a moment to take it all in—the beautifully set table, the fairy lights, the tranquil waters of the lake reflecting the early evening sky. Everything is ready.
I set up a table with candles and flowers, making sure every element reflects how much thought I’ve put into creating this moment for Rayna. I take a step back and look at what I have set up and I’m overcome with excitement.
After so many months of winging this parenting thing with Rayna, we’ve established not only a great co-parenting relationship, but also a partnership that has transcended just the formalities of Lily’s parentage.
Now, all I have to do is wait for Rayna, hoping that tonight will be as magical for her as I've imagined it to be.
As the sun sets, the lake reflects a golden hue, perfectly mirroring the anticipation in my heart. Then, there she is. Rayna approaches in a long green dress that sways gently with each step. Her black hair, cascading in soft ringlets over her shoulder, frames her face beautifully, highlighting the surprise and wonder in her eyes as she takes in the scene before her.
Lily coos from her arms connecting us as a family and bringing a smile to my face. Everything I need in life is right here.
"Wow, this is beautiful," Rayna exclaims, her eyes scanning the fairy lights twinkling like stars above us. Her gaze meets mine, filled with wonder and love.