Page 27 of Marrying My Orc Boss

"You're welcome, but there's no need to thank me," I reply gently. "I care for Sally and view you all as my family now, too."

"Well, know that we feel the same. You’re one of the family now, Drakar. Both Viola and myself view you as part of this flock." His smile is warm and reassuring, lifting a weight from my shoulders I hadn't known was there.

Frank pats my hand kindly. His eyes began to droop slightly, exhaustion creeping in. “Please take care of Sally for me,” he says through a yawn.

“Of course,” I replied without hesitation. Frank manages a smile before sleep overtakes him.

I exit Frank's room, mind swirling with our conversation. Sally waits patiently outside, ever the calming presence. "How did it go?" she asks gently.

"Better than expected," I reply with a small smile. "He told me he considers me part of the family." Sally's responding smile lights up the dreary hallway.

"That's a relief. My father can be overly cautious but his heart is in the right place," she says sagely. I nod in understanding, having sensed Frank's protective instincts quite plainly. An air of comfortable silence falls as we walk toward the exit together.

"I appreciate you making the effort, Drakar," Sally continues after a moment. "It means a lot that you're trying to ease my father's worries, not just for formalities but genuinely." Her sincerity touches me.

Gazing down at her earnest face, I feel my usual guarded walls lowering imperceptibly. "Your family's acceptance is important to me. This agreement is about more than business– I want you both to feel at ease in this transition."

The truth of my words surprises me.

CHAPTER 15

Sally

Ipace around the sterile waiting room, my heels clicking on the shiny white floor. The air is thick with tension as we await news from the operating room. Drakar sits stoically in one of the hard plastic chairs, his long legs stretched out in front of him. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch him watching me, his brow furrowed with worry.

"Sally, come sit. Pacing won't make time go any faster," he says softly.

I sigh and join him, the chair feeling uncomfortable under my anxious body. Drakar takes my hand in his, engulfing it in his larger palm. The contact is grounding. We sit in quiet companionship as the minutes tick by endlessly.

Finally, after what feels like hours, the door swings open and the surgeon enters. We both rise to our feet instantly, holding our breath. A tired smile spreads across his face.

"The operation was a success," he announces. Relief washes over me in waves so strong I think I might collapse. Drakar's strong arms wrap around me, holding me steady.

"Thank you, thank you," I say over and over into his chest.

The tension seeps from my body, leaving me weak but joyful. We embrace for a long moment, taking comfort in each other.

When I step back, my heart swells with a confusing mixture of gratitude and something else I can't name. Drakar's eyes meet mine, looking as overwhelmed as I feel. Our connection in this moment of celebration feels natural yet uncertain.

But the moment is cut short when the doctor speaks again. “Would you like to see him?”

Nodding, I follow the doctor and rush to my father’s bedside, overcome with joy at seeing his pale face relaxed in recovery. Tears of relief fill my eyes and as we sit together, my father reaches over to take my hand. I give his hand a gentle squeeze.

"I love you. There's no place I'd rather be than by your side." My own eyes start to well up at how close we came to losing him. "I was so worried but now, getting to see you improve each day, it makes all the stress worth it."

My father smiles softly. His body is sore, I know, but even just seeing his simple little smile moves me deeply. After so much uncertainty, it feels like a miracle to see him well again.

"I'm happy I get to bring you home soon. It means everything to see the color returning to your cheeks." I brush away a stray tear, unwilling to let any negative thoughts intrude on this moment of optimism. "Just focus on resting so you can keep getting stronger."

My father nods, his eyes already tired from the strain on his body today.

My mother pulls me into a warm hug. "I'm so relieved he made it through okay," she sighs. When she releases me, her gaze sweeps appreciatively between Drakar and me.

"Thank you for supporting us and Sally especially, during this scary time," she says graciously. Drakar inclines his head respectfully. My mother turns back to me with a knowing smile.

"I'm grateful your relationship has been a source of comfort and strength for Sally." Her words create a well of happiness in my chest, a warm, open feeling.

Before I can add anything, she continues. "In hardship, it's so important to have an anchor. Someone who cares deeply and sees you fully for who you are." She places a gentle hand on my arm. "I'm glad you've found that in each other."

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