Page 35 of Grumpy Orc Daddy

This shift isn't just for Lily's benefit—I hope that my dedication to our daughter also subtly reassures Rayna. I want her to see that my commitment extends beyond our potential relationship; it's rooted deeply in the family we could be together. Although the romantic tension simmers quietly in the background, my primary focus remains clear: to support and nurture my relationship with Lily and maintain a stable co-parenting partnership with Rayna.

By proving my reliability and deepening my bond with Lily, I hold onto the hope that Rayna will feel more at ease with the idea of us as a family. It's a delicate balance, but one I am committed to maintaining for the sake of all three of us.

As the days pass, Rayna and I make our best efforts to co-parent effectively. It really is easy when both of us share a sole focus on Lily's well-being. Anything that exists between us is kept far away from her.

"Hey, what day is her next checkup?" I ask Rayna, needing to get the date to Penny so I can coordinate my schedule.

"Monday," she answers. The distance still exists but has taken a back seat to the more important things.

Our teamwork has been effortless despite our unresolved feelings. It's a testament to the love we both share for Lily. Despite the lingering tension between us, it's clear we both prioritize our daughter above all.

This gives me an idea—an opportunity to perhaps mend things a bit further. I decide to plan a special day out for my girls, a picnic at the beautiful park in the center of town. It feels like the perfect setting to relax and maybe bridge the gap between us.

I spend the evening before the picnic meticulously planning every detail. I want everything to be perfect. I make a list of all the things Rayna loves to eat, ensuring the picnic basket will include her favorites. sandwiches, a fresh quinoa salad, and for dessert, her favorite lemon tarts. For Lily, I prepare her favorite puffed snacks that I know will bring a smile to her face.

With the menu set, I turn my attention to activities. I pack a few of Lily’s favorite toys and a couple of books to read aloud under the shade of the trees. I also include a frisbee and a small, inflatable ball, perfect for us to play with on the grass.

The morning of the picnic, I'm up early to pack everything. I carefully arrange the food in the basket, double-checking that I’ve included everything: napkins, utensils, and a couple of blankets—one for sitting and another in case it gets chilly.

While packing, I can't help it as my mind wanders. This picnic is more than just a meal; it's a gesture, a statement. I’m hopeful that it will show Rayna that we can come together not just as co-parents but as a family. It’s a chance to prove that our moments together with Lily can be filled with ease and joy, that despite everything, the foundation we build now can support something lasting.

I take a moment to visualize the day I have planned. Tomorrow could be a turning point, I think to myself as I put the finishing touches on the picnic plans, and a surge of excitement courses through me. The picnic has to be perfect. I want everything to be just right for Rayna and Lily.

I grab my phone to let Rayna know that everything's set. I thumb the screen, typing out a message with more care than usual:

Hey Rayna, I've planned a special day out for us at the park tomorrow. Smoked turkey sandwiches, raspberry lemon tarts, and a lot more of your favorites. I hope it'll be a day full of good food, laughter, and fun for Lily. Can't wait to spend some quality time together. Let me know what you think!

I hit send before I can second guess the wording. As I set my phone down, I let out a long, hopeful breath, imagining how the day might unfold. I really hope that Rayna sees this for what it is and can gain some comfort from my efforts.

Moments later, my phone buzzes with a reply from Rayna, and my heart skips a beat as I read her message:

Sounds wonderful, Janta! It's been a while since we've all spent a day together like this. Lily will love it. See you tomorrow!

A smile spreads across my face. This is it. The opportunity I've been hoping for. The rest of the night can't pass quickly enough as I imagine all the ways tomorrow could go right. Every detail is a step towards a future I hope we can build together—a future filled with days just like this one. I’m ready to show her that our future is worth fighting for.

And I’ll show her that I won’t back out of this fight. I’ve never been a quitter before, and I’m not starting now.

CHAPTER 22

Rayna

This morning as I'm getting Lily ready for the day Janta has planned for us, my heart races with an unsettled nervousness. This is all I want, to be able to have a family and to make memories as one. So why am I still so unsure?

"It's just a picnic," I remind myself. It isn't a grand gesture of Janta returning the love I feel. The distance I’ve put between us has caused more strain that I had anticipated. But these past few days I’ve watched as Janta respected my need for space, throwing himself into daddy duties, and simultaneously making my heart ache for him even more.

But my fears still stand, what if this all falls apart? Even as I think that, I can't help but smile down at Lily, thankful that she has a father that will go out of his way for her.

"I'm here," Janta bellows from the front door, his chipper demeanor is evident even across the house.

"Let’s get this over with, sweet girl," I say as I change Lily and get her dressed. "We're in the room, Janta!" I call out, trying and failing to calm my racing heart.

As Janta steps into the room, his presence is as commanding as ever. His tall, muscular form fills the doorway, and for a moment, I'm overwhelmed by the urge to close the distance between us, to forget the past tensions and just embrace him. But I hold back, anchored by both caution and hope.

"Hey, I hope you're ready for today," Janta says, his voice tinged with a blend of excitement and apprehension. "I think you and Lily are really going to enjoy what I've planned."

He begins to detail the itinerary, and with each word, my heart feels a bit lighter. "First, we’ll head to your favorite park, and I’ve packed a picnic with all of your favorites.”

The care he's put into every detail of the picnic is evident, and it fills me with a renewed sense of connection. "Thank you for being so thoughtful," I manage to say, my voice soft but sincere.

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