Page 7 of Grumpy Orc Daddy

“Oh,” I reply, as further realization of our differences set in.

“Yeah. My days are overwhelmingly busy. But I’ll be ready in the morning. Have a good day,” he says as he walks to the front door.

As it closes, I let out a deep sigh.

CHAPTER 4

Janta

By the time 3 AM rolls around, I’ve given up on any sort of sleep for the night. I’ve thrown myself into spreadsheets and meeting notes to rid my mind of one major fact.

Life as I know it has the possibility of soon imploding, pending the paternity test results in the morning. The idea of becoming a father, especially to a child I never knew existed, is overwhelming and downright terrifying.

I pace my bedroom, wracking my brain for details of my encounter with Ashley. It was definitely a one-night thing.

Two horny people at a neighborhood holiday party who had far too much to drink at a party. I don’t even think we exchanged pleasantries after the sex. More of just an underlying understanding of, “Hey, thanks for the orgasm, see you around.”

Definitely not something I would have thought would have conceived a baby. But we were both drunk. I can’t even recall if there was a discussion about birth control, but I’m sure I used a condom. I never go without one. I’ve got too much at stake to lose.

If I am Lily’s father, there will be some serious shit to figure out. Most importantly, how to manage being a parent and maintaining my job. I suspect that bringing a screaming child into countless board meetings would be frowned upon.

I could always hire a nanny. But that would involve some woman I don’t know being in my house, my space. I’m not sure I can deal with that.

As I replay all the different scenarios and outcomes in my head, it all circles back to one important thing. If I am indeed her father, I’ll step up and ensure she has the best life possible. No child deserves to grow up like I did.

I lost both my parents at a young age. I barely remember my mother, just fleeting images of soft humming and a floral scent. My father was distant, often working late into the night just to put some kind of food on the table, leaving me to raise myself. He died a couple of years after my mom. Everyone said he worked himself to death.

I was the poor kid, the dirty kid. Holidays were forlorn occasions spent with microwaveable meals and books for company. My childhood is one of the main reasons I’ve worked my ass off to get to where I am today. So myself, and any future children, would never have to do without.

I decide there’s no use in driving myself completely mad about it until I have the results in hand. I climb back into bed, desperate to put the thoughts out of my head and finally fall asleep.

The following morning, I’m woken up by a loud knock on the door. Wiping the sleep from my eyes, I drag myself out of bed to answer the door. I pry the door open to a very much awake and irate Rayna, and a screaming Lily in her arms.

Rayna’s eyes widen, and she suddenly diverts her vision. Confused, I look down and realize that despite myself being sleep deprived, other parts of me are wide awake and alert, greeting Rayna in my tight boxer briefs.

“Shit, sorry.” I stammer. I reach for a blanket from the back of the couch to wrap around my waist and return to the door.

“Watch your language!” Rayna scolds me as she gives me the evil eye. “The clinic called and rescheduled the test for earlier this morning. I would have called you, but seeing as I don’t have your number, I can’t do that.”

“What time do we need to be there?” I ask,

“We’re supposed to be there in thirty minutes,” she says.

“Give me five minutes, I’ll drive,” I say.

“No, I’ll drive. It takes too long to switch over the car seat,” she says as she rushes off the steps.

“Fine.”

I shut the front door and run up to the bedroom. As I rush to throw in clothes, my heart is racing from the impending hold the test might have over me. If it is positive, my entire life is about to change.

The drive to the clinic is awkward. Every wail from Lily increases the tension, while Rayna's stony silence speaks volumes. I stare steadfastly out the passenger window, lost in thought.

What if the test confirms I'm Lily's father? How would that change my life? I've always lived alone, focusing solely on my career. Now I may have a child to support and care for.

When we arrive, Rayna hands Lily to me as she sorts out paperwork at the front desk. I bounce her gently to calm her tears, but she only screams louder. All eyes in the waiting room turn disapprovingly in our direction.

When we’re finally called back for the test, Rayna takes Lily so I can give a cheek swab sample. The action itself is quick but feels weighted with consequence.

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