Page 54 of Grumpy Orc CEO

I nod, still trying to process the information myself. "I missed my period, and with the nausea and... other symptoms... I think we're going to have a baby."

I watch as Jarvin's expression transforms from shock to pure, unbridled joy. His amber eyes light up, and a wide grin spreads across his face, his tusks gleaming.

"Lucy, this is... this is amazing!" he exclaims, helping me to my feet. His strong arms wrap around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. I can feel his heart racing against my chest.

"I never thought I'd have the chance to be a father," Jarvin says, his voice thick with emotion. "And now you've given me that opportunity. I'm so grateful, Lucy. You've made me the happiest orc alive."

As Jarvin's words sink in, my mind starts racing. The reality of the situation hits me full force, and suddenly I'm overwhelmed with all the things we need to do.

"Oh my God, Jarvin," I say, pulling back slightly to look up at him. "We need to find an OBGYN. And I need to start taking prenatal vitamins. And I should probably change my diet. This baby can’t survive on just hamburgers and fries! Oh, and we'll need to baby-proof, and we'll need to buy a crib and some baby clothes and?—"

Before I know it, Jarvin takes my face in his hands and kisses me deeply, effectively silencing my panicked rambling. I melt into his touch, my mind going blank as I lose myself in the warmth of his lips. When we finally part, I'm left breathless and slightly dazed.

"Lucy," Jarvin says, his voice low and soothing. "Whatever we need to do, we'll figure it out one step at a time. Having a baby doesn't have to be overwhelming."

I take a deep breath, feeling my racing thoughts start to slow. Jarvin's amber eyes hold mine, filled with love and reassurance.

"I understand this will be a difficult journey for you, especially since your body will go through massive changes to grow our child," he continues, his thumb gently caressing my cheek. "But I will be there for you at all times. I will never let you go through any hard times alone."

His words wrap around me like a warm blanket, calming my fears. I lean into his touch, feeling grateful for his unwavering support.

"You say that now," I joke weakly, "but the hormones might make me start acting crazy. I might start crying over everything. And I might make you get me ice cream in the middle of the night. Are you sure you're ready for that?"

Jarvin's lips curl into a mischievous grin, his tusks glinting in the bathroom light. "Oh, I'm ready for the challenge," he quips, pulling me closer. "Bring it on, mama bear."

I follow Jarvin back to the kitchen, my stomach still a bit unsettled but my heart full of love and excitement. As we enter, I see the abandoned pancakes on the counter and wrinkle my nose.

"Sorry, babe," I say, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I don't think I can handle those right now."

Jarvin's face lights up with determination. "No problem. I'll whip up something else for you. How about some sausages?"

I nod hesitantly, and he gets to work. The sizzling sound fills the kitchen, but as soon as the smell hits me, I feel my stomach lurch again.

"Nope, not sausages," I say quickly, backing away.

Jarvin looks concerned but undeterred. "Alright, let's try bacon."

He tosses the sausages and starts frying up some bacon. The smoky aroma wafts through the air, and I feel the nausea lingering in my stomach, threatening to strike again.

"Definitely not bacon," I groan, holding my nose.

Jarvin scratches his head, his tusks jutting out as he ponders. "Okay, how about a nice toasted bagel?"

He pops a bagel in the toaster, but even the smell of toasting bread makes me queasy.

"I'm sorry, Jarvin," I say, feeling frustrated. "I don't know what I can eat."

His amber eyes soften as he looks at me. "Don't worry, Lucy. We'll figure this out together."

Finally, after a few more failed attempts, Jarvin suggests scrambled eggs. To my absolute relief, the smell doesn't bother me at all.

"I think we have a winner," I say, smiling.

Jarvin grins triumphantly and plates up the eggs for me. However, as he sits down with his own plate of pancakes and bacon, I realize I can't be anywhere near the smell.

"Um, Jarvin?" I say sheepishly. "I hate to ask, but could you maybe eat in the living room? The smell..."

He chuckles and stands up, plate in hand. "Say no more, babe. I'll be in the other room if you need me."

As we eat our meals in separate rooms, I can't help but laugh at the irony. Here we are, physically apart because of my sensitive nose, yet I've never felt closer to Jarvin. His patience throughout this whole ordeal has only deepened my love for him.

"Hey, Jarvin?" I call out.

"Yeah?" he responds from the living room.

"I love you, you know that?"

I hear him laugh. "I love you too, Lucy. I always will."

The End

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