Page 58 of Single Orc Daddy

My heart swells with joy at his words. We lean towards each other, our lips meeting in a lingering kiss that seals our promiseto each other. It's tender and passionate, filled with all the love and hope we share for our future together.

As we pull back, I look over at Penelope and Zola. They're sprawled out on the grass, using sticks to draw pictures in the dirt. Their heads are bent close together, giggling and chattering as they create their masterpieces. The sight fills me with an overwhelming sense of contentment and security.

This is my family. Our family. The one we've chosen and built together through all the challenges and uncertainties. Watching Rendal with the girls, seeing how naturally he's stepped into the role of father for both of them, I know that our future together is brighter than I ever imagined.

I snuggle closer to Rendal, feeling his arm tighten around me. The morning sun warms my skin, and a gentle breeze carries the scent of blooming flowers. Everything feels perfect, like all the pieces of my life have finally fallen into place.

CHAPTER 31

Rendal

Ican't shake the feeling of certainty that Chloe is the one for me. As I watch her read a bedtime story to Penelope and Zola, her voice soft and animated, I'm struck by how perfect this moment is. The girls are snuggled up on either side of her, their eyes wide with wonder as she brings the story to life.

Chloe's love and care for both girls is evident in every gesture, every word. She treats Zola as if she were her own daughter, and it warms my heart to see how seamlessly our little family has come together. As she turns the page, catching my eye with a soft smile, I feel it in my bones - I want to make this permanent.

The thought of proposing hits me like a bolt of lightning. It's not just a fleeting idea; it's a certainty that settles deep in my chest. I want to wake up to Chloe every morning, to face life's challenges together, to raise our girls as a united front.

My mind starts racing with possibilities. How should I do it? When? Where? The excitement bubbles up inside me, mixed with a healthy dose of nervous anticipation. I've never been more sure of anything in my life, but the thought of actuallyasking her to marry me sends butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

I lean against the doorframe, trying to calm my racing heart. Chloe finishes the story, planting a kiss on each girl's forehead before tucking them in. As she walks towards me, I pull her into a tight embrace, overwhelmed by the love I feel for her.

"What's got into you?" she asks with a chuckle, her eyes sparkling.

I just shake my head, not ready to reveal my plans just yet. "Just thinking about how lucky I am," I reply, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

As we head downstairs, my mind is already whirling with ideas for the perfect proposal. I want it to be special, something that shows Chloe just how much she means to me and our little family. The anticipation of asking her to be my wife fills me with a mixture of excitement and nerves, but I've never been more certain of anything in my life.

Determined to get this right, I send Grak a message to meet me for coffee. He rolls his eyes at me the second he walks in, taking the seat across from me.

"So, you're finally gonna do it, huh?" Grak says, a knowing smile on his face. "About damn time, if you ask me."

I chuckle, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, yeah. I know. But I want it to be perfect, you know? Chloe deserves something special."

Grak nods, taking a sip of his coffee. "Alright, let's brainstorm. What kind of proposal do you think she'd like?"

We spend the next hour throwing ideas back and forth. Some are ridiculous - like Grak's suggestion of skywriting - while others have potential. But nothing feels quite right until Grak leans back in his chair, a thoughtful look on his face.

"What about an intimate dinner in a beautiful, meaningful location?" he suggests. "Something private, romantic, but still special."

The idea clicks instantly. "That's it," I say, feeling a surge of excitement. "Something just for us, but in a place that means something to our relationship."

Grak grins, clearly pleased with himself. "See? That's why you keep me around. Now, let's start planning this magical evening of yours."

I pull out my phone and start making a list. "Okay, so I'll need to find the perfect location. Maybe that park where we had our first real conversation? And I'll need to arrange for a private dinner setup..."

As I continue listing items, the plan starts to take shape in my mind. I can already picture Chloe's face when she sees what I've prepared for her. The thought sends a thrill through me, and I'm more certain than ever that this is the right decision.

"Don't forget the ring," Grak reminds me, breaking me out of my thoughts.

I nod, adding it to the list. "Right. The ring. That's going to be a whole other adventure."

As we continue to refine the plan, I feel a mix of excitement and nerves. There's so much to arrange, but I'm determined to make this proposal everything Chloe deserves. With Grak's help and my determination, I know we can create an evening that Chloe will never forget.

Afterwards, I spend several afternoons visiting various jewelry stores, searching for the perfect engagement ring for Chloe. Each time I step into a new shop, my heart races with anticipation. I want to find something that truly captures Chloe's essence - her elegance, her warmth, her radiant spirit.

The first few stores I visit have beautiful rings, but none of them feel quite right. They're either too flashy or too simple.I want something that will take Chloe's breath away, but also something she'll feel comfortable wearing every day.

As I enter the fifth jewelry store, I'm starting to feel a bit discouraged. But then, I see it. There, nestled in a velvet display case, is a ring that seems to call out to me. The band is delicate and intricate, with tiny diamonds set along its length. But it's the center stone that truly catches my eye. It's not the largest diamond in the store, but it sparkles with an intensity that reminds me of Chloe's smile.

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