Page 21 of One Forbidden Night with Her Orc Boss

Time stands still as I gather my nerves and reserve to face my daughter and the rest of my new world. Brann doesn’t push me, doesn’t rush me, lets me take my time. Eventually, I feel steady enough that I’m not going to burst into tears. Pulling away from him, I look up into his eyes, and smile. “Thank you.” He nods in response but says nothing.

Together, we walk back, where the crew has now put on music and is dancing the hokey-pokey with Lucy, who is bright and alive with joy and glee. My heart swells at her little giggles as she shakes herself all around with my big monster co-workers. It’s a sight unlike any other. Without hesitation, Brann immediately jumps into the dance fray, and I’m left holding my side from laughing so hard.

Eventually, Lucy drags me over and we dance together until the sun is low in the sky and it’s time to go home and make dinner together.

Our new little family of three.

Later, while we arewashing and drying the dishes and Lucy is playing with her stuffed animals in the living room, Brann sidles up to me with a question. “I’d like you two to have dinner at my place.” My eyes light up. It’s like the perfect next step. I nod enthusiastically.

He clears his throat. “There’s more. I told my family about you. I’d really like them to meet you.” Less excitement, but still good. Of course, family is important.

“Do you think they’ll like me? Us?” Insecurities bubble to the surface.

“If they don’t, they’re crazy. But I think they will.” He kisses my forehead.

“Okay, sure,” I say to myself more than him. This is a huge, serious step for me. I haven’t dated anyone in five years. My own mother is the only pesky adult I’ve had to worry about appeasing. Now a whole orc family? Gulp. I have time to adjust to this idea, to prepare, so I make a good impression. This is going to be okay.

“Great! How’s tomorrow work for you?”

Chapter 14

Brann

Ihad a plan. A schedule. Natasha and Lucy would show up, I’d show them around and make them comfortable, then my loud brothers and dad would arrive.

Of course, my family had other ideas. Instead of arriving at six, right before my lasagna and the spit of meat is done roasting, they arrive at four in the afternoon. Well before Natasha and Lucy.

By the time Natasha and Lucy arrive, my brothers are several pints into the homemade mead my brother Rael brought. My other brother is helping his son, Jair, dig a hole in the backyard, and my father is pontificating from the porch to anyone who will hear—which is mostly the squirrels hoping for a handout.

Introductions are quick. Natasha is nervous; I can smell her hesitation. Snaking an arm around her waist, I keep her close as I usher her through the living room and outside to the patio where we’re all gathered. “We burned the cookies we made, but I bought some from Moonlit Grounds. They’re all mixed together. Lucy refused to throw out the burnt ones.” She gives a sheepish smile.

“My brothers don’t have taste buds. It will be great.” A quick kiss on the top of her head has Rael and Torin whistling and hooting.

“Brann and Natasha, sitting in the tree,” Rael sing-songs.

“It’satree,” Torin corrects.

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