Page 63 of Falling for the Grumpy Orc
By evening, the day's work comes to an end. People begin to gather their tools, promising to return tomorrow. Handshakes and hugs are exchanged. Plans are made for the next day's tasks.
The last truck pulls away from the lodge, and Gerralt and I stand on the porch, his arm wrapped securely around my waist. The setting sun bathes everything in golden light, turning the ocean in the distance into a field of diamonds.
Something vulnerable crosses his expression as he turns back to face me fully.
"I want to be there for you, Cassidy," he says, his deep voice resonating through my chest. "Not just as your contractor, not just occasionally, but always."
My breath catches in my throat.
"I want to wake up with you every morning," he continues, his voice dropping lower. "Fall asleep beside you every night. I want us to build something together. Not just this place, but a life."
Tears fill my eyes, spilling over before I can stop them. The weight that's been crushing me these past days lifts completely, replaced by a warmth that spreads through my entire body.
"I want you as close as possible," I say, my voice steady despite my tears. "Forever."
Gerralt's eyes darken with emotion. He wraps his massive arms around my waist, lifting me slightly so our faces are level. His lips crash against mine in a kiss that steals my breath away, passionate and claiming, yet achingly tender. His tusks graze my skin, sending shivers racing down my spine as his tongue seeks entrance, exploringthe warmth of my mouth with deliberate, sensuous strokes. My arms encircle his neck as I kiss him back without hesitation, melting against his solid strength, pouring everything I feel for him into this single, perfect moment.
When we break apart, I rest my forehead against his, breathing him in. "I love you, Gerralt."
His amber eyes widen, then soften with a tenderness I've never seen before.
"I love you too, Cassidy. Since the first moment I saw you in my workshop."
He kisses me again, and this time I feel it down to my soul, a promise, a future, a home found in each other's arms.
"So," Gerralt says, looking down at me. "Another night at my place?"
I turn in his arms, facing him fully. "Actually, I was thinking of sleeping here tonight."
Concern crosses his features. "The lodge is still half-torn apart. No power in most rooms, and the plumbing's only partially fixed."
"I know." I smile up at him. "But it's home. Or it will be, once we finish it."
I stretch up on my toes, pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth. "And I was hoping you might stay with me."
His amber eyes darken with desire and something deeper, more permanent. "Tonight?"
"Tonight," I confirm. "And every night after that."
Gerralt pulls me closer, his massive frame enveloping mine. In his arms, I feel safe and protected, but also strong and capable, ready to face whatever comes next.
We stand there as twilight deepens around us, watching as stars begin to appear one by one above the Saltwater Lodge. Our lodge. Our beginning.
This isn't the dream I had when I first arrived in Saltford Bay. It's better. The lodge isn't just my fresh start anymore. It's a future for both of us.
And suddenly, I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Epilogue
Gerralt
TheSaltwaterLodgehasnever looked more beautiful than today.
White chairs line the back lawn in neat rows, facing the ocean. An archway of twisted driftwood and wildflowers stands proudly at the end of the aisle, framing the endless blue of the sea beyond. Fairy lights twine through the branches of surrounding trees, ready to illuminate the coming evening celebration.
I adjust my tie for what must be the hundredth time as I stand at the altar. The damn thing feels like it's choking me.Around me, the seats are filled with familiar faces from Saltford Bay. Mrs. Primrose sits in the front row, her wings catching the sunlight in iridescent flashes. Bernice sits beside her, dabbing occasionally at her eyes, though she'll deny crying later.
Even Patricia looks relaxed and happy, seated beside Silvia, Cassidy's friend from Portland who arrived three days ago and hasn't stopped taking pictures of everything since. Patricia catches my eye and gives me a small nod of approval that still feels surreal after the rocky start to our relationship.
