Page 25 of The Passionate Orc
Finding the perfect secluded spot under a massive oak tree overlooking the river had been the simple part. Now came the actual work. My large fingers fumbled with the delicate fairy lights as I strung them through the lower branches. Three times I nearly fell off the small ladder I'd brought. Warriors of the Red Blade weren't graceful, but, by the Ancestors, I was determined.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. A text from Emryn:Still on for dinner at 7? Should I dress up?
My stomach did a little flip.Yes. And wear something nice. Not too fancy.
I'd told her we were just having a special date night. She had no idea what was coming. The small velvet box felt like it weighed a thousand pounds in my pocket. I'd spent weeks picking out the perfect ring, a blue sapphire surrounded by tiny diamonds that matched her eyes.
The white tablecloth fluttered in the evening breeze as I anchored it down with smooth river stones I'd collected. Candles went in the center—not too many, but enough to create that romantic glow once the sun went down. I stood back and surveyed my work.
"Not bad, Humperdink. Not bad at all."
My phone showed 6:30. Just enough time to grab the food and change my shirt. I'd worked up a sweat with all this setup, and showing up to propose smelling like a gym bag wasn't exactly romantic.
I'd called ahead toCluckin' Good, Emryn's favorite fried chicken joint. The spicy chicken was her weakness, and tonight was all about making her happy.
"Order for Humperdink," I told the cashier, who did a double-take at my height before scanning the pickup shelf.
"The extra-large family meal with double potato salad?"
"That's the one." What can I say? Orcs eat a lot, and I wanted leftovers.
Back at the park, I quickly changed into my button-down shirt behind a tree. The dark green fabric strained against my shoulders, I probably should've gone up another size, but it was too late now. The box with the ring nearly burned a hole in my pocket as I arranged the food on real plates I'd brought from home. None of that paper plate nonsense tonight.
At 6:55, I sent Emryn the location pin. My heart was doing gymnastics in my chest. The lights twinkled overhead, the candles flickered, and the river made those soft, soothing sounds that humans find so romantic.
I heard her before I saw her. The soft crunch of shoes on the park path, then a little gasp.
"Nar? What is all this?"
And there she was, my Emryn, standing at the edge of my little fairy light kingdom, her blue eyes wide with surprise. She'd worn that flowy blue dress that made her look like some kind of forest spirit, her curly brown hair loose around her shoulders. My heart did that thing where it forgot how to beat properly.
"Surprise." I spread my arms wide, nearly knocking over a candle. Smooth, Nar. Real smooth.
Her smile lit up brighter than all my fairy lights combined. "You did all this for me?"
"Who else would I do it for? The ducks?" I gestured toward the river, where a few ducks were indeed paddling by, completely unimpressed by my romantic efforts.
Emryn laughed—that musical sound that made me feel like I could bench press a mountain—and walked into my arms. I lifted her off the ground in a hug, careful not to squeeze too hard. Humans were so delicate.
"It's beautiful, Nar. I can't believe you did all this." Her fingers traced the collar of my shirt. "And you're wearing the shirt I got you."
"Only the best for tonight." I set her down gently, trying to keep my hands from shaking. The ring box felt like it was pulsing in my pocket, but I had to wait. Timing was everything.
"Is thatCluckin' GoodI smell?" Emryn peered around me at the table.
I pulled out her chair with a flourish. "Extra spicy, just how you like it."
Her eyes sparkled in the candlelight as she sat down. "You remembered."
"I remember everything about you." Like how she always tucked her hair behind her right ear when she was nervous, or how she hummed while she painted, or how she looked at me like I was more than just muscle and tusks.
I sat across from her, the small table making my knees bump against hers. She didn't seem to mind, letting her leg rest against mine as I uncovered the food with as much ceremony as I could muster.
"Ta-da! Fried chicken fit for my queen."
Emryn giggled and clapped her hands. "And potato salad too! You really went all out."
"Only the finest dining for us tonight." I winked, and her cheeks flushed that pretty pink color I loved.
