Page 37 of Bread with the Orc
Finally, Dorvak shrugged. “It takes courage to admit you’re wrong. But this is Laney’s choice, not mine. If she wants you in our lives…”
I’ll admit, I was feeling weepy. So my arm went around my father as I thrust out my hand to Dorvak and, with a sob, pulled them both to me. Maybe it ended up with the pair of them being squished a little closer than they’d ever intended to get, but oh well.
When I pulled back from our hug, I stepped to Dorvak’s side. From the way my father eyed our positions, he understood what my unconscious placement meant, andwhere my loyalty was. He nodded once, and maybe—just maybe—it was in approval.
“You two have much to celebrate today.” My father glanced around once more. “You already have a line at your booth. The town has heard of your success.”
I was beaming, even as I wiped my tears with my palms. “Dorvak is the best baker in the state.”
My Mate, his arm around me, grunted in disagreement. “They’re coming to see you,dkaar. You’re the one who smiles and laughs and welcomes them.”
Yes, I was, wasn’t I? My tea and Dorvak’s pastries…they brought people together.
I smiled softly at my father. “Amawould be proud.” He’d said that.
And now, he inclined his head—not a bow, but agreement. “She would be proud. Go. Share her love of tea. But maybe next week—or sooner—I could take you out to dinner?”
My smile grew. “I’d like that.”
Dorvak grunted, “Me too.”
And my father nodded in satisfaction before his gaze dropped just briefly to my stomach, then away. He stepped back, allowing us to pass, and as we hurried to our booth, I thought I saw him smile.
“Goodness,” I whispered. “That was…”
“Unexpected,” Dorvak finished, reaching for the XXXL nitrile gloves. “But good.”
Unexpected, but good. “Yeah.” I slipped my apron over my head. There was no time to focus on my father, not with the line wrapping around our booth. “You ready?”
“You deal with them, I’ll start unpacking these boxes and stock the cases.”
“Deal.” We worked perfectly together, my Mate and me.
With a grin pulling my lips wide, I faced the crowd. “Welcome to Harmony Tea and Treats. What can I get for you?”
Epilogue
Dorvak
“Gung Hay Fat Choy,”Laney said for the fourth time as she scooped up some of the savory pork-and-onion filling.
“Gung hay fat choy,” I repeated yet again. “I’m saying the same thing you are.”
“No, it’sGung Hay Fat Choy!There’s emphasis on the?—”
I pinched one of the buns shut with a little more force than necessary. “Happy New Year! Gung Hay Fat Choy!”
“There!” She beamed at me and handed me another dough round. “You got it!”
I didn’t roll my eyes, but only because I remembered how hard she’d worked to twist her tonguearoundtlak’dkam,my people’s version ofI love you. “I’ve beensayingthat.”
From his place at the kitchen table, where he was sipping tea my Mate had made for us, my father-in-law hummed in approval. “Your accent is improving. As are your bao-making techniques. Did I tell youchar siu baoare my favorite?”
“Yes,Baba.” Laney winked at me. “That’s why I added them to the menu for our celebration. Noodles for long life and dumplings for prosperity.”
“The Lunar New Year is also a time for new beginnings.”
As the older man launched into a lecture about the meaning behind the full moon or something-or-other, I stepped up behind Laney. I loved the way she rested back against me, allowing me to take some of her weight.
