Page 23 of Accidental Orc Daddy

Dragan laughs and punches my arm playfully. "Of course, buddy! You're my closest friend. Been with me through all the ups and downs over the years. I can't imagine anyone else by my side on the big day."

I feel a swell of warmth in my chest, touched by his sincerity. "Well, when you put it that way, how can I refuse? I'd be honored, Dragan."

"Great!" He grins and claps me on the back. "You can plan a kick-ass bachelor party in between all those brooding sessions."

I roll my eyes but can't help but smile. "Don't push your luck. But I won't let you down. I'll plan a send-off you'll never forget."

Our laughter echoes in the office. Despite my lingering cynicism about love and marriage, I'm genuinely happy to stand by Dragan's side as he embarks on this new chapter in life. I know our bond of friendship will remain strong, no matter what changes may come.

Dragan shakes his head, his eyes suddenly serious. "I know this all seems fast to you, but when you find the right one, you just know. Love kind of grabs you unexpectedly."

I nod slowly, trying to wrap my mind around the foreign concept. Love is not something I've given much thought to or sought after.

As we discuss groomsmen logistics, my thoughts inevitably turn to whether Meiko will attend the wedding. While Dragan rambles about bachelor party ideas, I wonder if seeing her again will reawaken the feelings I've tried hard to bury these past months. Despite myself, the prospect sends a flutter through my stomach. I silently chide myself to focus on supporting my friend, not dredging up the past.

There's a knock at the office door before Agnes bustles in, carrying a tray with two steaming mugs.

"I brought some nice hot drinks for you gentlemen," she announces cheerily.

As Agnes sets the mugs down on my desk, I notice wisps of steam rising from the contents. Curious, I bring one to my lips for a tentative sip. I immediately recoil as the scalding liquid burns my tongue.

"Good lord, Agnes! This coffee is boiling," I exclaim with a wince.

"Oh, silly me. I forgot you fleshy noids don't have fireproof mouths like I do," she giggles, flashing a grin to reveal her sharpened incisors.

Dragan eyes his mug warily. "Yeah, I'll let mine cool down a bit first. But thanks for the lava, Agnes."

"Anytime!" Agnes chirps before bouncing out of the office, leaving a scorch mark on the carpet in her wake.

I shake my head in amusement. "You know, when I hired a hellspawn as my secretary, I suppose I should've expected a few fiery mishaps."

Dragan barks out a laugh. "But where's the fun in a normal secretary?"

I lift my mug in agreement. Agnes certainly keeps things interesting around here.

CHAPTER 13

Meiko

The days blend together in a haze of work and caregiving. Between my demanding job and helping Grandma through her recovery, I've had little time or energy left for myself. It's been so easy to ignore the subtle signs my body has been sending. But now, alone in the stillness of my apartment, I can no longer avoid the truth staring back at me.

I sit motionless, hands cradling my abdomen as the realization sinks in. My cycle is late. Very late. Ominous silence fills the room, broken only by the ticking of the clock on the wall. I think back, mentally counting the weeks since my last period. How did I not notice before now?

I rise and stand before the mirror, taking in my reflection. My breasts seem fuller and tender to the touch. The evidence is undeniable, but my mind rebels against the conclusion. This can't be happening… Can it?

I'm propelled into motion, grabbing my coat and heading for the hospital clinic before I can overthink this.

The hospital clinic is quiet this early on a Tuesday. I check in under a pseudonym, not yet ready to have this on my medical records. The waiting threatens to swallow me whole. I pick up a dog-eared magazine, forcing myself to read the same paragraph five times before giving up.

When the nurse calls my name, I nearly jump out of my chair. She leads me to an exam room that manages to be both sterile and lifeless. Perching on the edge of the exam table, I fight the urge to run.

At long last, the doctor arrives, clipboard in hand. He has a kind smile on his face, but it does little to set me at ease. We exchange pleasantries, but I can hardly focus on his words over the pounding of blood in my ears.

The exam is over quickly, just a blood draw and a few routine questions. He promises the test results within a day or two. I nod numbly, my throat too tight to respond. And then I'm standing outside the clinic, unsure of how I got there while the weight of what comes next threatens to crush me.

The next forty-eight hours pass in a haze of distraction and denial. I throw myself into work, volunteering for extra projects and welcoming the long hours as an escape. I’m just getting into my car to leave work when my cell phone rings. The message starts with just two simple words that confirm my deepest fears.

Positive. Pregnant.

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