Page 34 of Accidental Orc Daddy

Just as the conversation seems to be flowing smoothly, Mustaf's mother, Elora, interjects with a raised eyebrow. "Excuse me, but isn't golf a rather... frivolous pastime? With all the problems in the world, it seems a bit self-indulgent to spend so much time and money on a game."

My mother stiffens in her seat, clearly taken aback by the comment. "Well, Elora, I think it's important to have hobbies and interests outside of work. Golf is a great way to relax and enjoy nature, don't you think?"

Elora shrugs, her lips pursed. "I suppose so, but I've always found it to be a bit... elitist. All those country clubs and expensive equipment."

Mustaf's father clears his throat, trying to diffuse the tension. "Elora, dear, I think you're taking this a bit too seriously. It's just a game, after all."

Elora huffs, crossing her arms over her chest. "Well, I just think there are more important things to worry about than golf scores. At least, I don’t want my son to think that some game is more important than his impact on the world.”

As dessert is served, the crescendo of the evening reaches its peak with our mothers circling back to their not-so-subtle comparisons of their children's accomplishments. My mother proudly announces that I was the valedictorian of my graduating class, while Mustaf's mother counters with the fact that Mustaf started his own successful business before he even graduated college.

Thankfully, my dad chooses that moment to start saying goodbye. It’s just as awkward and strained as their greetings were, and each family’s departure is as distinct as their arrival. Mustaf and I are left alone in the VIP room and only share a brief glance before bursting into laughter.

Yeah. This is going to be interesting.

CHAPTER 20

Mustaf

“No, I’ve got it,” I insist with a tone of finality.

“Mustaf, I'm hardly even showing,” Meiko says gently, trying to reach for the box again.

I turn, pulling the box in my hands even further away from her. “Listen here, sweetness,” I start firmly. “You need to take your perfect little ass back into the house and focus on unpacking. My job is to carry everything in, and yours is to tell me where to put it.”

After Meiko found a house the right size for our budding little family, I bought it outright and we started moving in right away. It’s a bit more modest than I probably would have gone for, but I did convince her that three stories with yard space was non-negotiable.

She huffs and sashays back inside. God, I just love it when she does that. A smile spreads across my face at the sight of it.

I take a moment to look up at the house. I can imagine our little half orc, half human child scurrying around in the front yard and jumping down the porch steps. Building a home, a family… These are things that I wasn’t sure I’d ever have. Now that I do, there’s no chance I’ll be missing out on it.

I take a deep breath and turn back to the task at hand, carrying the box into the house. As I enter, I see our friends gathered in the living room, chatting and laughing. Meiko is sitting on the couch, surrounded by Sandra, Macia, and Lalaine, while Dragan, Fordan, and Maui are standing nearby, looking at some of the unpacked items.

"Hey, there he is!" Fordan exclaims, clapping me on the back. "How's the move going?"

"Good, good," I reply, setting the box down on the floor. "Just a few more things to bring in from the truck."

"Need any help?" Dragan offers, flexing his muscles playfully.

"I think I've got it," I say with a chuckle. "You guys just make yourselves at home."

I head back outside to grab another box, lost in thought about our decision to wait until after the baby is born to get married. Meiko and I have talked about it at length, and we both agree that we want to focus on preparing for the baby's arrival and getting settled into our new home before adding the stress and expense of a wedding to the mix.

As I'm carrying the next box inside, I overhear Macia asking Meiko if we've set a date yet. I put the box down next to the others and join the group in the living room. My arm automatically makes its way around my fiance’s waist, resting on her hip.

"So, we have an announcement to make," I say, looking around at our friends' expectant faces. Meiko smiles nervously at me, and I give her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"We're having a baby," Meiko blurts out, a huge grin spreading across her face.

There's a moment of stunned silence before our friends erupt into cheers and congratulations. Everyone is hugging and high-fiving.

I look at Meiko, her smile glowing with a mix of embarrassment and glee. I glance between her and my supportive friends, overwhelmed with a happiness that pricks my eyes with tears. I pull her closer, my heart swelling with admiration.

Once the initial excitement has died down a bit, Meiko continues. "We've also decided to wait until after the baby is born to get married. We just want to focus on preparing for the baby's arrival and getting settled into our new home."

There's a moment of quiet as everyone takes in this news. Dragan is the first to speak up. "That's totally understandable. Congratulations, you two."

The others chime in with similar sentiments, and I feel a wave of gratitude wash over me. These are our people, I think to myself. And their reactions only prove that they’re the right people to have in our lives – in our family.

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