Page 46 of Accidental Orc Daddy

I breathe her in, reassuring myself this is real, not some delirious dream conjured in my mountain purgatory. Tears stream down both our faces as we cling to one another, the knotted tension of our forced separation finally unraveling. No words just yet, only the language of touch, the joy of reunion transcending speech.

I don’t think I’m capable of letting her go, not after nearing the brink of death.

At last, we pull back to drink in the sight of one another. Her fingertips trace my face as if confirming I'm truly here. I cradle her cheek with reverence, silently promising to never leave her side again. Dark circles ring her eyes, but her beauty still takes my breath away.

"My Meiko," I whisper hoarsely. "I made it back to you."

Tears shine in her eyes. "I never gave up hope. I knew you would."

She leans in, and our lips meet in a kiss that steals my breath. It's tender yet fervent, transmitting all the fear, longing, and devotion bottled up in our forced separation. I pour everything I am into that kiss, every last shred of my battered spirit.

When we finally break for air, tears are flowing down both our cheeks. With a choked sob, Meiko buries her face in my chest. I cling to her just as fiercely, anchoring myself in her familiar warmth and scent.

We remain wrapped in a tight embrace as the words finally spill out in a jumbled rush – her panicked vigil, the endless waiting, our mothers rallying around her. Throughout the outpouring, I smooth her hair and murmur comfort, letting her release the pent-up torrent.

"I'm so sorry for putting you through such distress," I murmur, tracing my fingers over Meiko's features.

Meiko presses a finger to my lips, silencing my concern. "The only thing that matters is having you here again."

Slowly, she leans in. My breath catches as her lips meet mine again.

When she pulls back, eyes shining bright, I'm left speechless. I had hoped her feelings might match mine, but this raw outpouring erases all doubt.

"I love you, Mustaf," Meiko whispers. "I always have."

For a stunned moment, I can only stare, overwhelmed by those precious words. Then joy surges through me, transcendent in its purity.

"And I love you, Meiko," I choke out. "Beyond measure, beyond reason. You are my heart, my everything."

Tears spill down Meiko's cheeks. I gently brush them away before claiming her lips once more. Any remaining distance between us melts away, our bond now unbreakable.

Together we have weathered the ultimate storm. Now, wrapped in each other's arms, the future shines bright with promise. Our love is the foundation on which we'll build our life.

CHAPTER 27

Mustaf

The automatic doors give a low hum as they part, welcoming me to the world beyond sterile corridors and antiseptic smells. I squint against the bright light of day.

Meiko, ever the rock in my tumultuous journey, slides her arm through mine.

"Ready?" she asks, her voice a soft melody against the cacophony of city sounds.

"More than ever," I reply.

Together, we tread the short distance to the parking lot. My fingers curl around the discharge papers nestled in my pocket.

The car ride home is quiet. There’s no need for words right now. Her presence is more than enough, especially after enduring such breaking loneliness for so many days.

We spend one final night in the villa resting up while Meiko and our friends take turns rushing to take care of my every need, despite my protests. The next day, I charter a private plane to take Meiko and me back to our own home. I’m still a bit sore, but I’m capable of traveling and more than ready to be in the comfort of my own space.

After what feels like a never-ending flight, probably mostly due to my aching leg, I’m nearly giddy when we arrive at the threshold of our home. I pause to drink in the sight, feeling like it’s been years since I last saw it rather than just a couple of weeks.

The door creaks open, an old friend greeting me with a familiar squeal. Crossing into the embrace of our living space, I feel the invisible weight fall away, replaced by the comfort of worn couch cushions and the faint scent of jasmine from Meiko's incense collection.

"Welcome home," Meiko says, her smile cradling my soul.

"Home," I echo.

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