Page 50 of Accidental Orc Daddy

Mustaf's strong arms wrap securely around me like he'll never let me go again. I breathe him in, hardly able to believe this is real and not just some beautiful dream.

We stay locked in our tight embrace even as the fireworks fade away, the drones slowly descending back to earth. The cheering of our families gradually filters back into my consciousness, and Mustaf and I finally separate just enough to beam at each other..

"To the future, my love," Mustaf whispers, pressing his forehead to mine.

"Our future together," I whisper back, sealing it with a kiss. No matter what trials life brings, I know we'll weather them side by side from now on. The rings on my finger are proof of that unbreakable vow.

Mustaf's father raises his glass high. "To my son and his beautiful bride to be! You have my blessings and my love."

The rest of our loved ones follow suit, glasses lifted in celebration. "To Meiko and Mustaf!"

CHAPTER 29

Mustaf

My hands grip the steering wheel tightly as I race towards the hospital, my knuckles white with tension. Meiko's labor started sooner than expected, the contractions coming fast. I helped her into the car as calmly as I could, but inside my heart is pounding with anxiety and excitement.

"Just breathe, love. We're almost there," I say, as much to soothe my own nerves as hers. She nods, face scrunched in pain, one hand cradling her swollen belly.

I press harder on the gas, weaving through traffic at breakneck speed. We're having a baby – our baby! Adrenaline courses through me.

After what feels like an eternity, I pull up to the hospital entrance. Meiko is swiftly admitted and I rush alongside the gurney, clutching her hand. "I'm right here," I assure her.

The hospital room is abuzz with nervous energy as we await the arrival of our child. Meiko lies in the birthing bed, her face flushed and damp with exertion as each contraction ripples through her. I cling to her hand, murmuring words of encouragement.

"You're doing so great, love. Just keep breathing."

She offers a weak smile in return, her grip tightening on mine as another contraction hits. I feel so in awe of her strength and poise throughout this process.

Outside in the waiting room, I know both our families are gathered, anxiously anticipating any update. My mother is likely wearing a hole in the floor with her pacing. I'd promised to update them the moment our baby makes their entrance, but for now, all my focus is on being the rock Meiko needs me to be.

The hours tick by in a blur of activity as Meiko's labor progresses. Nurses come and go, checking vitals and offering ice chips. Meiko's doctor tells us we're getting close. The atmosphere is charged with purpose and anticipation for the new life about to emerge.

"Alright, Meiko. It's time to start pushing!"

Meiko sits up, face set with determination through the sheen of sweat. Our eyes meet and an unspoken message passes between us. We're ready for this. It's go time.

I brace myself behind her, letting her squeeze my hands with each push. I whisper how strong she is, how proud I am. Her cries mingle with words of encouragement from the nurses.

After an eternity, a thin, indignant wail pierces the air. Our baby!

Tears spring to my eyes as I cut the cord, then watch the nurse clean and swaddle our precious new son. She lays him gently in Meiko's waiting arms. The look of pure joy and love on her face mirrors my own elation. We did it!

I lean down, brushing a tender kiss over Meiko's temple. "Thank you, my love. Thank you for our beautiful boy."

She smiles up at me, unshed tears glistening. "Isn't he perfect?"

"Just like his mother," I reply, completely in awe. I settle cautiously on the bed beside her, one arm around my exhausted but radiant wife as we both gaze at our tiny miracle. The midwife was right – our lives will never be the same. But as I hold my new family close, I know we're ready for this change together.

I've never been happier or more grateful. Our lives are now complete, a thought I’m more than sure of as I gaze down at the culmination of our love.

As the nurses clean and swaddle our newborn son, Meiko and I share a quiet moment alone together, the chaos of the delivery fading away.

“Are we sticking with the name we planned?” I ask softly.

She nods. “Yes. Does it suit him, you think?”

"Asher," I say softly. "Our little blessing."

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