Page 51 of Accidental Orc Daddy

Meiko's face lights up when he seems to look in my direction as if he recognizes the name. "See, it's perfect for him! Hello, Asher." She caresses his tiny cheek with such tenderness it brings an ache to my heart.

I slip an arm around Meiko, pulling her and Asher close. My little family. I have never felt such all-consuming love and contentment.

A soft knock at the door heralds the arrival of our parents and siblings, their faces alight with excitement and anticipation. My mother rushes to Meiko's side, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Oh, my darling girl, how are you?" She squeezes Meiko's hand, then looks at the bundled newborn. "And this must be my grandson!"

Meiko's parents surround the bed, her father clasping my shoulder. "Congratulations, son." His voice is gruff with emotion.

Our mothers take turns cradling little Asher, their joyful coos and excited chatter filling the room. Omar and Amina peer at the baby in fascination, admiring the tiny fingers and toes.

Meiko leans her head on my shoulder, fatigue etching her face but her smile is radiant. My arm tightens around her protectively. No matter what comes, I will care for my family.

As I look around at our loved ones fawning over Asher, their smiles and laughter warming my heart, I know Meiko and I have made the right choice. We will face the future together, with the support of those who matter most. I whisper my endless gratitude to her once more as she drifts off to sleep against me, exhausted but blissful. My heart has never been so full.

After two days of rest and recovery at the hospital, the nurses finally wheel Meiko and little Asher out to where I'm waiting with the car to take my family home. I help Meiko gingerly get settled in the back seat, pillows propped up around her for comfort. She carefully checks and rechecks his car set, her eyes shining with joy and wonder at our tiny son.

"Ready for your first car ride, my love?" she coos to him softly.

"I can't believe we made this perfect little person," I whisper in awe, sneaking a glance at him in the rearview mirror. He stirs slightly and yawns, making our hearts melt all over again.

"He's our whole world now," Meiko says.

When we arrive home, I help both my precious cargo carefully inside. The nursery is all set up and waiting to receive its new resident. Meiko sits down in the cozy rocking chair, humming a lullaby as she nurses Asher. My eyes grow misty at the sheer beauty of this scene.

After burping and changing him, Meiko finally surrenders our sleeping boy to the cradle of his crib. I flick on the baby monitor then guide Meiko to our bedroom, where she practically collapses into bed. Kissing her forehead, I tell her to rest as long as she needs.

In the quiet hours as Meiko sleeps, I find myself wandering back to the nursery to simply watch over Asher, still hardly believing he's real. But there he is – our son, our future. Hope and fierce love swell powerfully within me. I vow to always cherish and provide for my little family, no matter what.

The sounds of his soft snores and sniffles fill me with such peace and contentment. My heart has never been so full. I reach out and gently stroke his impossibly soft cheek. He stirs slightly, his rosebud mouth opening in a tiny yawn that melts me all over again.

Overcome with emotion, I carefully lift Asher into my arms. I cradle him close, breathing in his sweet baby scent. He nestles against my chest without waking, instinctively comforted by my warmth and the steady thump of my heartbeat.

I settle carefully into the cozy rocking chair, Asher sleeping soundly in the crook of my arm. The quiet intimacy of this moment washes over me, everything else fading away except the two of us. My son. My beautiful boy.

Rocking slowly, I'm lulled into a state of transcendent peace. The rest of the world falls away until there is only the profound joy of this new life I hold. Time loses meaning as we drift together, his tiny body rising and falling with each breath.

I whisper promises to keep him safe, to guide him in this world. I vow that he will never doubt his father's love. Asher’s little hand clutches my finger even in sleep, locking me forever around his tiny grip. Kissing his downy head, my eyes grow misty. I have never known a purer happiness than this.

CHAPTER 30

Meiko

The morning sun streams in through my bedroom windows as I slowly wake. For a moment, it feels like any other day. Then it hits me. Today is my wedding day!

I stretch and smile up at the ceiling, butterflies fluttering in my stomach. After everything we've been through, Mustaf and I will finally make our union official before our loved ones. Finally being the keyword.

After the baby was born, we spent two years in a kind of engagement limbo. Though we were eager to get married, there always seemed to be one reason after another to wait a little bit longer. Being new parents and planning a wedding both take a lot of time, so rather than rush, we just took it one step at a time.

Not that I mind. Married or not, the past two years with Mustaf have been nothing short of amazing. Still, now that our wedding day is finally here, I’m giddy. The anticipation is worth the wait, that’s for sure.

A knock at the door announces the arrival of my team of stylists, bubbly and eager. "Ready to be pampered, darling?" chirps Celeste, my trusted hairdresser.

I'm ushered into a chair and surrounded by the stylists, their chatter and attention making me feel like royalty. Skilled hands massage my scalp as they work product into my locks, twisting and pinning until an elegant updo takes shape.

My makeup is applied with artistic precision, enhancing my best features. I'm peppered with encouragement and compliments, boosting my confidence. This is really happening!

The pièce de résistance comes when I step into my lace and satin gown. The bodice clings flawlessly to my figure as the full skirt cascades down. I turn this way and that, admiring the effect.

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