Page 47 of Bidding on the Orc Outcast

He turned, gathering her close. His kiss was as deep and thorough as ever, filled with the same heat that never failed to make her toes curl. His fingers tangled in her sleep-tousled hair as he backed her against the counter, but when they broke apart, that faraway look still lingered in his eyes. Something was definitely bothering him.

“What’s wrong?” She touched his cheek gently.

He shook his head and nuzzled her palm. “Nothing. Just thinking.”

“About?”

Instead of answering, he kissed her again, his tusks grazing her lips in that way that always sent shivers down her spine. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

A distant clock chimed, distracting her from her concerns. She pressed her palms against his chest and pulled back with a regretful sigh. “We need to get ready for the festival.”

His hands stilled on her hips. Something flickered across his face - an expression she couldn’t quite read - before he gave a short nod.

“The herbs need loading.” He stepped back, his warmth fading as he moved away.

She watched as he strode out the back door toward the greenhouse. His shoulders were tight again, that earlier tension returning. She rubbed her arms, missing his touch already.

Through the window, she saw him gathering the bundles of dried herbs they’d prepared for their booth. The fresh ones were already packed in boxes, ready to be arranged into the display they’d planned. Their first festival together as a couple - she’d been looking forward to it for weeks.

But now, watching him methodically load the truck, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. The way he’d looked when she mentioned the festival…

The slam of the truck’s tailgate jolted her from her thoughts. She needed to get dressed. Whatever was bothering him would have to wait.

An hour later, she stepped back to admire their booth. The vintage displays she’d chosen complemented Varek’s herbs perfectly - dried lavender draped over an antique mirror, rosemary tucked into depression glass vases, and sweet-smelling sachets arranged in weathered wooden boxes. And of course, lots of his herb scented candles. The morning sun caught the glass and made everything sparkle.

She turned to share her excitement with him, but he was staring off into the distance again, his jaw tight. Before she could ask what was wrong, the first wave of festival-goers swept through.

The booth stayed busy. She and Nina wrapped purchases in brown paper tied with twine and explained the history behind various pieces. Varek answered questions about his herbs and oils, his voice gruff but patient. She caught glimpses of him between customers, noticed how he kept glancing around like he was waiting for something.

Flora stopped by, but instead of her usual cheerful chatter, she gave them both an odd, calculating look. Even Elara seemed distracted when she brought them coffee, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

The sun was well past midday when the crowd finally thinned. Her feet ached from standing, and her throat was dry from talking.

His hand settled warm on her lower back. “Want to take a break?”

She leaned into his touch, grateful for the suggestion. “That sounds perfect. Nina are you for a break?”

Nina shot Varek a quick look, then shook her head.

“I’m fine, but you go ahead.”

Before she could try and convince Nina, Varek took her hand and led her away from the rows of stalls. Her feet protested each step, but curiosity kept her moving as they headed toward the river overlook. The afternoon sun glinted off the water, creating dancing patterns on the surface.

This was where Sebastian had confronted them that night. The memory should have been unpleasant, but instead it reminded her of how far they’d come since then. How far Varek had come in believing in himself.

He kept glancing around, his ears twitching, and his hand trembled slightly in hers. Something was definitely up.

“Okay, what’s going on?” Posy planted her feet and crossed her arms. “You’ve been acting weird all morning, and don’t think I haven’t noticed everyone else being strange too.”

His eyes met hers, filled with an intensity that made her breath catch. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, movement caught her eye.

Hundreds of Iridescent bubbles rose from the river’s surface, catching the sunlight and sending rainbow reflections dancing across their faces. They drifted upward in a mesmerizing display.

She laughed in delight and turned back to Varek, just as he sank to one knee before her, his big body somehow managing to look both powerful and vulnerable at the same time.

Her heart skipped a beat as he pulled a ring from his pocket - a delicate antique band with tiny flowers crafted from rose gold. His hands shook slightly as he held it out to her.

“Will you marry me?”

---