Page 23 of Marked By the Wild Orc

Both my sons are in school right at this very moment and since we’ve recently hired Doril’s younger brother to come in part time, I’m able to take more time off than ever before.

I feel slightly spoiled.

Our business is doing well and supports all of us and our employees comfortably. We’ve been able to give Oreg and Doril good raises and bonuses and I’ve made sure that all four of us have retirement accounts started. But what makes me the happiest is that Talon and I have been able to remain debt-free and grow a hefty emergency savings, which makes me happy, every time I look at the account.

Talon runs the tattoo side of the business, and I do the accounting. Oreg and Doril are still with us and surprisinglyboth single. I think they are both wonderful males and good friends so it’s shocking to me that some woman hasn’t snapped them up yet. We’re still a good team.

But ever since Talon and I had Lukis and then Donner, I started to feel the pressure of having too much to do and not enough time for pursuits that used to bring me a lot of joy. Something had to go, and it’s been years since I did any writing. I did get one small novella published years ago, while I was pregnant with Lukis, which sold about five copies, mainly to friends and family. And then I was so busy with babies, work and husband I had to let it all go until I was in a different phase of life where I could pick up the writing again.

And now our youngest son, Lukis, has started preschool, and our older son, Donner, recently entered first grade. Yes, I could be a mom who spends that extra time that has opened up volunteering at the school, but…I look out the window again… instead I’d like to find time to write. There’s a burning need inside to pick up where I left off, because I really believe it’s something I need to pursue.

All the stories I used to love are crowding in my brain again, wanting to be put down on paper.

“Do you mind if I get back into the romance writing that I used to do?” I blurt out that evening while Talon does the dishes. I’m getting ready to cook dinner and both the boys are playing video games. “I feel I have a lot to say and I want to get my stories on the page.”

My huge orc husband turns on the dishwasher, walks over and puts his arms around me. “I will always support what you want to do.”

Tears literally well up in my eyes. I guess I was worried he’d say there wasn’t enough time in the day. That I’d be taking time away that could be better spent with our family. That the writingwasn’t really that important. Or remind me how the first time I tried, I hardly sold.

“Krissy, you have been there, supporting the art I create. You make it so that I can lead a life amongst humans, doing what I was good at on the commune, using the skills that were passed down for generations from father to son and finally to me. I will teach this to both our sons too, hoping that at least one of them will take an interest in the family business.”

“But you are good at what you do and I’m happy to work with you and also Oreg and Doril. All three of you are wonderful artists.”

“Because you are there, supporting our creativity and our skills, it is only right that I support your creativity. And also, I wasn’t always good at what I do. It takes practice. Lots and lots of practice. I want you to also have that time, to practice.”

I give him a massive kiss, between the tusks. “I love you.”

“Love you too, my bride.”

Epilogue

Talon

Two years later…

It’s nine o’clock in the morning on a Saturday and I have a surprise planned for Krissy today.

First, I’ve let her sleep in while I take care of our sons, make breakfast, feed the cats and get the laundry started. I’ve also cleaned the kitchen and the dishwasher is humming. She will be pleased.

I cannot believe how lucky I was, to find my bride. I didn’t even have to search far and wide, she was my best friend’s human sister. I did have to wait for what seemed like an eternity. I thought there was the distinct possibility that I would never mate or have offspring. This happens to many orcs. And when I wasn’t looking at all, my bride was dropped right into my lap.

Krissy has finally published her next romance book and she claims it’s “doing well.” I am very pleased for her. “It’s in the top one hundred of the kindle store.” I don’t understand what that means but I assume this is something to be proud of. I’ve heard many humans and even orcs say they are writing a book too, usually it’s a memoir and not fiction. I am proud of her for finally finishing. I know Krissy has had little time to write with two sons and a full-time job, but I’ve done my best to give herspace to finish a project that brings her so much joy. She’s even in the midst of writing her next book.

And today, Lukis, Donner and I are going to surprise her with a celebration.

She said she didn’t want to do any local book signings because she says it’s “just a little ebook.” I think in fact she’s just shy.

I want to give her a book release celebration at the local orc brewery, a place that she truly loves to frequent.

Surprisingly, Kavin’s wife, Mia, has decided to join us and is bringing a cake. In fact, she ended up planning the entire book signing. Normally, our brides are not friends, but Mia seems to have taken a newfound interest in my bride once she realized her sister in law was now a “badass, bestselling hot contemporary romance author.”

Finally, at nine o’clock I warn Krissy that she needs to take a shower and get ready because my mother is visiting. This is a lie, but at least it will get her started on what I know is a long-running beauty process. Two hours later I’m ready and so are the boys and my bride looks gorgeous, in a dress and sandals.

“I thought your mother was coming over for a visit. Why are we getting in the car? Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.”

Krissy brightens because she loves a good surprise.

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