Page 49 of Enchanted with the Orc
“Yep,” she said with a firm nod. “And he gave me his phone number so I could call him,” she added, blinking up at me with pleading eyes. “I can call him and go see him, right, Mommy?”
How can I say no to that?
“Okay,” I told her, tugging at one of her braids. We were going to have to tighten them soon, especially if she kept attending these play events with the other children. “But you should give these presents back and then get him one forhisbirthday first.”
“He said I could have them,” she told me, mutinously, tipping her chin up. “Ask Darak,” she said pointing an imperious finger at where the male was standing with his eyebrows raised.
He gave a slow nod. “His parents brought them for her,” he said in his low, deep voice. “And gave me their number for you to call. They’re excited that he has a new friend.”
I frowned, wondering in what world that gregarious little male wouldn’t have a million friends. “I’ll give them a call,” I told my daughter, putting her down and standing. Enka did the same, standing with me and walking in the direction of his phone. “Thank you so much, Darak. I can’t imagine these play dates are fun for you.” The male shrugged andI grinned at him
Enka handed his phone to me and I murmured my thanks, moving toward the bedroom while Darak sat on the floor with Gabbi to lay out her new presents. I smiled at the picture they made. One giant, serious male whose glower should scare anyone off and a tiny little girl wearing bright pink and giggling as she clapped her hands in glee. These orcs were quite a surprise.
I didn’t expect Enka to enter the bedroom with me, but he stood there, his arms crossed with expectation as he looked from the phone to me. “Did you… want to talk?” I asked, hoping—praying—that he didn’t.
He shook his head, pointing at the phone. “No, we’re going to call that little centaur’s parents, right?” I smothered my smile at the annoyance in his voice when he saidthat little centaur.He didn’t like the idea of Gabbi staying in contact with him and that was certain.
It wasn’t until the amusement faded that I realized what he was doing. He washere. He wanted to make the call to her parentswith me. It was something I wouldn’t have to do alone. He wanted to be a part of her life. A strong male figure… a father to her.
I had to look away from him before I began sobbing again. I’d done enough of that for the day, I was certain. I didn’t know that my tear ducts could handle much more.
“Okay,” I whispered, tucking my hair behind my ear. “Thank you.”
“For what?” he asked, confused, and that hit me like a sledgehammer to the chest. He didn’t evenknowwhy I would be grateful, because it was second nature for this male to take care of us.
Don’t fall for him, don’t fall for him, don’t fall for him.
I kept chanting the words as I dialed, hoping my heart would listen.
“Hello?” a sweet voice answered from the other line.
“Hi, this is Tasia, Gabbi’s mom?” I said into the phone, rubbing my hand against my heart that gave a hard pang as Enka leaned in, hiseyebrows furrowed.
“And Enka, her father,” he said without a hitch. Without hesitation.
Donotswoon. Don’t you do it.
“We’re calling because we got your number from Darak,” I continued.
“Yes, of course,” the female responded. “Thanks so much for reaching out. I’m Leran. Jael’ssoexcited to finally have a good friend like Gabbi. I’m really hoping they can stay in touch when we move back into our home. We were staying here because of some renovations, and I’msoglad we did.” She sighed with what had to be parental relief and I smiled, knowing exactly how she felt.
“He’s usually so shy. He doesn’t talk to anyone, but with your Gabbi, it’s like he’s finally opening up.” I heard the tears in her voice, and had to wave at my own face. That’sexactlyhow I’d felt when Gabbi had announced that she had a friend. She didn’t get to interact with children much, and it had been so amazing that she’d bonded so quickly.
“I’m so happy to hear that. He’s Gabbi’s first real friend too,” I told her and Enka scowled. I waggled my finger at him in admonishment for not being more accepting of Jael and he glowered.
“I’m sorry if we sent too many gifts,” Leran said, a sheepish tone in her voice. “But when he said that last week’s party was for his new best friend’s birthday, so close to his, I just added some presents for her along with the ones I was getting for him.”
“Oh,” I gave a nervous laugh that had Enka stiffening. I sent a warning glare his way before continuing. “Thanks so much, but it’s just too many—”
The heavy sigh on the other end made me pause. “Oh, my husband said it was,” she sighed. “But I was just so… excited. I’m so sorry if it made you or Gabbi uncomfortable.”
“Not Gabbi,” I laughed. “Trust me, she loves the presents. I just think it might be a little much.”
“I’m sure it is,” Leran agreed. “I can return them if they make you very uncomfortable, but I bought them with her in mind. Jael talked about her so much I feel as though I know her already. I’m sorry if I overstepped.”
The sweet female on the other end hadn’t meant any harm and I looked up to Enka, but he was searching my face as if waiting for my reaction on the matter.
The least overbearing male on the planet.
