Page 29 of Till Orc Do Us Part
She softens. “Rowan. You can want himandfight for the boardwalk. Those things aren’t mutually exclusive.”
I shake my head. “You don’t understand. He’s dangerous because he’s starting tomatter.And I can’t afford for him to matter.”
Liara crouches in front of me, hands on my knees. “Listen to me. You’re the strongest damn woman I know. You’ve survived worse than a charming orc with good taste in poetry.”
I huff a laugh despite myself. “That’s debatable.”
She grins. “And anyway… the town needs you.Ineed you.”
I squeeze her hands. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good.” She stands. “Now. You gonna keep rage cleaning or are we getting dinner?”
I glance around at the mess I’ve made.
Then at the book.
My pulse skips.
“Dinner,” I say finally. “I need a damn drink.”
Liara beams. “Atta girl.”
I lock up, but as we leave, I glance back once more at the slim navy spine gleaming on the shelf.
I see you, Drokhaz Vellum.
And now, I think you see me too.
Later that night, after dinner and a half-hearted attempt at watchingFinding Krakenfor the hundredth time, Jamie is in full creative mode.
The living room is a wreck—cardboard boxes dragged from the back closet, scissors, tape, and markers scattered across the floor like a one-child art tornado blew through.
I lean against the doorway, arms crossed, sipping the last of my tea.
“What’s all this?” I ask.
Jamie beams up at me, curls bouncing. “A lighthouse! For Big Green Giants only.”
My heart lurches.
He holds up a piece of cardboard where he’s scrawled the words in crooked, bright letters:
“FOR BIG GREEN GIANTS ONLY.”
I swallow hard. “That so?”
“Yep! Mr. Drokhaz needs one. He’s tall. He should have a lighthouse.”
My throat tightens. “You think he needs one?”
Jamie nods seriously. “Everyone needs a place that shines for them.”
Damn it.
I crouch beside him, smoothing back a stray curl. “That’s very kind, sweetheart. I think he’d like that.”
He grins, taping the sign to the top of his cardboard tower with great ceremony.
