Page 9 of Marked by the Wild Orc (Heat & Ink)

Krissy

F ive years later…

I look out the window of my home office, still loving the view of the snow on our expansive front yard.

A huge smile spreads across my face as I work on our financials, because I have to admit, life is good.

All three of our slightly senior cats are sleeping in perfect contentment on the huge cat tree in the corner, near the desk and window.

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 surprisingly both 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 writing wasn’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.”