Tasha
O h my gosh. Oh, my gosh. My daughter. Words. Room spinning.
I have enough wherewithal to not show Lucy I’m freaked out. But by gods, I’m freaked out. Mumbling something about thirst, I head to the small galley to get myself a glass of water and attempt to wrap my mind around what just happened.
It’s one thing to have my boss and lover declare us dating in front of my new co-workers, my team. It’s another for my four-year-old to overhear and declare that after knowing Brann a week? Two weeks? she is giving him the honorific of daddy.
I swore to myself that I would never let someone come in and take over my relationship with my daughter. Never let someone string her along and then dump her the way my ex dumped me. No. I have to manage this situation better. Gods, I thought I was managing it! Somehow, those two have created a bond unsanctioned by me.
“Natasha?” Brann’s voice is low and quiet, the distant rumble of thunder across the plains in summer. I fill my lungs with air and attempt to release my grip from the kitchen counter and relax. Slowly, I turn around to face him, keeping my body against the counter for support.
“What’s up?” I aim for neutral and fail. He can probably smell all my emotions on me. He could do a better job of telling me how I feel than I can tell him.
“Hey, darling. What’s wrong?” He steps into the room so the swinging door shuts, but stands there, leaving plenty of space between us. I guess those orc sniffers are good for something, because I might throw something if he gets closer.
“Lucy. You. Me. It’s really fast.” The words are hard, but I force them out of me into the open.
“Yeah, I agree,” he runs his fingers through his hair. I love the way the silver glints off the light along the sides of his face. His words surprise me, though.
“You agree?”
He nods. “Listen. I’ve never believed in fated mates until I saw you at Moonlit Grounds. Then on the hiking trail. It’s a sealed deal for me. I can’t deny or run from it. But I never wanted kids. Never wanted a family. So yeah, this is fast for me, too. But I wouldn’t change anything about it. I want the world to know that you and Lucy belong to me. And that I belong to the two of you.
“If you aren’t ready to commit on that same level yet, that’s okay. I already promised you—we go at your speed. Always.” He gives a tiny lopsided smile that melts my heart a little.
“Damn you, Brann,” I say as I march myself straight into his arms. His body seems to fold around me like a shield, blocking out the noise of the world around us. Heavy hands—one on my back, one cupping the back of my head—keep me steady. A steady heartbeat thrums against me, beating out the rhythm that Lucy and I are safe and loved.
Time stands still as I gather my nerves and reserve to face my daughter and the rest of my new world. Brann doesn’t push me, doesn’t rush me, lets me take my time. Eventually, I feel steady enough that I’m not going to burst into tears. Pulling away from him, I look up into his eyes, and smile. “Thank you.” He nods in response but says nothing.
Together, we walk back, where the crew has now put on music and is dancing the hokey-pokey with Lucy, who is bright and alive with joy and glee. My heart swells at her little giggles as she shakes herself all around with my big monster co-workers. It’s a sight unlike any other. Without hesitation, Brann immediately jumps into the dance fray, and I’m left holding my side from laughing so hard.
Eventually, Lucy drags me over and we dance together until the sun is low in the sky and it’s time to go home and make dinner together.
Our new little family of three.
L ater, while we are washing and drying the dishes and Lucy is playing with her stuffed animals in the living room, Brann sidles up to me with a question. “I’d like you two to have dinner at my place.” My eyes light up. It’s like the perfect next step. I nod enthusiastically.
He clears his throat. “There’s more. I told my family about you. I’d really like them to meet you.” Less excitement, but still good. Of course, family is important.
“Do you think they’ll like me? Us?” Insecurities bubble to the surface.
“If they don’t, they’re crazy. But I think they will.” He kisses my forehead.
“Okay, sure,” I say to myself more than him. This is a huge, serious step for me. I haven’t dated anyone in five years. My own mother is the only pesky adult I’ve had to worry about appeasing. Now a whole orc family? Gulp. I have time to adjust to this idea, to prepare, so I make a good impression. This is going to be okay.
“Great! How’s tomorrow work for you?”