Epilogue

Two months later…

Trish jumpedas Holdar walked into their house and quickly tried to hide the package behind her back. He saw it anyway and sighed.

"Another wedding present?"

"I'm afraid so."

Her father still hadn't gotten over the fact that they'd eloped - or at least that's what he called the tiny ceremony they'd had in the Town Hall - instead of the huge society event he'd envisioned. He was trying to make up for it by sending presents at every opportunity. She always thanked him sincerely, kept a few things, and then donated the rest.

"I know he means well, but couldn't you convince him to slow down a little?"

"Probably not," she said honestly.

And it's about to get worse.

Holdar sighed again, but then he kissed her and she forgot about everything except her big strong mate. He was smiling when he finally lifted his head and she returned it.

"Now instead of worrying about Daddy, tell me how the nature hike went."

He'd taken a group of six year olds on their first hike and he'd spent most of the past few days worrying about all the things that could go wrong.

"It went very well."

He actually sounded surprised and she shook her head.

"Of course it did. And I bet they loved it."

"I think so, although one of the boys was threatening to eat a worm and then accidentally dropped it in his mouth. He immediately threw up and so did the girl next to him. It's a good thing Trogar wasn't there - he could have insisted on packing it out in double-sealed plastic bags. I just scuffed some leaves over it."

She laughed.

"Probably. Are we still having them over for dinner on Saturday?"

"Of course. Did you ask Elara when the two of you met with Houston today?"

They had been meeting to go over some marketing plans for the upcoming fall season. Elara had been quite willing to let her take the lead, but she'd offered several helpful suggestions as well.

"Yes, and they're coming. As is Flora. She told me she's bringing a date but I was afraid to ask."

"A date? Gran?" He shuddered. "I don't think I would have asked either. Now are you through hiding wedding presents so we can go and relax?"

"In the garden?"

"Sounds good. I'll get a bottle of wine and meet you there."

"Don't -"

But he was already gone. She shrugged and wandered out through the back porch and across to the arbor that was her favorite spot in the garden. Their house was perched on the edge of town where the forest began. They were only a few blocks away from Trogar and Pippa but it felt like their own little oasis. The mountains started to rise up behind them while the land on the other side sloped down towards the river, hidden now by the lush summer foliage.

Holdar returned with the wine and handed her a glass. She thanked him and put it aside before edging onto his lap. He immediately gathered her close, but gave her a worried look.

"Is something wrong? You seem different."

"Nothing's wrong. In fact, something is very right."

She just prayed he wasn't going to panic. Since he was still giving her a suspicious look, she took a deep breath and ripped off the bandage.

"We're going to have a baby."

His body turned to stone and yes, there was that panic in his eyes.

"Isn't that wonderful?" she asked gently. "You're going to be the most amazing father."

He tried to stand up, then remembered she was still in his lap. When he tried to put her down, she tightened her arms around his neck.

"Oh no you don't. I know you're scared but I'm not going to let you run away and brood about it."

"But what if I fail our child the way I failed my brother?"

She wasn't surprised that his old fears had reared their heads.

"Holdar, listen to me. You were the best brother you could be to Trogar, even though you were only a child yourself. You did protect him, just like you protected me and just like you'll protect our child. But even more importantly, you'll love her just like you love us."

"Her?"

"Or him. It's too early to tell."

"It would be nice for Daisy to have a cousin," he said slowly as some of the tension started to leave his body.

"Yes it would." She gave him an encouraging squeeze. "Our daughter - or son - is going to have more family than they know what to do with and all of them will be willing to help if they're needed."

He gave a great shuddering sigh.

"I know they will."

"Are you okay now?" she asked, searching his face.

"Mostly, but I may panic again."

"I know. Just don't run away. Talk to me or Trogar or even Flora. But don't run - I need you."

"I won't," he promised. "What do you need from me?"

"Well…" She reached between them and ran a teasing hand along his cock, loving the way it immediately began to grow. "Right now, I need some of your extra special orc loving."

His eyes heated as he cupped her breast, but then he hesitated.

"It won't hurt the baby?"

"No, sweetheart. In fact, the happier you make the mama, the happier the baby will be."

"Then I will do my best to make you very, very happy."

He succeeded.

Damn, I'm good, Flora thought as she strolled down the street towards the Inn. Her family was all safe and happy, so now she could turn her attention to other needy souls.

Souls… She paused outside Midnight Manor, looking at the light flickering in the apartment over the restaurant. Perfect. Just the challenge she needed.