29. Rendal

CHAPTER 29

Rendal

I wake up with a start, disoriented for a moment until I realize I'm in Chloe's bed. The morning light filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. I blink, my orc eyes adjusting to the brightness.

An unfamiliar yet welcome sense of peace and happiness washes over me. For the first time in a long while, I wake up feeling truly content, my usually tense muscles relaxed.

I stretch, feeling the soft sheets against my green skin, and inhale deeply. The scent of Chloe lingers on the pillow, a mix of lavender and something uniquely her. It's intoxicating.

I run a hand through my short, dark hair, still marveling at how different this morning feels compared to my usual rushed wake-ups. There's no urgent need to check my phone for work emails or project updates. Instead, I find myself wanting to savor this moment, to bask in the afterglow of last night's unexpected but incredible turn of events.

As I stretch my muscular frame and sit up, I catch the delicious aroma of pancakes wafting in from the kitchen. The scent brings a smile to my face, and I feel my heart swell with affection.

I quickly get dressed, pulling on my jeans and running a hand through my short, dark hair. I make my way down the hall, following the enticing smell.

The sight that greets me in the kitchen makes my breath catch. Chloe stands at the stove, her hair tousled from sleep, wearing a big t-shirt that hangs loosely on her smaller frame.

She's humming softly as she flips a pancake, the spatula looking tiny in comparison to my large hands. Zola and Penelope sit at the table, giggling as they draw on paper placemats.

My little half-orc princess looks up at me, her blue eyes - so like mine - sparkling with joy. "Daddy!" she exclaims, and I feel my heart melt all over again.

"Daddy?" Chloe says as she spins around. "I only see a sleepyhead!"

"No!" Penelope shouts. "Mommy, do pancake alien!"

I can't help but grin as I watch Chloe's antics. She grabs an old colander off the counter and puts it on her head like a helmet, waving the spatula around like some kind of intergalactic weapon.

"Greetings, Earthlings!" she announces in a ridiculous, high-pitched voice. "I am Chef Zorgon from the planet Pancakia! Behold my otherworldly flapjacks of doom!"

Zola and Penelope are in stitches, their laughter echoing through the kitchen. I struggle to keep a straight face as Chloe continues her performance.

"These are no ordinary pancakes," she declares, flipping one with exaggerated flair. "They have the power to turn any grumpy morning person into a ball of sunshine! Observe!" She pretends to aim the spatula at me like a ray gun. "Pew pew! Take that, sleepyhead!"

I play along, clutching my chest dramatically. "Oh no! I've been hit by the pancake ray! I'm feeling... so... cheerful!"

The girls howl with laughter, and I can't hold back anymore. I burst out laughing, my deep chuckle mixing with their giggles.

Chloe catches my eye, a mischievous glint in hers. She looks so adorable with that colander on her head, pancake batter smeared on her cheek, that I can't resist. I cross the kitchen in two strides and sweep her into my arms, colander and all.

"Good morning, Chef Zorgon," I say, my voice husky with amusement and affection. "Your pancakes smell out of this world."

Chloe grins up at me, her cheeks flushed. "Why, thank you, kind Earthling. Would you like to try my special recipe? It comes with a side of silliness and a large helping of love."

"I'd love nothing more," I reply, leaning in for a kiss.

"Ewww!" Zola and Penelope chorus, giggling madly.

We break apart, laughing along with the girls. The kitchen is filled with joy and light-heartedness, and I can't remember the last time I felt this happy.

I join the girls at the table, sliding into the seat next to Chloe. The stack of pancakes in the center looks delicious, golden-brown and fluffy. I can't help but grin as I watch Zola and Penelope eagerly pile their plates high.

"Easy there, munchkins," I chuckle, reaching for the syrup. "Leave some for the rest of us."

As I pour a generous amount of syrup over my own stack, I listen to the girls' excited chatter about their plans for the day. Zola's talking a mile a minute about the new playground at the park, while Penelope interjects with her own ideas for a tea party with her stuffed animals.

"And then we can have a picnic!" Zola exclaims, her eyes wide with excitement. "Can we, Daddy? Please?"

I nod, unable to resist her enthusiasm. "Sounds like a plan, princess. We'll pack some sandwiches and snacks."

"Ooh, can we bring cookies?" Penelope pipes up, her mouth full of pancake.

"Don't talk with your mouth full, sweetie," Chloe gently reminds her, wiping a bit of syrup from her chin.

As I watch Chloe interact with both girls, my heart swells with affection. She treats Zola with the same care and love she shows Penelope, and it means more to me than I can express.

It's moments like these that remind me how lucky I am to have found her. The way she gently wipes syrup from Penelope's chin, then turns to help Zola cut her pancakes into smaller pieces, fills me with a warmth I never thought I'd experience.

Being an orc, I've faced my share of prejudice, but Chloe's unconditional acceptance of both me and my daughter is a gift I cherish every day. I can't help but smile, my tusks peeking out, as I take in the scene of our blended family breakfast.

I take a bite of my pancakes, savoring the fluffy texture and sweet taste. "These are amazing, Chloe," I say, giving her a warm smile. "You've outdone yourself."

She catches my eye and returns the smile, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "I'm glad you like them. It's an old family recipe."

As we continue eating, I find myself marveling at how natural this all feels. The four of us, sitting around the table, sharing a meal and making plans for the day. It's something I've longed for but never quite believed I could have.

The girls' laughter fills the air as they share some private joke, and I feel a deep sense of belonging wash over me. This is what family should feel like – warm, comforting, and full of joy.

I glance at Chloe again, and she meets my gaze. Her eyes are soft and full of affection, mirroring the emotions I feel bubbling up inside me. In that moment, as we sit surrounded by the cheerful chaos of breakfast with two excited little girls, I feel a certainty about our future together that I've never experienced before.

After breakfast, I watch as Chloe starts gathering the dishes, her movements graceful and efficient. But I can't bear to let her clean up alone, not after the incredible meal she's just prepared for us. I stand up, crossing the kitchen in a few quick strides.

"Hey," I say softly, catching her arm. "Let me help with that." My fingers brush against her skin, sending a familiar tingle through my body.

Chloe turns, a smile playing on her lips. "It's okay, I've got it-"

But I don't let her finish. I can't resist her any longer. In one swift motion, I pull her into my arms, my large hand gently cupping her face as I lean down to kiss her.

It's a deep, searing kiss, full of all the love and promise I feel for our future together. I pour everything into it - my gratitude for her presence in my life, my joy at waking up beside her, my hope for all the mornings to come. The taste of her lips, still sweet from breakfast, intoxicates me.

I feel her body melt against mine, her hands gripping my shirt as if to steady herself. The world around us fades away, and for a moment, it's just us - Chloe and me, lost in our own little bubble of happiness.

When we finally break apart, both a little breathless, I rest my forehead against hers. "This is our new beginning, Chloe," I murmur, my voice husky with emotion. "You, me, and the girls. We're a family now."

Chloe looks up at me, her eyes shining with unshed tears of happiness. She nods, unable to speak for a moment. I can see the same emotions I'm feeling reflected in her gaze - love, hope, and a touch of wonder at how far we've come.

As I hold her close, breathing in her scent and feeling the warmth of her body against mine, I'm filled with an overwhelming sense of rightness. This is where I belong. This is home.