The Orc and the Innkeeper (Elderberry Falls, #1)

by Cora Crane

“Ma, Da,” I interject, my voice steady despite the nerves coursing through my veins. “We know that this hasn’t been easy for you. Our relationship has forced you to confront some deep-seated beliefs you’ve held for your whole lives. But you need to know that Mariah...she’s not just some passing fancy or rebellion against tradition. She’s the love of my life.”

He opens up his palm and sitting on it is the family heirloom engagement ring, the same one that they had given to Ygra. But they’ve made changes to it. The orcish swirls and designs in the metal band remain the same but they’ve swapped the gem out…to a diamond.

They’ve taken our family ring and altered it to include a human tradition. My throat suddenly tightens and I clear it gruffly.

you one of the scones from the cafe?” Robert chuckles, patting the papers in his hands. “Actually, I’m here on a more permanent mission. I’ve been house hunting.” My eyebrows lift in surprise. “House hunting? Here in Elderberry Falls?”

And then, to my utter shock, Thorak kneels before me in the middle of the town square. My breath catches as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, velvet box.

“Mariah,” he begins, his voice cracking with emotion. “From the moment I first saw you walking through the halls of our high school, I knew that you were someone special. I didn’t always express that in the right way⁠—” We both laugh at this, and I swipe at the tears that are starting to form in the corner of my eyes. “But I’ve never stopped loving you,” he continues. “Not for a single moment.”