Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 90574 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90574 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
She pushed her doubts aside and concentrated on her situation. Tarr might capitulate if he believed her in love and allow her to wed Rogan. Or . . .
She shook her head, rejecting the sudden notion. It might not be a wise choice, though it would prove the most effective. No one could stop her from wedding Rogan if the marriage took place here. The deed would be done, their vows consummated.
No one could object. It would be over and done and they would be bound to each other for life. Did she want that? Did she want marriage to Rogan?
She had not wanted to marry at all, but she would wed regardless of her own desires. Why not wed Rogan?
The debate raged in her head and try as she might, a solid answer was not forthcoming. She found reasons to wed him and reasons not to. The point of the whole matter, though, was that she was going to wed, one way or the other.
What choice did she really have?
“Aliss!”
The shout spun her around and she rushed forward to meet a harried Anna. “What is wrong?”
“Laurel is in labor and calls for you.”
Aliss smiled. “Good, a happy occasion for a healer.”
“I have delivered only one babe,” said an anxious Anna.
“Deliver one, deliver them all. Worry not. I will teach you what to expect, what to watch out for, and what a privilege it is to bring a babe into this world.”
Rogan stepped out of the cottage as they passed the door.
“We need to talk,” she said and stopped for a moment. Anna rushed past her. “But first I must birth Laurel’s babe.”
Rogan grabbed hold of her arm. “Tell me now.”
“I have no time.”
“Now!” he insisted.
“I wish to marry you,” she said, and yanked her arm free to hurry off.
Rogan stood staring after her then suddenly broke into a grin. It faded rapidly with John and Derek’s frenzied approach.
“We have a problem,” Derek said.
The sky was filled with thousands of tinkling stars and Aliss was certain they twinkled in happiness for her and Rogan. It was after midnight when she returned to the cottage.
She had left Anna to tend Laurel and her newborn son. The delivery had gone smoothly. The proud father, Peter, kept tight hold of his tiny son, repeatedly telling him how much he loved him, while the new mother rested comfortably.
Aliss was anxious to talk with Rogan and see what he thought of her proposal. She had had no time to give her swift decision thought, and now, as she considered it several hours later, she wondered over her own sanity. But what was done was done.
She was disappointed to see John waiting outside the cottage.
“A problem two fields and a hill beyond,” John said, letting her know that Rogan would not be returning soon.
“He is safe?”
John nodded though he averted his eyes.
“You are sure?”
“Rogan will return,” John said, his head held high and his eyes on Aliss.
His response relieved her and she entered the cottage, turning briefly to say, “I am safe here in the village. There is no need for you to stand guard.”
“Rogan commands, I listen.”
There was no point in arguing with the young man. He would obey his chieftain, as he should.
As she snuggled beneath the covers, a strange thought came to her. Was John protecting her or making certain she did not leave?
Chapter 16
Rogan returned home to an empty cottage the next morning, his mind in turmoil. The news he had received had been unexpected and to make certain it had been correct he had gone to see for himself.
To his regret, the message had proved true. He had perhaps four maybe five days left with Aliss before hell descended on them. Aliss had given him the perfect opportunity with her proposal to settle the matter to his advantage. But what would happen when she learned the truth?
Dusty and dirty from his tiresome journey and plagued with a weighty mind, he decided a dunk in the river would refresh him. Then he would find Aliss, accept her proposal, and pray he had made a wise choice—for them both.
He grabbed clean garments from his room and a towel and headed to the river.
Rogan washed the grime from his body, dunking himself repeatedly in the cool water and scrubbing every inch of his flesh. He wished he could cleanse his mind and heart as easily.
He had waited a long time to lay claim to what was rightfully his and had thought it would be an easy task. He had not counted on the healer stirring his blood or haunting his thoughts. Most of all, he had not expected a marriage proposal, the easiest of solutions to his problem.
Rogan stretched his way out of the water, raising his arms up to the heavens, expanding his chest to ease his aching muscles then swinging his head to shake off the water that soaked his long hair.