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)
He gave one final stretch, extending his arms out to his sides and dropping his head back, and released a howl that trembled the woods.
Refreshed and revived, Rogan smiled and walked toward the river’s edge, stopping when he caught sight of Aliss standing not far off on the grassy knoll.
Her eyes were wide, her mouth hung open, and her cheeks were tinged red.
She had been watching him and he had no qualms about letting her continue to watch him. He walked slowly out of the river, the water level dipping lower and lower, exposing his navel and gradually drifting farther and farther down.
He was not surprised to see her turn her back to him in a flash when the water had dipped close to exposing all of him.
He kept his laughter silent and hurried to dress, noticing Aliss shift from foot to foot, plop her hands on her hips then drop them to her side, then cross them over her chest, then sigh heavily enough for him to hear her.
She was anxious, all right, enough that she chanced turning around on his possible nakedness.
“Have you given thought to my proposal?” she said, her fingers twisting the material of her skirt.
He approached her, tucking his brown and black kilt in at his waist and feeling her jitters as he got closer. “I have.”
“I think it is a fine solution to my problem. You had said that when the malady was discovered, we could focus on finding a solution to my situation.”
“I did—”
“It is a crazy thought, I know,” she said with a shake of her head. “Though the more I thought about it the more it seemed to make sense. At least I hope it does—to you. It took me a while to rationalize it, but once I did, it struck me as the perfect choice. It made all the sense in the world.”
Rogan remained silent since Aliss seemed unable to stop talking.
“I require a husband who will respect my penchant for healing and not deprive me of it but encourage me, which you do. Of course, I would like to reside near my sister and hope that there is a way we can resolve that issue. It certainly is a practical solution for me, and a beneficial one for you. Your clan will gain strength and respect being united with the Hellewyk and Blackshaw clans.”
She finally stopped, took a breath and stared at him. “You must think me foolish or perhaps desperate and perhaps I am. But I realized that I give everything I have to my healing work—my mind, heart, and soul. I wonder if there is anything left to give to someone. Therefore, I am not certain that I can love someone the way your wife loved you. And I do not know if you would settle for less. However, I felt compelled to be honest with you about the reason for my proposal.”
She spoke the truth to him, yet he could not do the same with her?
“It is not necessary you answer me at this moment. I understand if you are hesitant. The choice will alter our lives greatly and rushing into—”
“I will marry you.”
She stared at him. “Why?”
He laughed and shook his head. “I thought that was what you wanted.”
“I do. I do,” she assured him. “It is just that I want to make certain you realize how much this union benefits both of us.”
“I am well aware of the benefits and I accept your marriage proposal most willingly.”
Aliss sighed with relief. “We will marry—”
“Immediately.”
“I had thought to have my sister and family present but . . .”
“You know that is not possible. Tarr will never allow you to marry me,” he said, and walked away from her to fetch his shirt on the ground nearby.
“Tarr assured me the choice of a husband was mine.”
Rogan shook his head. “Tarr would never have imagined you choosing the Wolf.”
Aliss’s shoulders sagged. “You are right. He thinks of you as his enemy.”
“Then it is wise that I am your husband before I meet him. We must be wed properly so that Tarr cannot claim the marriage invalid, and that means our vows must be consummated.”
Her cheeks blossomed like a fresh red rose. “Is there anyone who can perform a valid ceremony?”
“Yes,” he said, walking over to her. “We will be wed by nightfall tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?”
“There is no reason to wait. Besides, our bargain was for me to return you home once you healed my people.”
“I go home?” she asked incredulously.
“Give me a week or two to prepare the ship and men and then we leave.” He almost choked on his false words.
Aliss clapped her hands in glee. “I can’t believe I am going home.” She laughed. “And returning home a married woman.
“I have much to do before tomorrow. There is a celebration to prepare.” She ran off laughing. “I will tell everyone that the healer weds the Wolf.”