She liked the feeling and would think about it throughout the day. Would those memories be all she had? Would she never know a kiss like that again?
Did she want to?
Not from anyone but Rogan.
Her answer came sharp and swift and made her realize that she could never kiss another man. What was she thinking? She would only be disappointed, and besides, she did not want to kiss another man.
She began to pace. She had not thought this through. She would return home only to face the prospect of finding a suitable husband. How could she find one after sharing kisses with Rogan?
Other men would pale in comparison. She would never be satisfied with another man. Would she pine for Rogan the rest of her days? Would she wonder if there was a chance for them to love each other?
She kicked at the dirt, frustrated with her situation, when she was struck by a thought. If she felt this strongly about leaving Rogan and his kisses, why not marry him? It would be a good solution to her problem. She would not be saddled with a man she did not favor. She could wed a man whom she actually cared about, maybe a man she could eventually love.
He also did not mind her healing work. He had been an encouragement to her through the ordeal of healing his people. He would not demand she tend to him and forsake her passion to heal.
Of course, there was the problem of convincing Tarr of her decision. After all, Rogan had speared his arm with an arrow and he had attacked Tarr’s land on two occasions.
However, Tarr had stipulated that the decision was hers to make.
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?