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.
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—”