“Is something wrong with it?”
He thought to lie but then that was what had got him into this mess in the first place. He was better off with the truth.
“No. There is nothing wrong with it.”
She turned to go as he expected she would. He reached out and took hold of her hand. “Sit with me for a moment.”
“I have work to do.”
He tugged her gently under the tree. “Just for a moment.”
Aliss obliged reluctantly.
They settled in the shade of the towering oak in tense silence. Rogan knew she would jump up any second and be off. He knew she was afraid to open her heart to him again. After all, he had damaged it once; why would she take another chance? So he intended to court her, treat her extra special, and let her know how very much he admired, respected, and loved her. He would do anything and everything to repair the damage to her heart and help her to love again.
“It is wonderful news about Anna and John.”
She beamed with delight. “I couldn’t be happier for them.”
“It is always good when another babe joins the clan.”
“A birth is a joy everyone can share in.”
“And this birth has the distinction of being the first in our new home,” he said, holding her glance with his. “Or is there a chance that you could be first?” He had to know. Ever since he had heard of Anna, he had wondered if Aliss was with child. Surely, she would know by now.
Her silence made him even more curious. “Is there something you want to tell me?”
“There is nothing for me to tell you.”
“While I am sorry to hear that, I am also relieved,” Rogan rushed to explain, seeing her startled expression. “I am eager for you to have my child, for I have no doubt you will be an excellent mother. First, however, I want to make certain you are secure with my love and know that you are my life, my breath, my being. Then I will get you with child.”
Aliss stared at him speechless then simply turned and walked away.
He watched her go and knew that there was no way he could watch her walk out of his life. His heart already ached from the distance that had been forged between them even though every night she slept in his arms.
His plan was set and placed into action. He would advance forward as an army of one and conquer her. He jumped to his feet, gave a quick look around, and spied what he wanted. He gave it a swift pluck and followed Aliss until he caught up with her. There in front of the cottage where she did her healing, he attempted to begin to heal her heart.
“For you.”
Aliss turned around.
He held out a yellow wildflower and cringed when he saw that in his rush he had yanked out root and all.
She smiled, laughed, and took it from him. “Thank you.”
That she was gracious in accepting his mistake made his heart soar even more with love for her and he stepped forward. “One kiss,” he murmured. “I have missed kissing you. Just one—please?”
She looked from him to the flower then to him again and with a tender smile stepped close and kissed his cheek then stepped away.
“I had more than that in mind.”
“You asked for a kiss and I gave it. You gave me a flower and I accepted it.”
She was right. She had accepted his gift freely and gladly, root and all. He owed her the same.
“No root next time.”
“No cheek next time.”
She entered her cottage sniffing the flower, her green eyes sparkling, and Rogan smiled as he turned and walked away.
The night brought with it a thunderstorm and a fever to Teresa.
Rogan knew his wife would remain by Teresa’s side until the fever no longer threatened her. Anna would not be there to assist; Aliss had insisted it was not necessary.
He brought supper to his wife but she was too busy to eat. She gently cooled the young woman’s body with wet cloths while assuring her in a soft voice that she would be all right, and she meant it.
Rogan had watched her carefully when he had first brought her to his clan. He had heard of her unique healing abilities, but he had not been certain if they were tale or truth. Her talent seemed almost too mythical to be true, but he had learned differently.
He had learned that she possessed the heart and touch of an angel and the determination and strength of a warrior. Her presence alone had the capability of bringing relief to the ailing. Even now as the young woman’s fever raged, Teresa lay calmly in bed, relaxed by Aliss’s tender touch.
There was no point in disturbing the two, so he took his leave quietly, hoping Aliss would find time to eat when Teresa slept.
He returned to the keep and spoke with the few men and women in the great hall whose cottages were not yet ready for occupancy. Then as the night grew late he made his way to his bedchamber and climbed into an empty bed.