"Even children," Roman continued. "We'll figure out a way to insert my DNA into live sperm."
"What?" Shanna looked at him. "You want to be a father?"
"Only if you're the mother."
She grinned. "You do realize the harem has to go?"
"Already taken care of. Gregori's taking them to his house until they can manage on their own."
"Oh, how kind of him." Shanna laughed. "His mother will have a fit."
"I love you, Shanna." Roman kissed her mouth.
"Get away from her!" Sean advanced with the wooden stake.
"No!" Shanna turned to face her father.
"Shanna, come with me. That creature has a hold on your mind."
"No. The hold is on my heart." She pressed a hand to her chest. "I love him." She realized her hand was on the silver cross. "Oh, my gosh." She swiveled to face Roman. "Hug me again."
He pulled her close.
"It doesn't hurt you?" She stepped back and lifted the crucifix. "It didn't burn you."
Roman's eyes widened as he gently touched the cross.
"It must be a sign." Shanna's eyes misted with tears. "God has not abandoned you."
Roman's hand curled around the cross. " 'Perhaps you do not understand the magnitude of God's forgiveness. A wise man told me that tonight. I couldn't believe it until now."
Shanna blinked back the tears. "God never abandoned you. And neither will I."
Roman touched her face. "I will always love you."
Shanna laughed as a tear escaped. "You realize if God can forgive you, you'll have to forgive yourself. You can't get away with hating yourself anymore. None of us can."
"Aye," Connor muttered. "We'll have to like the bugger."
Roman shoved the Scotsman away with a grin, then wrapped his arms around Shanna.
"This is not over!" Sean yelled. "We'll hunt you down, one by one." He stalked off, followed by his team.
"Don't worry about my dad." Shanna rested her head on Roman's shoulder. "He'll get used to you."
"Then you really will marry me?" Roman asked.
"Yes." As Roman's mouth came down on hers, she heard the cheers of Highlanders. She snuggled close. Life was good, even with the Undead.