Page 135 of Love Me Forever

She laughed. “I am reluctant to tell you the names I called her at the time I was birthing her.”

Royce grew concerned. “You had a difficult birth?”

She shook her head. “It was long and tiresome, and I swore several times that I would have no more children.”

“If that is what you wish.” He was anxious to please her and ease any worries.

“Nay, it is not. I wish for many brothers and sisters for our little one.”

Royce grinned. “That is a relief.”

They both laughed and the joyous sound echoed through the cottage.

The door creaked open slowly, and Ian peeked in.

Royce waved him in. “I forgot you waited outside.”

“I was worried—” Ian stopped when he saw the tiny babe at Brianna’s breast. He hurried over.

“A daughter,” Royce announced proudly. “I have a daughter.”

There were handshakes, hugs, and kisses, and Royce was soon cleaning up the cottage while Ian went off with a few men to hunt for the evening meal. He then tended to Brianna, and when she was fresh from her washing, he settled her and his daughter to rest on clean sheets and blankets.

The two females napped, and Royce sat watching them. It gave him pleasure knowing they were safe and he was here with them.

Ian shared the evening meal with them, and when it was done, Royce stepped outside with him for a moment.

“Does she know of Arran?” Ian asked.

“Nay, I have not told her yet.”

“She has not asked?”

“Nay, she has not.”

Ian placed a hand on his shoulder. “Tell her and be done with it.”

Royce nodded and entered the cottage. His daughter was sound asleep tucked in her mother’s arm, and Brianna looked about ready to fall asleep.

“Come join us,” she offered. “It will feel good to sleep in your arms again.”

He shed his clothes and joined her beneath the covers, wrapping his arm over both of them.

They cuddled and kissed and Brianna said, ‘Tell me, Royce, I need to know.”

He knew she spoke of Arran, and he told her the truth. “I took his life.”

She sighed. “Then it is done and over.”

He did not wish her to feel guilt or sorrow for a man who caused his own demise. Arran was where he deserved to be, and he would trouble no one ever again.

“For him, aye, but for us it just begins. Will you marry me, Brianna, and spend the rest of your days with me?”

He smiled. “The choice is yours. It has always been yours.”

Her smile bordered on a soft laugh. “You have always given me choices, now I give you one. Aye, Royce, I wish to marry you. Do you wish to marry me?”

He wrinkled his brow. “I need to think about that.”