Page 87 of Love Me Forever

“Hungry or tired?” he asked, his breath a bit labored.

“Both.”

He heard the tiredness in her response. “Eat and then sleep?”

“Eat. I am famished.” The thought of food restored her energy.

“More than bread and cheese?”

“Much more,” she answered with a laugh.

“Then I will see to a feast.”

“Then you will truly be my hero.”

“You are to impress,” he said with a tender pat to her backside.

She yawned and stretched, moving away from him to roll on her stomach.

He leaned over her. “You are all right?”

“I feel wonderful. I had not thought that making love could be so grand. We must do it often.”

“As often as you like,” he assured her with several kisses to her shoulder. “Now I get you food.”

“Please,” she said, sounding as if she were starving.

He dressed and left the room, returning soon with a small feast.

She had slipped on a robe while he was gone and sat by the fire waiting. Her thoughts had been happy ones. She had made a choice, a good choice, and was pleased with her decision. Life would go on and for the better. She would allow herself to love and live as she had not done before, and she felt relieved, relieved that she had the strength not only to go on but to live a full and content life.

They talked and laughed as they ate and made plans for the future. They even discussed names for their child.

“If a boy I would like to name him after my father—Connor.”

“A strong name, I like it, but what if a daughter?”

He thought, knowing the name he wished, but feeling if he chose a son’s name, she had the right to choose a daughter’s name.

“Your grandmother, what was she called?”

“Breda,” he said softly.

“Then Breda it shall be,” she said, reaching for another piece of cheese and bread, the meat pie not filling enough.

He was speechless for a moment. “There is no name you wish to give a daughter? Your mother’s name?”

She shook her head, finishing the piece of cheese. “I think a daughter would do well with your grandmother’s name. She meant much to you, as would a daughter.”

He was about to kiss her in appreciation for her thoughtfulness and because he loved kissing her when she suddenly yawned.

“You should rest now,” he insisted, clearing away the tray of food on the bed.

“You will stay with me?” she asked, snuggling beneath the blankets and yawning again.

“Always,” he said, kissing her forehead, and then depositing the tray on the small table before climbing into bed and cuddling up against her. “I will always be with you, and I will forever keep you safe.”

“I am happy,” she said on a yawn. “Finally all is settled and we will live happily together.”