"How?"
"By marrying me tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Her eyes widened. "Saints!"
"Your sight or lack of it has naught to do with anything. I love you and I want you by my side either way. To me, you are perfect."
Kristina closed her eyes tight. "I'm far from perfect, Colin Cameron. But… aye."
He waited for her to explain what she'd meant. "Aye?"
"Because I cannot live without you… because I love you more than life itself, I will be selfish and marry you." Blinking back tears, she smiled.
Joy propelled him from the chair. "Thanks be to God!" Hardly able to contain the chuckle that burst out, he leaned over and kissed her forehead. "'Tis not selfish, my love. 'Tis most generous of you, for you make me the happiest man on God's green earth."
"You make me incredibly happy, too." Her grin widened, and she wiped at her tears. "But you must wait until I can crawl from this bed and put on a decent gown."
"I don't wish to give you time to change your mind," he teased, squeezing her fingers.
"I'll not change it. But I hope you know what you're getting yourself into." A trace of dry humor threaded through her tone.
"I do know. And by the way, my mother likes you."
Kristina's brows shot up. "She does?"
"Of course. She gives her blessing for us to marry."
"'Tis kind of her, but what about the council of elders?"
That was one thing which still concerned him. "I have not spoken to them yet." Truth be told, he'd been avoiding them.
She wore a worried expression. "What if they disapprove?"
"Then I suppose Bryce will find himself chief."
"Nay! I cannot allow you to give up the position."
"I doubt they will object, especially when they find out my mother approves of the union. And I believe my father did, too. Since you have agreed to wed me, I can now meet with them and gain their approval."
"What is all the excitement?" Anna entered the room, followed by Neacal and Ralston.
"Tell them," Colin urged Kristina. Since she'd been the reluctant one, he wanted to hear the words coming from her mouth.
She grinned. Though she still lay abed, she appeared radiant. "Do you promise to keep it a secret?"
"Of course," Anna said.
"Colin and I are to wed."
"Oh!" Anna bounced on her toes. "I'm thrilled for the two of you."
Smiling, Neacal gave him a warrior handshake. "Congratulations, my brother."
"I'm glad you've both finally agreed you'll be perfect together," Ralston said. "Took long enough."
"Ralston," Kristina said. "Colin told me what you did, risking your life and getting injured because of me."
"'Twas my pleasure."
