Page 125 of The Viking’s Captive

“What made you change your mind?”

“I don’t think I ever felt different. I was fighting my own feelings for you. And you have already promised to stay with me. That is enough.”

“Then, yea, I would love to have your child. Though I still do not see how we can reconcile our differences. You are a healer. I am a soldier. We are so different.”

“Ah, dearling, I celebrate our differences. But actually, I have had many long sennights to ponder this, and I was wondering … would you consider working with me? Hell, I already have my own hospitium, thanks to your sister.”

“I do not understand. Work with you how?”

“I noticed how well we worked together when I was operating on your father. You do not flinch at the sight of blood. You anticipated my needs. You would make a wonderful assistant. In truth, you could become a healer yourself in time, if you so chose. God knows, there is enough work for me and you and Rashid.”

“Me? A healer?” The idea was so new and preposterous she could barely take it in.

“You do not have to decide now. And besides, you can still perform your soldierly duties here at Hawkshire … amassing a guard, patrolling, defending. I would not stop you from doing that … as long as you are here, not off in some other country, fighting some strange king’s wars.”

She nodded. He was a remarkable man. Truly, he was.

Adam slipped out of the bed then, got down on one knee, and said, “Tyra, dearling … my fair Viking … I only intend to make a fool of myself this once. Will you marry me?”

Tyra was no fool. She said yes.