“Must I make it one? Will you forever argue with me? Can you not just once—once—pay heed to my word?” he argued, trying not to raise his voice.
She looked puzzled. “You gave no word.”
“You never gave me a chance,” he clarified.
She offered a reasonable explanation. At least she thought she did. “I saw the terror on Fyn’s face and knew something had happened. There was no time to question or debate.”
He slapped his chest. “That’s my decision to make. I command my people, my clan, not you.”
She didn’t understand why his words stung her at times, though that didn’t stop her from unleashing her tongue on him. “Your people. Your clan. I should have expected those words from you, but I’m glad you made it clear, what was obvious anyway, you’ll never accept me as your wife.”
He groaned in frustration. “You are part of my people. My clan. And never doubt that I accept you as my wife. But I lead. Not you. And you and your men need to learn that.” He could tell by the sudden gleam in her eyes that he had somehow walked into a trap.
“I’m not your wife until you seal our vows. And I, nor my men, will pay heed to your word until you trust me… and you know what you have to do to prove you trust me. If you need reminding, it’s the same thing you need to do to officially make me your wife.”
Chapter 14
Raven was surprised to find herself on the verge of tears watching the way Greta hugged her son and Fyn, the little lad refusing to leave Fyn’s arms. But no tears came, she wouldn’t let them.
“He’s found a family for himself,” Clive whispered, standing beside her and poked her in the arm with his elbow. “I think George is about to do the same.”
Raven saw what Clive did, the concern on Eria’s face for George upon his return and the gentleness in the way George reassured her.
“They’d make a good match,” Clive said. “They are both gentle souls, though George can be fierce when necessary. When Eria discovered his interest in Northmen symbols, she was only too pleased to discuss them with him. They spend much time together.”
“Things are changing, Clive,” Raven said.
“We all knew it would. It was just a matter of whether it would be for the better. I’m glad to see that it is, especially since my old bones—”
“Are too tired for all this,” Raven finished with a smile. “You’ve talked about Bethany enough through the years. Isn’t it time you did something about it? I can attest that she’s a warm-hearted, loving woman. I don’t know what I would have done without her when I was young. She was the closest thing I had to a mum. If you wait too long, some other man might scoop her up.”
“Angus,” Clive grumbled. “He’s had his eye on her since his return home.”
Raven tilted her head, casting a glance at the gray sky. “The snow falls lightly but that will soon change. We’ll probably be stuck inside for days or possibly longer. Wren won’t be able to get here to see how my arm heals. I want you to leave now and take a message to her. Let her know I’m doing well and she’s not to worry about me. And don’t dare try to return home today. Bethany will see you provided with shelter. You stay with my clan as long as necessary.”
“Raven,” Clive whispered, tears shining in his aged eyes.
She gripped his hand. “I don’t want to lose any of you, but it’s not fair to keep hold of you.”
“You’ll never lose us, Raven,” Clive said, sniffling back tears. “We’re family.”
“And families grow as they should.” She nodded toward Fyn, Greta, and Tait.
Clive elbowed Raven again. “Brod has an eye for Ida and I believe the interest is mutual.”
She looked at the way the two stared at each other from a distance. Clive was right. There was interest there.”
“You didn’t only free your brothers to live their lives,” Clive whispered, squeezing her hand. “You freed us all and gave us a chance at a good life.”
Raven felt the tears build deep inside her, but stamped them down. “Then you better get living yours. Bethany probably has a hardy stew brewing to warm everyone during the snowstorm and honey oat cakes as well.”
Clive’s eyes lit with delight, then faded.
Raven let go of his hand. “You’ve done all you can for me, Clive. It’s up to me to do the rest. If Bethany feels about you as you do about her, then stay with her. You’ve more than earned your own happiness.”
“He was right about you. You’re unique, like no other.” Clive wiped at his wet cheeks. “I still miss him.”
“So do I,” Raven admitted, thinking about the old man and wishing she had him to talk with.