Page 107 of Marin’s Promise

“What are you thinking?” she pulled her head from his chest and glanced up at him.

“I'm wondering what our life will be like together in our castle.” He ran his thumb over her cheek where the discolored bruise was fading to a deep yellow. “And I wonder what ye want out of our life.”

“What do you mean?”

“Ye've never thought about what ye want, Marin. Ye've always done for others.” He let his thumb brush over her lower lip. “This is our life and I want ye to think of yerself for once.”

She smiled. “I have what I want.”

“But there is more. Ye could take up gardening.” He kissed her gently. “Ye could swim out in the sea like a selkie.” He kissed her now-smiling mouth. “We could have children.”

“Aye,” she breathed. “Children.” The simple word made her smile with wonder at the idea of having her own, ones who looked like a perfect mix between her and Bran. A sweet babe to cradle in her arms, as she had with Leila all those years ago.

“We should try for them soon.” She slid a coy look up at him.

“When ye’re healed,” he replied gruffly.

Her fingers ran down his chest to his abdomen. “We can stay in our chambers late every morning and retire early every night. Mayhap even in the afternoon.”

“The afternoon?” He dropped his jaw with exaggerated shock. “Ach, next thing ye’ll be suggesting is Friday, or some other day not sanctioned for copulation.”

Her brow quirked upward like a shameless flirt. “Every last day of the week.”

He held her face in his hands and kissed her, so glad to have her safe and in his arms, and so eager to see what their new life would bring them. If nothing else, he knew there would be passion and love and happiness.

“Bran.” A familiar voice called his name from the doorway.

He froze. Ena. He released Marin and spun around to find his sister rushing toward him. Her long dark hair was bound back, and her slender face was clean. She did not appear to have any bruises indicating beating, or other signs of misuse.

He took his sister in his arms. She squeezed him with impossible strength. “Ye saved me.” She released him and blinked back tears. “My Renault will be joining us soon.”

She glanced around Bran. “Is this Marin?”

Marin smiled. “Aye. It is good to meet you after all this time, Ena.”

“Thank ye, my lady.” Ena bobbed an uncomfortable curtsy.

“Marin,” Marin corrected. “Please. We are sisters and there is no greater joy in all the world than a sister.”

“Mayhap a brother.” Ena grinned at Bran, then back at Marin. “Or mayhap even love.”

“Or mayhap children.” Bran reached for Marin’s hand while he held his sister’s shoulders secure in his right arm.

Regardless of where the love came from, or whether the person was noble or poor, they all found wealth in joy. And Bran knew himself to be the richest man in all the world.