The Orc's Rose: Chapter Seven (deluxe preview)

Chapter Seven:

Obresh is flanked by the Cobra Strait to the west and the ocean to the south, so the winter winds that blow through are exceedingly cold. Back home in Sothen, the winds were much gentler. Here, the bitter winds and my new home fill me with this strange, new feeling. I’m still getting used to being treated so warmly and lovingly by Ozren. There are days I even struggle to accept it. The nagging voices I’ve heard all my life are beginning to quiet, but they’re still somewhere deep inside me.

Ozren has been working hard to make sure the home is insulated for winter. He’s been sealing cracks in the wood outside and putting heavy patches of moss around the window frames. He’s even gone out and bought a thick material so I could make new curtains, and brought home some yarn after noticing I had knitting needles amongst my things.

When I ran away from Sothen, I didn’t carry much with me. I grabbed things I thought I could use, things I would need on my journey towards a new home. I had taken up knitting as a way to keep my mind busy. If I knit, I found I could cancel out most things around me. I didn’t have to listen to my father and brothers spouting their loud words and sometimes hateful rhetoric even when I was in the same room as them.

I hadn’t needed the quiet knitting provided since I arrived in Obresh, so they had been tucked away. Ozren had glanced at them once in the drawer, which must have inspired him to get  me some yarn for the winter.

“There’s a lot here! What makes you think I can use all this?” I chuckled. The yarn was thick and soft, and there were some pretty colors amongst the bundles.

“It takes a lot to make things, doesn’t it?” He asked as he took his boots off. They were covered in mud, and his hands looked chapped and rough as dirt fell from them.

“Sometimes.” I set the yarn away and watched him for a moment. “Your hands-”

“Oh hush now,” he sighed. “Happens every winter.”

I pressed my lips into a firm line. “Maybe so, but some balm or a healing salve would do wonders on them.”

Ozren chuckled. “I’ve just grown used to it. No need to fret.” he leaned back in his chair and moaned, rubbing the back of his neck.

Something was off, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. He sat in his chair and barely spoke. He usually had so much to go on about. His day. My day. All sorts of things. But he was so quiet. It was a bit strange for him. Even as I served dinner, he seemed far from present.

The silence made me nervous. Where I once sought it out, it now made me dreadful. My Ozren filled the world with noise, good noise. This wasn’t him.

“Is everything okay?” I asked.

Ozren looked up from his plate as he took a bite. “Hm? Aye, it is, my Rose. Dinner is wonderful as always.”

I gave him a serious look. “Not the food.”

He sighed heavily as he sat up and combed his fingers along his scalp, pushing his long hair away from his face. “I have some bad news, and I haven’t built up the nerve to tell you.”

My stomach sank and turned cold. It was my first instinct to think the worse, but I had been trying to break the habit. But it was the way Ozren looked that made me worry, made me cling to old habits.

“No, no,” he said before my mind could wander to those intrusive thoughts. “Nothing to do with you. Everything to do with me.” He forced an unconvincing smile. “I may have to leave Obresh for a while.”

My breath stuck in my throat. It was so close to winter! How could he think about traveling now? “Leave?” I balked. “Leave for what?”

His forced smile vanished and he looked down guiltily at the table. “I’ve been hired to build a few things along the coast. An old friend of mine contacted me a while back about it. Before I met you. The money is good, very good. And usually, this wouldn’t be an issue, except I have you now.”

“I’ll be fine on my own.” I wanted to be supportive, but this would be our first time being apart since the reaping. “Plus I have Meggie and Mr. Bodkin.”

“Maybe so, my Rose,” he chuckled. “But it is getting so cold out these days. And being from Sothen I’m sure you’re not used to the winters we have here.”

“I know,” I murmured. “But I could always go back to the Odd Strawberry if things get bad.”

He grit his jaw and huffed through his nose. “I’ll make sure to stock up all the firewood before I go. I don’t want you to have to leave your home because I was ill prepared. If a friend hadn’t asked me to do this, I wouldn’t be so conflicted.”

I smiled for him, wanting to reassure him as always. It made me nervous to think of being alone, but I knew this wouldn’t cause him such conflict if he didn’t believe in it. “You don’t have to explain things to me. When do you have to go?”

“Once supplies come in, I’ll be taking them out to him,” he answered, sounding quite sorrowful. “I’m just worrying over you, that’s all.” He fiddled with his wooden finger, twisting it this way and that then rubbing the smooth finish.

It was going to be hard. But maybe there would be some good from this. I could learn more about this world outside of Sothen. I could learn to be more self reliant, even if I had Ozren with me. I could teach myself to cook better. There was lots I could do to keep busy.

“I’ll be fine. Lonesome, but fine.” I gave him a reassuring smile, hoping it would be enough. “I promise.”

Ozren walked around the table and sat down on the bench right next to me. “That’s what worries me the most.” He kissed my hand then held it to his cheek. “I don’t want you to be lonely. I don’t want you to be cold in that big bed.” He rubbed his thumb softly under my eye.

I stroked his cheek, brushing back hairs from his face. “I’ll be fine, really. You’re the one who will be cold, building a house and all. Will you at least have somewhere to sleep?”

Ozren shrugged. “I’m used to such things.”

I frowned at him, unsatisfied with such an answer. “Just because you’re used to it doesn’t mean it’s okay with me. You make sure you have a warm bed. And I’m sending you with a protective salve for your hands! I like your hands rough, but not that rough.” I patted his arm for good measure.

Ozren’s eyes brightened as a small laugh escaped his lips.

I pouted and gave him a light shove. “I’m serious!”

“Oh, my rose has thorns.” Ozren’s genuine grin returned, and it made me happy. “I’ve got memories of you to keep me warm, my Rose. Sweet, blessed thoughts of your voice, your soft skin, and your beautiful eyes.”

He knew just how to make my heart bound. “Well then,” I cleared my throat, “I have similar memories to keep me warm.” I lifted my chin, trying my best to smile for him.

Ozren smiled and kissed my forehead. “I hope you do, my Rose. I’ve tried to give you as many as I can.” he kissed my cheek, then my neck.

I shakily try to breathe so I can respond in kind. “You have. Your hair falling around my face, your...” I swallowed the growing lump in my throat. “Your arm against my lower back. Your... hands on my hips...” The space between the two of us is small and it’s growing warmer by the second. Every breath I take feels like the air of a volcano’s cauldron. “Your… your…”

“Stop talking.” Ozren chuckled, grabbing hold of me as I wrapped my arms around him. “My love, I need you now.”

I nodded, gazing up at him with bleary eyes. “You can have me.” We should have known better than to play with that fire. But then again, we hadn’t shied away much when it came to making love. If anything, we leaned into it.

Ozren swept the dinner plates aside with his arm and I flinched from the surprise. I was worried over the plates for a moment before Ozren picked me up from my seat and sat me down upon the table top.

“Here?” I giggled. “You’ve made a mess of the dishes!”

“Anywhere, it doesn’t matter,” he said with that seductive smirk of his. His hand went up my skirt and he leaned in closer to me, easing my back upon the table. “With you, it doesn’t matter. I just want you.”

I pushed aside his long hair as he looked down upon me. I touched his cheek and grazed the side of his ear. “I’m starting to realize that with you.”

Ozren licked the side of his tusk, his hands went further up my skirt, pushing it towards my belly. “As long as you’re comfortable, I’m happy wherever we are. My desk at work,” he said with a chuckle at the memory. “Or table. Our bed. Hell, Even on the big stone outside.”

“Too cold for that,” I teased. I pulled him down closer, pressing kisses all over his face as he slid between my thighs. “It’s perfectly warm right here.”

He chuckled again. “Perfectly warm, here.” He pressed into my groin and I whimpered a bit.

Ozren growled hungrily at that sound. He tugged down my underclothes then opened the front of his pants, pulling out his thick cock. He grabbed hold of my hips and I noticed his hands were trembling.

I looked up at his face, seeing a slight hint of concern upon his pinched brow. “Ozren, you’re shaking. Are you okay?” I placed my hand upon his face, trying to melt those worries away.

Ozren ‘s smirk returned. “I shake every time, my Rose. I’m so excited to make love to you. And I realize I only have so many more of these moments before I have to leave.” That last word seemed hardest for him to say.

“It’s not something to count down. You’ll be back home and beside me in no time.” I ran my leg up and down his thigh. “But, until then, we can spend as much time together as possible. Wherever we are.”

“You’re wonderful, my Rose.” He grunted as he rubbed against me. He pressed in close, rubbing his cock along my folds. He felt so warm, so close. It was hard to imagine how cold it was outside.

Ozren pressed inside me, exhaling as he did. He adjusted his hips, digging his fingers into mine. I bit my lip and closed my eyes tight to savor this feeling.

With a grunt, he stilled for a moment. “How is it?” Ozren whispered.

I nodded. “I’m fine. You… you feel really good right now.” I laid my head back and sighed.

His smile grew. “Do I? I haven’t even done anything worth noting. Just joined into you.” His palm stroked up my arms to pin them above my head. “May I keep going?”

I’m not sure how he’s able to sweep me up so easily. Just like the dishes he pushed back on the table. “Yes, please.” I practically begged.

Ozren kissed me as he pressed inside deeper. I tightened around him to feel more, to please more. He let out a soft cry against my lips. “Sweet gods,” he hissed through clenched teeth. “I’ll never get used to you.”

“Maybe you don’t need to,” I panted.

“My Rose, you make me so weak.” He moved his hips, thrusting himself inside me. He arched a bit, so his aim went upwards slightly. I lost my breath for a second, and stretched myself to get it back. He had a way of doing that to me every time.

“I love you,” he moaned. “I love you so much.” His hand holding my wrists moved up, taking hold of one of my palms.

I laced my fingers with his, then moved my other hand to his shoulder.

The table rattled with his efforts. It knocked against the wall and the plates chimed together. It really didn’t matter where we were, it felt so good to be with him, to have him inside me. He felt right inside, perfect even; like we weretwo pieces of the same whole. I wished we had stripped off all our clothes just so I could feel his skin press against mine.

Ozren’s moans became desperate cries in my ear. I love to hear him moan, to know I am causing him this much pleasure. It’s just as arousing as his body, his hands, even his cock. I gripped onto his shoulder, grabbing a fistful of his shirt.

“Don’t stop-” I whined breathlessly.

“Never!” he snarled, “Never ever.” He thrusted harder, shaking the table so much one of the dinner plates fell off the edge. “Don’t worry about it. Don’t worry,” he grunted as he kept going.

My fingers clutching his shirt gripped tighter and I heard a rip as I pulled the seams of his shirt. But, it didn’t matter. I was far beyond worrying over a dish or his shirt. Ozren felt too good, he knew my body too well. I let out a sharp cry as I felt the stirrings of my end coming.

I arched my back and pressed myself closer into him, but Ozren held me down. His hands pressed into my arms and his long hair covered his face. His hands and thighs shook violently. His voice came out almost pained and angry, but his release was strong enough that I could feel him throbbing deep within.

I was shaking too by the time it’s all over. I felt a few tears swell up then rolled down my cheeks as I relaxed my back against the table. Ozren was breathing hard, trembling as he pulled himself away. He sat down on the bench, then leaned forward to rest his head on my belly.

I was in a dreamlike haze, watching myself from above and wondering when I started looking so happy. I touched the top of Ozren’s head, returning to some of my senses.

“Ozren?” I murmured.

“I’m here,” he laughed. “But barely.”

I had a smug sense of satisfaction, despite the rest of me barely working at that moment. How I wished I could tell the me a year ago how good things would be, how right I was to want to run. I had so many doubts back then, so much fear inside me that I didn’t know if running was going to be the best option for me. Now I know, and I want to assure that scared girl everything is okay.

Ozren shakily stood and pushed his hair away from his face. He had flushed cheeks and a certain smug smile.

“Come now,” he scooped me up off the table. “Let's get some proper rest in bed.” The bedroom was warm and cozy, and the bed felt so much better than laying upon the table. As Ozren climbed in beside me, he kissed my neck and I couldn’t help but moan.

He held back a laugh. “You’re that pleased?”

I fidgeted against the blankets. “I don’t know what happened, but something felt different. Something felt...”  I trailed off as he cuddled up beside me.“I’m still not over it.”

“It seems we’re starting to find our spark,” Ozren murmured. “Pretty soon, we’ll catch fire.”

I wasn’t sure if that was good or bad. “Catch fire?”

Ozren sighed and started taking off what remained of his clothes. “Old saying my mother used. Anyone can have a spark with someone, but maintaining a flame is much harder.”

I nodded, watching him as he became bare. “I want more, even though my body feels like it can’t handle much else. Is that shameful?”

Ozren chortled and grinned down at me. “No! It means I’ve done my job!” He started taking off my clothes as well. “If you want more, I’ll give more.”

I squeezed my thighs together in response. As much as I wanted him again, I was overstimulated as it was. “You must be tired, though.”

“For you, I’d find the energy.” He kissed my chest, then down my arm. His lips reached my fingers, which he kissed one by one.

Ozren gazed into my eyes and my heart began to sputter again. “I want to remember this, every moment of it. So when I’m not by your side, I will feel as though I am.”

“Me too,” I whispered. “But hopefully that won’t be long. Right?”

“Right,” he chuckled. “We’ll be able to sit together and watch the Reaping this spring. We’ll celebrate our first year.” he rolled over onto his back, yawning and stretching out on the bed.

I placed my hand upon his chest, gently petting him and watching my fingers go through his body hair. “When I first heard about the Reapings, I thought that it made no sense for people to be so excited. Now, I understand. Had I known this would be waiting for me, I would have been excited too.”

Ozren’s grin appeared and he chuckled. “I tried to tell you, my Rose. All this time, I tried to show you.”

I smiled and tears began to rise up. “I know you did. But sometimes I still can’t believe it.”

Ozren rolled over onto his side again. “I know.” He stroked his palm down my slide resting it upon my hip. “It’s like a dream.”

I shook my head. “Don’t say that, that’s scary. What if it is? What if I wake up?”

Ozren pinched my ass and I yelped out loud. “What was that for?”

He snickered and held my rump in his palm. “Proving to you that you are wide awake, my love. You don’t need to be afraid. I’m real, and I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Yes you are, you’re leaving to help your friend,” I said with a pout.

“Aside from that,” he laughed, kissing me.

I returned his kiss and petted my hand down his chest until something rubbed against me again. I curled my fingers around him and pressed his cock into my soft thigh.

“Well, one thing is for certain; this is still here.”

Ozren laughed and tried to pull himself up again. “Sorry about that. Bastard will go away eventually.”

I kept him in my hand, stroking him and feeling him grow harder. “No, it’s okay. He can stay.”

Ozren moaned softly, coming in closer and pinning me into the bed.  “Are you sure?”

I bit my lip as I looked into his eyes. “Until you have to go… we should make up for that lost time.”

Ozren breathed, arching his back slightly then lowering himself down against me. “You do have a point there, my Rose. But are you sure you can take it?”

I nodded. “I think so.”

Ozren sucked in a deep breath and held it in his chest. “I’ll be gentle this time then,” he growled. “I’ll take my time.”

Eight:

If it weren’t for the painful light coming through the window I doubt I would have ever woken up. Waking up meant I would be saying goodbye, as the day for Ozren to leave had arrived. I scowled and kept my eyes closed as I tried to bat away the intruding daylight. Let it be the night before for just one more hour, I thought, please sun, go back down! I want him to just sleep beside me a moment longer.

Ozren captured my hand, kissing it as he woke. “Good morning, Rose,” his voice rumbled. “Did you sleep at all?”

I opened my eyes to see his face illuminated by the window behind him. I could see his messy hair, the side of his jaw, and the glint of golden sun off the cap on his tusk. It would be a long while before I saw this sight again.

“I think so,” I mumbled. “You were so…driven last night.”

Ozren grinned, petting my face and smoothing my hair away. “Things are a bit blurry for me too. It’s been quite some time since I last used a night so wisely.”

His palm was warm against my cheek. “You should have slept. You’ll be traveling all day and need your strength.”

“I needed you. I’ll survive the day, ya can count on that,” he laughed.

I reached up and touched his face; he had started growing out his beard in order to deal with the cold while he worked. I brushed my knuckles along his cheek then rested my hand beside his ear. He smiled,content, taking in a deep breath.

“I should go and make you breakfast before you have to go.” I rose up from bed while Ozren watched me. I put on my robe then turned and looked back at him in bed.

“Ozren?”

He arches a brow. “Yes? What is it, my Rose?”

I smiled back bashfully at him. “I love you.”

He clutched his hand over his chest and sighed heavily. “Aye, there’s my arrow.” He sat up from bed and I came to his side, giving him a soft kiss. “I love you too, my Rose.”

The morning went by all too quickly. Before I knew it, we were standing in the doorway saying our goodbyes. I had checked his pack maybe a dozen times before now, and even still I felt we must have forgotten something. But it was time, I couldn’t delay it further.

“Stay safe, please,” I sniffled. “Don’t nail your hand to anything or crush your fingers with a hammer.” I wanted to send him off strong and brave so he wouldn’t worry, but I couldn’t stop those damn tears!

Ozren gently wiped my cheeks dry, placing soft kisses there. “I promise, I won’t. And if I do, you can punish me when I return home, my Rose.”

“I wouldn’t, just keep yourself in one piece.” I adjusted his coat, making sure the toggles were sewn on tightly. I had repaired it and placed the old straps as some were broken and others were missing the toggle. “And stay warm!”

Ozren smoothed his palm down my hair. “Aye, there are going to be some cold nights ahead of me. Best prepare myself for the inevitable.”

I sniffled and a few more tears rolled down my cheek. “Hopefully time will move swiftly.”

Ozren nodded, kneeling down to kiss me one last time. We both lingered, wanting to stay as long as possible. I stood on my tiptoes so long they began to ache, and Ozren pulled back with a disgruntled grunt.

I hiccuped as I tried to talk. “I waited so long to find you, and I’ll be able to wait however long it takes for you to get back home, my love.”

Ozren clutched his chest suddenly and jolted. “Another arrow.” He gave me three more small kisses before he stepped away. “Until I am struck by you again, my love.”

“Be safe,” I whimpered.

I watched him leave, stepping away from the house just so I could see the cart go down the road. I stood there until I could no longer see it. My breath came out in thick white clouds, and I didn’t realize I was shivering. I blinked more tears from my eyes and went back into the empty house.

Standing there, I felt lost. What was I to do? I sniffled and patted my cold cheeks, trying to pick myself up.

“No use in feeling so sad. He’ll be home soon.” I stepped into the kitchen, collecting the dirty dishes from breakfast to clean. I kept on cleaning after that. Every nook and cranny of the kitchen was washed and scrubbed. I dusted the highest of places, moving through the entire house until every inch began to shine.

I worked myself to the bone, not realizing the time until I looked outside. I hadn’t even changed from my nightgown that entire time. I got changed and gathered up laundry. I looked through all of Ozren’s clothes, seeing what needed repair work. I sat down with a needle and thread until my fingers began to ache and I realized I’d once again let time slip away from me.

It was dark out, and it was going to be my first night without him. I suddenly felt that heaviness upon my heart, but before the tears could well up there was a knock upon the door.

“It’s me, Rue!” Meggie sang.

I hopped up from my chair and opened the door. “What are you doing here?”

Meggie held up a small bag as she walked in. “I wanted to keep you company. I figured you’d be lonesome tonight.”

Outside it was so dark but I saw a small carriage driving away. “Did someone bring you here?”

Meggie got a big smile upon her face. “Yes. And I have much to tell you. I know my stories won’t replace Ozren’s company, but perhaps they will help.” She walked in and saw the bundle of clothes on the table I had been stitching on most of the evening.

“Keeping busy?” She asked.

“What else can I do?” I pouted.

“Mr. Bodkin would let you come work at the Odd Strawberry again. It would be better than sitting here all day once you do everything under the sun.” She’s glancing around, noticing how spotless everything is.

I nodded. “That might be best.”

Meggie patted my back then brought me in for a tight hug. She felt so warm and soft, I was comforted instantly. I could only hope Ozren was faring so well on the road.

I pulled back as I felt tears arising again. “So, what stories do you have for me?”

Meggie’s bright smile seemed much more radiant than usual. “Remember that orc I’ve had my eye on?” She turned and opened her bag, pulling out a bottle of alcohol.

“Of course.” I followed her into the kitchen as she gathered two cups for us.

Meggie uncorked the bottle and filled the glasses for us. “He finally returned to Obresh, and he’s staying put for a while!” She held up a glass high. “He’ll be here for the next Reaping in spring.”

I took my glass, cheering with her in celebration. “Do you think he’ll pull through this time?” I took a sip while Meggie happily spun herself around.

“He better. Or I’ll be throwing him over my shoulder,” Meggie laughed. “Max and I used the spare room at the Odd Strawberry the other night.”

I looked up at her, shy but curious for what had happened. “Oh really? Mr. Bodkin let you rent it?”

Meggie nodded, leading us over to the fireplace where we sat down. “It’s quite the story. But we have all night I suppose” she giggled.

The two of us ended up talking through the night. We passed out some time late, and by the time we woke up Meggie was already late for work. I decided to go with her to talk to Mr. Bodkin about working if I needed to, but also to stop by the store for more yarn. Ozren had bought me plenty, but I was looking for a certain color to start a new project.

As I was looking through the yarn, there was an orc woman looking around with a lost look upon her face. She was looking at yarn, setting it down, then considering walking away before she turned back to the yarn again.

“Are you looking for something?” I asked.

“Yes. No-” She huffed and looked frustrated. “I don’t know.” She looked at me, seeing my arms full of skeins. “Do you knit?” She asked shyly.

I nodded and approached her. “Yes. Do you?” I realized I would never have done something like this ages ago, and it felt nice.

She frowned and clutched her hands over her chest. “No. I’ve tried but I just don’t know what I’m doing. I know how to treat leather, but doing things like this I haven’t a clue.” She looked at me with an embarrassed expression. “My husband, he’s such a skinny fellow. So sweet and handsome, but he gets so cold since we moved here! I’d love to be able to make him something before the winter gets too awful.”

“It’s not so hard. If you’d like, I can teach you if you have some time each day.” I suddenly felt a bolt of excitement run through me.

The orc’s eyes brightened and her smile grew. “That would be wonderful! Could you really?”

“I’d be more than happy to.”

We continued to talk and we agreed to meet up at my house later in the afternoon. We started out with the basics and I was able to help her get started on something small. She wanted to be able to make something for her husband that he could use all winter, so I suggested we make a hat.

The day after that, she brought someone else who wanted to learn. For a short while, it’s the three of us. She makes her hat, and her friend begins the same process as well. Meggie also joined in, and since there were so many of us, I began preparing food for each gathering.

More people started to join our little knitting circle. Even children came to learn. People also began bringing foodto each meeting. The afternoons became this big meal with knitting. In the winter Obresh is filled to the brim with hand-made scarves, mittens, and hats. I’ve also managed to learn a lot of new recipes.

Unbeknownst to me, everyone was making squares to combine into a quilt for me. They pieced it together and handed it to me as a thank you for all the lessons and the wonderful times we all had. I broke down crying, thanking them all for helping me while Ozren was away.

One evening, I’m cleaning up after everyone has left. There’s yarn and fibers dusting the ground, so I start sweeping up.  Despite most helping to clean before they left, I was still finding bits and scraps of food everywhere.

“I should get a dog,” I sighed. “They’d clean up this food better than I could at this point.”

I opened up the front door to sweep out the mess and I saw someone walking up the road to the house. I squint my eyes, wondering if it’s one of the ladies from the knitting circle. I reached inside for one of the lanterns and stepped out of the stoop.

“Is everything okay out there?” I called out.

“Aye, should be fine in a moment, my Rose!”

My breath freezes inside my chest, and my heart stops beating for a brief second. I let out a pathetic little cry and rushed towards him, sprinting barefoot through the snow and ice.

“Get back in the house! It’s frigid!” Ozren shouted.

I cried out with joy. “You’re home!” I slammed into him, hugging him as tightly as I could. His great arms held me close, then he scooped me up off the ground.

“I am, my Rose. But you’re barefoot!” He fussed at me.

“I don’t care! You’re home!” I was crying tears of joy.

Ozren took me inside and sat me down before the fire. “Let me get a good look at you,” he growled as he took off his heavy winter scarf. Once his face was free he grabbed me back up and kissed me. It knocked the breath out of me, but it didn’t matter. I clung to him, feeling his now full beard rubbing against me.

Ozren chuckled softly as our lips parted. “Look at you, bright as sunshine!”

“Your beard!” I fluffed it between my palms. “It’s gotten so big!”

“I’ll shave it if you hate it. But there was no reason for me to be shaving out there.” He moved over to the woodstove to get warm and sat me in his lap. “I’m just glad to be home, rose. I’m so happy to see you again.”

I hugged him tight, kissing his forehead and temples over and over. His skin was so cold, all I wanted to do was warm him. “How did it go? No splinters? No crushed fingers?”

“Lots of splinters,” he chortled. “Luckily, no smashed fingers. Just cold, lonely nights”

I hugged him tight again, letting his face rest against my shoulder.“I’m so happy you’re here and in one piece I missed you so very much.”

“I hope you weren’t too lonesome.” He lifted his head, kissing my neck and jaw.

I giggled at his kisses, as his beard tickled. “Actually, I made some friends. I started teaching knitting, so I’ve had people over almost every day.”

Ozren grinned. “That’s wonderful! Got a big class, do you?”

I nodded, grinning with pride. “It’s been a lot of fun. I should thank you for buying me that yarn. Oh! Which reminds me.” I got up from his lap and went into the bedroom to gather the sweater I had made him, as well as the quilt the class made for me.

“They just made me this as a thank you!” I said, showing him the large quilt. “Isn’t it nice?”

He smiled, holding the ends of the quilt with a smile on his face. “It’s lovely. It will certainly be a treat this winter.”

I then held out the sweater to him. “I made you this. I only hope it fits.”

Ozren took the sweater and looked it over. “Well, now! I have to try it on then.” He handed the sweater back then started stripping away his clothing. My face warmed as I gazed upon his bare chest for the first time in so long.

Ozren tugged the sweater down then pulled his hair out from the collar. “Bit snug around my belly,” he slapped his stomach. “But I think this might be the sweetest gift anyone has given me.”

My heart pounded. “You like it?”

Ozren plucked me up into his arms. “I love it. But not as much as I love you.”

I kissed him, feeling as though I was dreaming. “I love you too. I’ve missed being able to say that.”

“I missed hearing it.” He nuzzled to my temple then sighed. “When spring comes, I want to give you something to go with our cuffs.”

I looked up at him, my heart racing again at what to expect. “Like what?”

“A marriage cuff,” he said with a smile. “I want to make you my wife, not just my mating partner.”

I felt squeezed from the inside out. I held so tightly onto him I might have choked him. “I want nothing more!”

Ozren had tears in his eyes. “I have never wanted to be anything more in my whole life. Aye, my Rose, I’ll be the best damn husband you ever had!”

I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. Should I kiss him? Hold him? Should I break into dramatic tears? Perhaps I should laugh? “I’ll be the best damn wife!”

Ozren grinned and aimed us towards the bedroom. “Then let me start tonight.”

I swallowed down my heart from my throat. “Now? Aren’t you hungry?”

Ozren growled low in his chest. “Very hungry, but not for food, my love. I’ve been away from you too long, and now that we are to be wed, I want to celebrate as much as possible.” he looked into my eyes before laying me upon the bed. “I love you, my Rose. My Rue. You’ve made this old fool so happy.”

I blinked tears from my eyes and smiled at him. My heart was so full, I couldn't even begin to describe the feeling. “You don’t know what you have done for me. I cannot wait to marry you.”

“Happily ever after?” He chuckled as we laid down in bed. “It’s only the beginning, my Rose. It’s barely even started.”