Excerpt A Proposal
Not if the child was his? Truly at this late date, after all that has happened, he couldn't be doubting that...
"If you are wondering about the child - 'tis yours. I've not been with anyone since that night in Marsh, and you know I'd never before..." I couldn't go on. I searched his face, trying to figure his mind.
"No, 'Chite, I never questioned that. I was refering to something I asked you that night - the night we consumated our love and conceived our child. You most likely did not think me serious, thought I was just asking in the heat of the moment..."
FLASHBACK (not yet written)
"... but I meant it 'Chite. I meant it then, and I mean it now. So there is no confusion, I am not drunk - on ale or you." He dropped to one knee, took my left hand in his and continued. "'Chite, we've been best friends for most of our lives, since we were children. I think even back then we knew we were destined to be together. I have loved you for as long as I can remember, and I will love you till the end of time. I know that I lack status, strength of character and I am not a wealthy man. I have worked hard to try and make myself worthy of you. Malachite Korin je'Vaylor ti'Maynavins you keep my home, you are already going to bear my child, the only thing left to ask is will you be my wife and accept my name, for you and our child?"
It was the moment I'd always been waiting for, finally come to pass. It was not at all as I'd imagined it - mostly the complete opposite. And yet, 'twas beautiful. He loved me. He wanted me and our child to be with him, always. I remember being stunned and overjoyed, so much so that it took me several minutes to respond.
"Come here, off the floor!" I had tears in my eyes as I continued. "You have no need to kneel before me, I am not your better. We will be equals for I am as weak as you, but together we are strong in each other. We will both do for the other out of love, we will neither one rule over the other. If that is your wish - then, YES! Yes of course, I'll marry you!"
"Then I have but one more question, my Lady." He rose to his feet and leaned over the bed so as to bring us face to face. "May I kiss you, mother of my child, my soon to be wife?"
I simply nodded.
There are not words to describe all that kiss conveyed. For the sake of understanding I will try now. It was gentle yet passionate, loving and
(cont.)