Page 42 of Merciful Salvation

With that, she snuggled against his chest. She’d forgotten many things where Aaron was concerned—including her responsibilities to her family. Her father would never approve of a match between them. And Aaron possessed too much honor to consider keeping her without his approval. There must be a way. They needed time alone to discover their true feelings.

Freya, please aid me.

Chapter Thirteen

Commitment

The longship arriveda day early in the Trondelag. Aaron stared admiringly at the improvements on Tyr’s dock. Room enough for three or four vessels to anchor at once. The only cargo being offloaded today was Kara. He slung their bags over his shoulder, then climbed overboard. The old navigator helped her disembark. Ever since the night they’d discussed her family, she’d been less willing to open up to him.

Taking her by the hand, he guided her down the wood gangway. At the end of the pier, boys were setting their hooks to fish. He stopped. Memories of doing the same in Scotland made him smile, especially the sight of dough balls and wire hooks in their hands.

“How’s the fishing?” he asked.

“I’ve had better days,” a boy answered.

Fish eggs made the best bait. “Have you tried using roe?” Aaron asked.

“Ran out an hour ago.”

Aaron chuckled as he looked over his shoulder at Kara. For the moment, she seemed satisfied to watch. “Like fresh fish?” he asked her.

She responded with a terse laugh. “Of course.”

“Maybe we can fish this evening.” Perhaps if she did something constructive with her hands, it might improve her mood.

Whatever she felt, he couldn’t slight her. The loss of a parent hadproven nearly impossible for him to live with. He gave her an appraising look. She possessed the perfect balance of beauty and wit, making it incredibly difficult to resist her. And more than ever, he wanted to kiss her pain and doubts away.

“Where are we staying, milord?” she asked.

“The main house is over that hill.” He pointed, then started walking.

She trailed behind as he trudged slowly up a hill. Once they reached the peak, Kara openly admired the view below. The land was fertile and green. Aaron noted that the oat and barley fields had been expanded threefold. Sheep and cattle were grazing. “I’ve always loved this place.” The smell of fresh earth and wildflowers hit him.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Aye.” It pleased him to see her relax. “I’m glad you like it.”

“I’ve seen few places that rival it. Where are we?”

Up to this point, he’d left out as many details as possible. Only because he suspected she’d refuse to come if he told her where they were going. “Steingard,” he answered. “See the white rocks that dot the landscape? It’s named after them.”

“Whose land is this?”

“Jarl Tyr Sigurdsson.”

“And we’ll be welcomed?”

He sincerely hoped she’d understand the necessity of seeing her safe. “The jarl is my kinsman.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Why didn’t you tell me before we left camp?”

“I knew you’d be uncomfortable—”

“I am,” she agreed. “Why should I visityourfamily when I have one of my own I wish to see again?”

He was suddenly sure of one thing—he’d be unwelcome in her bed tonight. “You’re not easily persuaded to do anything you don’t wish to do.”

She regarded him coolly. It would be wise not to challenge her. Although he spoke the truth, she didn’t like surprises.