“That wasn’t a battle, wife, that was complete surrender,” he said and kept her tight in his arms as he stood. “And now I’m going to be victorious and have you surrender completely to me.”

Snow chuckled. “We’ll see who surrenders first.”

Chapter 24

The snow returned, hard and heavy, stranding everyone for days, not that Snow minded. She spent time with her husband, time talking, time laughing, time making love, lots and lots of love and she smiled at the memories. What was even more wonderful was that shapes were beginning to take form and while they had first vanished as fast as she had seen them, they were beginning to last longer and longer.

Snow found herself able to maneuver around the keep more easily, and she let everyone believe it was because she had grown familiar with the area. She had to be sure that what she was seeing wasn’t something temporary. That her vision was improving, if only a little, and would remain so, or dare she hope continue to improve.

“I don’t think Lord Tarass is going to be pleased with you venturing out of the keep,” Nettle said, handing Snow gloves. “It still snows, though not as heavily and while some paths have been cleared, it is still not easy to walk through the village.”

Thaw barked and Snow smiled able to make out a shape, part of it wagging like crazy, near the door.

“He’s eager to play in the snow and I’m eager to visit with Twilla,” Snow said. “And isn’t Rannock seeing to the repair of a roof that got damaged. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind seeing you, since you two have been talking quite a lot lately.”

Nettle laughed. “We went from arguing to talking, which I must admit is nice. I don’t know what happened to change it in the last few days, maybe a week now, but it’s been enjoyable.”

“Then take Thaw and let him enjoy himself in the snow while you talk with Rannock,” Snow said. “I’ll be fine with Twilla until you return for me and if you see Lord Tarass before that, let him know where I am.”

“As you wish, m’lady,” Nettle said and took Snow’s arm, Thaw leading the way out of the keep.

It was a bit more of a trek along the snow-covered ground than Snow had expected and she was relieved to park herself in a chair at Twilla’s table, a hot brew in hand.

“My old bones ache with the winter cold,” Twilla said, hugging her tankard. “This is the time I miss my husband the most. We kept each other warm in the winter. I won’t be surprised if late summer or early fall brings a harvest of bairns.”

Snow’s hand went to her stomach, hoping she’d be one of them. “That would be nice.”