He lifted her chin to look up at him. “No, you didn’t. Our bairn was taken from you, and the ones responsible will never hurt you or any of our family ever again. It was senseless vengeance against my family that caused this and it is finally done. It will haunt us no more.” He wouldn’t tell her about Runa just now. Tomorrow or the next day would be time enough.

He pressed a gentle kiss on her lips. “I was so frightened I would lose you. My life, my arms, this bed would be empty without you. You’ve filled my life in ways I never imagined possible. I now understand why my mum cautioned me to settle for nothing less than love when I wed. She was so right. I love you, ást, more than you could possibly know.”

Tears fell gently from Snow’s eyes, rolling slowly down her cheeks. “After I went blind, I never imagined anyone falling in love with me, least of all you. And I do know how much you love me, for my love for you is just as impossible to comprehend, it goes so deep.”

They kissed gently as if sealing their love.

Snow snuggled content in her husband’s arms.

Tarass turned a smile on her. “So tell me, wife, when did your sight return?”

She smiled at him, her green eyes still wet with tears. “It was over time and it can still be fuzzy at times, but mostly it’s been clear for a while now.”

“I know why you didn’t tell me sooner,” Tarass said, his grin incredibly wicked.

“And why is that?”

“You could admire me naked as often as you wanted without me seeing how much you love my body.”

Snow laughed in spite of the sorrow that lingered in her. “You caught me, husband, I just can’t keep my eyes or hands off you.”

“Then I suppose I have no choice. Whenever we’re alone, I’ll have to stay naked around you.”

“You’ll get no argument with me on that,” Snow said and yawned.

“You’re tired. You need to rest,” Tarass said and went to ease away from her.

“No, stay a while longer with me,” Snow pleaded, holding on to him and returning her head to rest on his shoulder.

“Did you hear all of what Conall had confessed?” he asked, ready to tell her if she hadn’t.

“Aye, I did, and how sad that he didn’t realize that he, not your da, was the one responsible for what happened to him. His lies and greed came before all else. He truly cared for no one but himself,” she said. “Though, there’s a piece to the puzzle I don’t understand.”

Tarass hugged her close, needing to feel her tight against him and know she was safe. “What is it?”