Willow placed a gentle hand on his arm. “Your presence here will not help her. Leave this to the women.”

“It’s all right, Tarass,” Snow said, relieved the pain had passed.

Tarass hunched down beside the bed and kissed his wife’s cheek. “You might need me.”

Snow smiled. “I always need you, husband.”

Her playful manner made him smile until she began to cringe in pain again.

“Do something for her,” Tarass demanded, turning to Willow.

“Snow will do what’s needed just as you will leave us to help her,” Willow said.

“My sister is right,” Snow said through the pain. “It’s time for you to go.”

Tarass brought his face close to hers. “I will take my leave only if you promise me that you will shiver the rafters with my name if you should need me. Something I know you’re capable of since you do it quite often.” He grinned.

Snow chuckled and cringed at the same time and Tarass cringed along with her.

“Go. Now,” Willow ordered, pointing to the door and was surprised to see Ruddock, Sorrell’s husband standing there. Sorrell stood beside him with her arms folded across her chest.

Ruddock walked over to Tarass. “Time to go and leave your wife to the women and join the men for some ale.”

“You know I’d kick your arse if you tried to take me from her,” Tarass challenged, getting to his feet, though not letting go of his wife’s hand.

“I have no doubt of it, but I doubt you’d survive an attack from Sorrell, so I’m actually here to save your arse.”

“He’s right,” Snow and Willow said in unison and with a laugh.

“Go,” Snow urged her husband. “My sisters will take good care of me.”

Tarass kissed her cheek once more and whispered, “I love you always.”

“And I you, husband,” Snow said and felt him reluctantly let go of her hand.

“Come on, Thaw. You’re coming with me.”

The pup looked from Tarass to Snow from where he sat on the floor with his chin resting on the bed on the opposite side from Tarass, reluctant to leave Snow.

“Go with Tarass, Thaw,” Snow said. “You will return soon.”

The pup followed Tarass and Ruddock to the door.

Ruddock slapped Tarass on the back after leaving the room. “All will go well.”

“I don’t recall you wanting to leave Sorrell’s side when her birthing time came,” Tarass said as they descended the stairs.

“And who helped remove me from the room?”

“Me and Slatter,” Tarass said, recalling how he thought he and Slatter would have to drag Ruddock away from Sorrell.

“How was it that Slatter left his wife’s birthing room with no help from us?” Ruddock asked as they entered the Great Hall.