“Your father and I were longtime friends. We fought side by side in battle from when we were young. I would like to grant your father his last wish and at the same time, gain a beautiful and kind wife who hopefully will give me a child to carry on my clan name and inherit my land and wealth. I ask that you give it thought. You have much to gain with this union, most of all a home of your own and a man who would be the kind of husband your da wanted for you.”

James responded as she thought on the offer.

“It is very generous of you, Lord Polwarth, but my sister is quite content with her life here.”

She had been content when her sisters were with her and promises made that they would never part. They would always remain close and that hadn’t changed even though Sorrell now lived a distance away. Snow, herself, had encouraged Sorrell to go and be happy with Ruddock. And while she might not have been able to see how much Willow loved Slatter, she had heard in her voice when she spoke about him. Now it was James and Eleanor’s time and while this was still her home, it no longer felt like it was.

Then there was Tarass and her foolish thoughts about him that would get her nowhere and only bring her more sadness.

She made her decision quickly before she could change her mind.

“I accept your offer of marriage, Lord Polwarth,” she said and didn’t need to see the shock on James’s face. She heard in his gasp.

“I am overjoyed,” Lord Polwarth said. “We shall wed posthaste.”

“Within the week,” Snow said. “I want time to tell my sister Willow and send a missive to Sorrell.”

“Of course, whatever will make you happy, my dear,” he agreed. “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you have accepted my offer.”

After more talk, that Snow remembered little of, Lord Polwarth took his leave, eager to return home and arrange for the arrival of his bride.

“Do you truly want this, Snow?” James asked after Polwarth left.

Snow spoke honestly with her brother. “I don’t know, James. I only know that all is different now and I don’t know where I belong.”

“Then I urge you not to rush into this marriage. Tell him you prefer to wait until spring and give yourself time to see if this is what you truly want.”

Snow shook her head. “It is better I do this now and be done with it.”

“I think it is a mistake.”

“Perhaps it is,” Snow agreed with trepidation of her own. “But it gives me a chance to have something I thought I’d never have… a husband and my own family. And he is a trusted friend of our da and he will keep me safe.”