Begin Again

Chapter 1

(RYAH)

I stood at the water's edge listening to the waves as they crashed in against the rocks that were lining the shore. I closed my eyes as I listened and inhaled a large breath of the crisp wintry air. Spring was just around the corner. The snow was beginning to melt around town and there was a slight warmth in the air. This horrible season would be passing by soon. I wrapped my shall tighter around my shoulders to ward off the chill as I thought about the approaching spring. The world of naked trees and frozen ground would be replaced with life. I could imagine the blossoms on the trees and the lush green grass that would cover the ground. It would be a fresh start. 

I felt a tingling on the back of my neck and I stopped thinking about spring. The tingling continued and I remained completely still. 

"I can feel you watching me." I said with a smile on my lips. I kept my eyes closed and forced myself to listen for the silent footsteps as he approached. I never heard them. Even when the large rough hand brushed my loose hair off of my shoulder I never heard him approach.

"No, you can't." He said as he placed a gentle kiss against my neck.

"Well, I didn't hear you, so how else can you explain yourself?" I asked as I opened my eyes and turned around to lean into his arms, immediately his arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me close. I loved the instant warmth that surrounded me. "When are you leaving?"

"In a few minutes." 

"Do you know when you'll be back?"

"In a few weeks."

"Is Rollo going with you?" I asked turning around to look into his dark eyes.

"He's staying home for the birth of his child."

"He's excited isn't he."

"There are no words to express his joy. I hope I feel the same way one day."

I blushed at his words and leaned up on my tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek. He tightened his hold on me as a loud horn blasted. It echoed around the land. He loosened his arms around me and I held tight to his neck clinging to him. "I don't want you to go just yet."

"I have to or they will leave without me and how will I pay for our house?" He asked as he detangled himself from my arms. I sighed in defeat as he held me out at arms length with his hands at my shoulders. He smiled at my expression then reached up to cradle my face in his warm hands. He held my face gently between his hands as his eyes roamed  until they settled on my lips. He glanced up to my eyes as though to ask me permission even though I knew that he already had his answer.

"Not until we are married." I warned him and he sighed shaking his head and settled for a kiss on my cheek.

"That's a silly rule," He mumbled as he pulled away. 

"No, it's not. I want the only man I ever kiss to be the man who I am going to marry."

"Then I shall hurry home to you," He whispered leaning in to put his forehead against mine.

"Then we will be married."

"The second I step off of the boat and my feet hit the soil I want to hear wedding bells."

"I'll be the one in white." I agreed.

"Marry me, Ryah." He said.

"I already said I would."

"I just had to make sure." He smiled. "The second I get back."

"Maybe after a bath?" I suggested with a shrug and he winked at me. The horn blew again and he looked towards the harbor where the boats were getting ready to set sail. He turned and walked away from me to where his pack was sitting on the ground. He paused in front of it for a moment then reached down to grab it by one of the thick straps.