Norse Jewel (Entangled Scandalous) (22 page)

Helena whispered in Hakan’s ear, “This is your doing?”

He glanced at the priest, whose face and hands lifted toward heaven, and whispered back, “What’s my doing?”

“This fast ceremony in Latin and Frankish.” Her whisper blew strands of his hair.

He liked the feel of her breath on his ear.

“I would know the vows I take.” He squeezed her fingers, a gentle reminder that he’d never lose her. “And, I keep my promises.”

Light glowed from Helena’s dark blue eyes, which made the finest gift that day. She mouthed
thank you
as the holy man chanted his words from the upper step. ‘Twas not the first time she did such a thing, nor, he vowed, would it be the last. The curling vine that had wrapped around Hakan’s heart so long ago had finally tamed the restless wolf within. This time, he was well and truly wed.

Epilogue

“You are wed?” Emund shook his carrot-orange head in disbelief.

The other men stopped their leisurely pursuits in the tavern. Heftnaftl game pieces, gripped by meaty hands, hung in mid-air. Wooden ale cups jolted, sloshing their brew. A serving wench screeched, dumped from the lap of a stunned warrior who stood up too fast. The air churned with thick swirls of smoke. Only the fire crackled and popped in the jumble of rocks that made the hearth. The tavern looked small with the press of hulking Norsemen bent over tables.

“You are truly wed?” Erik peeked from behind Jedvard.

The giant Norseman moved so the boy could run to greet them. Erik’s blue gaze went back and forth between his father and Helena.

“’Tis true,” Hakan said.

“I am glad.” Erik’s face creased in a broad smile, revealing the gap of a newly lost tooth. He slid his hands into theirs, and stood as a link between them.

The men roared their approval. Cups were lifted once again. Astonished faces gave way to the joy on their chieftain’s face and his Nordic-garbed bride. They settled at the table by the smooth, river-rock hearth, and Hakan called for mead and cider. Even Jedvard joined them at the table.

Erik showed them a Heftnaftl game piece he had begun to carve in their absence. He set the piece, the beginnings of a king, on the table and folded his hands.

“Jedvard says we won’t go back to Svea. That we’re going to Gotland.” The boy tried hard to look older than his years.

Hakan held Helena’s hand atop the table. His thumb stroked the back of her hand.

“I am not sure what or where we’ll land, but I am certain of one thing,” he said, smiling. “Our adventures have just begun.”

Acknowledgments

Creativity requires lots of partners, doesn’t it? My mom deserves a big “acknowledgment” hug, because she’s my mom and we’ve been through much on this life road. I want to send a big thank you to author Janet Wellington, my first gentle reader and kind encourager years ago. My friend, Paula Steidl, has been the best cheerleader and beta reader on this journey. To my agent, Sarah E. Younger, thanks… Partnering with you has been the smartest writer’s move I’ve ever made. Here’s to many more “acknowledgment pages.” Thank you to editor Erin Molta for making this process enjoyable and insightful (and for embracing Vikings…they’re back!). Thank you to Entangled’s PR experts, Jaime Arnold and Sarah Ellsworth, for your hard work.

And thank you Brian, Clay, and Chad, for believing in me and buying me nerdy history books. I love them and I love you guys!

May I pour lots of blessings back to each of you.

About the Author

A love of history, books, and romance is the perfect recipe for a historical romance writer. Gina’s passion for castles and old places (the older and moldier the better!) means interesting family vacations. Good thing her husband and two sons share similar passions, except for romance…that’s where she gets the eye roll. When not visiting interesting places, she can be found in southern California delving into the latest adventures of organic gardening and serving as chief taxi driver.