The Temperate Warrior (31 page)

Mara regarded his disconcerting reaction. “’Tis all right, Gustaf. Æsa feels no pain. I will have her cleaned up shortly.”

Trusting in Mara, he forced his gaze to remain on the little one in his arms. From the tufts of reddish-blond hair on his son’s head to the button nose above his full lips, he’d never seen such a beautiful sight. He glanced at Æsa only to find her staring at him, smiling.

“What shall we name him?” Æsa asked.

He laid their son next to her on the boxbed and drew his family together in his arms. “I think we should name him after your father.”

“My father…” she thought. “What made you decide that?”

“Sighvatr is a good name. A noble name.”

Æsa tested it on her lips. “Sighvatr, son of Gustaf, son of Rælik. It sounds perfect.”

Gustaf’s eyes flashed wider and he sat up. “I nigh forgot about the gift Ulfr and Ketill gave to us.” He searched through the room for the package, rummaging through their many belongings the men had brought off the longship. “I thought I saw Jørgen bring it in, but where did he put it? Ah, here ‘tis.”

He untied the crisscrossing of leather straps and pulled out a thick cloak of deep brown bear fur. “Just as I suspected,” Gustaf crooned, holding it for her to see. “Ulfr finished tanning the hide of the bear I slayed—as a gift. A wedding gift from me to you. What do you think?”

Æsa ran her hand down the soft sable fur. “’Tis beautiful. I will wear it with pride for ‘twas my brave warrior husband who took down this monstrous beast.”

As Gustaf unfolded the cloak and spread it over his wife and child, another cloak of smaller size fell out. “Look at this, Æsa,” he said, picking it up. “A tiny version of yours. Sighvatr has his own cloak, too.” He draped the cloak over his son and took in this blessed moment.

His son was born. His Æsa was now his beloved wife. And his future had the potential to afford him a long life of peace and happiness. Perhaps, being temperate would suit him after all.

Holding his family in the swathe of his mighty arms, he closed his eyes and savored the quiet reflections of this blessed moment. He finally sat content in a place he could call home—a home where all the descendants of Rælik could for ever more live in peace.

THE END

ABOUT RENEE VINCENT

Renee Vincent
writes award-winning historical and contemporary adult romance. From the daunting, charismatic Vikings, to the charming, brazen Alpha male heroes of modern day, you’ll be whisked away to a world filled with fast-paced adventure, unforgettable romance, and undying love.

Visit her website at
www.reneevincent.com

Also by Renee Vincent:

The Emerald Isle Trilogy:

Ræliksen

Mac Liam

The Fall of Rain

Silent Partner

If you enjoyed Renee Vincent’s
The Temperate Warrior
,

you might also enjoy these historical romance authors

published by Turquoise Morning Press:

Suzanne Barrett, author of
Sierra Bride

Mae McCulloch, author of
Leashing the Moon

Sheryl Brennan, author of
Celtic Sacrifice

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