Page 91 of The Warrior Priest
“I don’t even know how much it costs to buy a candle,” Vizah said.
Rufus indicated to his friends that they should go. “Let’s leave these two to plan their wedding, new home, orphanage, and children.”
“About that,” Vizah said. “Can I put in a request?”
“For us to have children?” Rhys asked, sounding amused. “Do you have a particular number in mind?”
“Three. All boys. I want you to name one after me.”
“Vizah’s a good name,” I said, trying not to laugh. “We’ll consider it.”
Vizah grinned. “Then you can name your second one Rufus and your third Andreas.”
“Why am I third?” Andreas asked.
“I should be first,” Rufus said. “I am the master of the order now.”
Andreas rolled his eyes. “I was wondering how long it would take before you brought that up.”
Rhys put his arm around me again as his friends walked back to the gates. “What if we have girls?”
“I’ll think of some girl names,” Vizah called back. “Don’t worry, Jac. Leave it to me. You won’t have to worry about a thing.”
Andreas thumped Vizah’s shoulder again. “She’ll be the one birthing them.”
Vizah placed his hands over his ears, earning another thump from each of his friends.
Rhys steered me away. “I’ve never noticed how immature they are.”
“Says the man who encourages them.”
He grinned that boyish, charming grin I’d missed. Without the burden of responsibility for something he no longer felt committed to, he was back to being his old self, with a few modifications that came with maturity.
I tilted my head up, intending simply to look at him and allow myself to be steered along by his body. But he stopped and faced me. His gaze searched mine.
“You have the most remarkable eyes, Jac. They’re like nothing I’ve ever seen.”
I pulled the pendant out from beneath my shirt. “They’re the same color as this stone.”
“The color is the same, it’s true, but your eyes have a depth and warmth that a mere stone can’t match.” He bent his head and kissed me lightly, teasingly. “Have I told you how much I love you?”
“Not since this morning.”
“Then I love you, Jac. I may not have much, but I have that. I give it all to you.”
“It’s enough, Rhys. More than enough. I’ll cherish it, always.”
