Samantha cried. She simply couldn’t help herself. Faren wanted to marry her. Plain old her. He loved her. She couldn’t stay the flow of tears that coursed down her cheeks although she couldn’t suppress the wide smile that split her face either. Words failed her as she nodded her head so vigorously that her hair spilled around her like a halo.<br/><br/>“I, I, I don’t need a wedding like Maric and Nimue had.” She stammered. “I just want you and a priest. If Lord Maric and Lady Nimue would attend, they could be our witnesses. Do you think the priest would allow Nimue in the church?”<br/><br/>Faren’s arms had never felt so good as right at this instance. The birds in the trees above them were singing more sweetly than they ever had and the gentle breeze had never smelled so sweet. Samantha initiated a kiss, the first time she had ever allowed herself to be so bold with Faren. Normally, he had to steal a kiss or two from her amid her blushing, but love gave her courage.<br/><br/>While in this moment of courageous demonstration, Samantha decided that she would take Nimue’s advice about celebrating her womanhood. She decided she would trust Faren with her body, mind and soul. Breathing deeply, and struggling with the words, Samantha said to the strong man holding her,<br/><br/>“Faren, I am to be your wife. Our pledge has been made. I will confess that I am terrified of what goes on between a man and a woman.”<br/><br/>She broke off, so overcome with guilt, shame and embarrassment that she almost didn’t complete her invitation but Faren’s patient silence encouraged her to go on,<br/><br/>“I am not yet ready to have you make love to me, but Faren, would you, I mean, I would, I mean,” she took yet another steading breath. “Would you help me to become accustomed to your touch? Can you do this for me without making love to me yet? Perhaps, if you can touch me, when the day comes that our vows are said, I can come to you whole heartedly.”<br/><br/>She cast her eyes down and sighed,<br/><br/>“Please don’t think me the harlot for asking.”