Page 164 of The Ranger
“Often times, yes. Sometimes other things are used.”
She smiled. “I want to know more about your people.”‘
“You will.” He took one of her hands in his. “What do I do?”
“To propose?”
He nodded.
Maida blushed. “Well, first the man gets down on one knee. Oh, but I have to be standing.” She did, then motioned him to get into position.
Markhel bent to one knee. “Now what?”
“You take my hands in yours...”
He did that too.
“Then you profess your undying love to me and...” She noted his furrowed brow. “Something wrong?”
“Undying love? Can love between two humans die?”
He sounded as if the concept was beyond him. “Sometimes.”
His eyes widened.
“It doesn’t fade between Muirarans?” she asked.
“No. Unless one’s heart is corrupted. But that rarely happens. He took her hands in his and looked at her, cocking his head one way, then the other.
Her heart sank a little. “What’s wrong? Can’t you… say the words?”
“What words?”
Her heart in her throat, she closed her eyes against the tears that suddenly threatened. “I love you.” She opened her eyes and looked at him.
He gave her a gentle smile. “Words are not enough, little one. My heart will speak to yours when it Calls to me. Then you will know.” He put her hands to his forehead a moment, lowered them, then looked into her eyes. “You are mine, but because your family is watching us, I will ask the question you wish. Will you marry me?”
She gasped and looked over her shoulder. “Pa!”
“Don’t interrupt him, Maida darlin’. He’s trying to propose!”
“Yeah, and your food’s getting cold,” Duncan added. He held up the two plates in his hands. Mama was holding two glasses of iced tea.
She faced Markhel again. “You’ll say the words after my heart Calls to yours?”
“Of course,” he said.
“What about your other heart? The one that beats like mine? Does it... feel anything for me?”
His face softened as he smiled. “Sweet Maida, that heart is already yours. And yes. It loves you.”
She bit her lower lip and smiled in relief. She wasn’t sure how everything was supposed to work and understood that Muiraran customs and culture were very different from her own. But to know he loved her was all she needed. Maida could scarce imagine what it was going to be like when he loved her with his other heart too!
“Little one...”
She blinked a few times to refocus. “Yes?”
He smiled again. “Will you marry me?”