Faithful

by Carol Ashby

  As the man who made the reunion possible headed out the door, Tiberius’s gaze followed. His heart swelled with a happiness so great it might burst. There might be a finer young man in the Empire, but he doubted that. Galen had managed to bring good out of bad for all of them.

  The beauty of his estates, the luxurious life his fortune could buy, the power he’d wielded in the service of Rome―it was all worth nothing compared to being in this rough cottage with the son he thought he’d lost, the grandsons he never knew existed, and the young man he’d almost killed for his faith.

  In the entire Empire, there was no better place to be.

  Chapter 48: What Sisters Are For

  It was snug with seven around a table that usually held five, but no one seemed to mind. With Tiberius on one side and Galen on the other, Adela couldn’t have chosen a better seat.

  Valeria handed out bowls brimming with a lentil stew that smelled of onions and garlic with chunks of carrots adding color. Adela stirred it, and the aroma drifting around her didn’t seem too nauseating.

  She selected a wheat roll to nibble first. Her stomach felt calm, but that could change quickly if she didn’t eat soon. The small piece she tore off should be safe enough. The mild yeasty flavor was no problem, and when she swallowed it, it went down easy and settled comfortably.

  “Adela.” Galen seated himself beside her after filling his bowl a second time. “Try some of Val’s stew. It’s tastier than anything we ate on the way to Rome and at least as good as some of the dishes Tiberius’s chef made.”

  She stirred it, postponing that first bite. “I was letting it cool a little first.” As she raised a spoonful to her lips, the smell made her stomach swirl. But she still placed it on her tongue and forced herself to swallow it. It tried to come back up, but she managed to swallow it again. A drink of water got it back into her stomach.

  Valeria’s eyes triggered an inner shiver as they probed her, and Adela forced a smile to deflect the questioning gaze. “The stew is delicious, just as Galen promised it would be. He says you’re the best cook he knows.”

  Valeria’s light laugh was musical. “He’s told me that for years, but I know the truth. Whatever cook gives him the largest portions, that’s the one who’ll be his favorite as long as the taste isn’t so horrible he can’t gag it down.” She shifted her focus to Galen, who tried to hide his grin by taking a drink.

  “That’s not true, Val. You are a good cook. I’d stop at seconds instead of thirds if you weren’t.”

  Adela took another bite. It did taste delicious, as long as it was on her tongue. Another swallow, another churn, another sip of water. Soon she’d eaten half, but how was she ever to finish it? And how was she to explain it if she didn’t?

  Then Decimus spoke to Valeria, and her eyes and smile turned toward the man who obviously owned her heart.

  Tiberius’s empty bowl took the place of Adela’s, and he began eating what she hadn’t been able to. A roll moved from his plate to hers, and the exchange was complete.

  She hugged him with her eyes and received a wink in return.

  Adela sat at the table, watching the fire. For the first time, she’d shared in Christian worship. Galen had read from a codex written by one of Jesus’s closest followers, and the family had shared many prayers. Even Tiberius had remained at the table, his arms crossed and his head tipped as he observed them all. It was a glorious way to end an evening.

  Valeria was in the loft, putting the boys to bed and setting up one of Tiberius’s cots for her. Decimus had gone with Tiberius and Galen to the second cottage for more conversation.

  After the sweet childish voices spoke their goodnights, Valeria climbed down the ladder. She joined Adela at the table, leaned on her elbows, and rested her chin in her hands.

  “Adela.” Valeria’s voice was gentle. “How far along are you?”

  Adela’s heart dropped into the pit of her stomach. “What do you mean?”

  “I’m a physician and a woman with three children. I know the signs.”

  Adela buried her face in her hands and closed her eyes. “Not quite three months.” She swallowed hard. “It was the man who kidnapped me.”

  She squeezed her eyes tighter, trying to stop the tears, but one trickled down each cheek anyway. “Galen keeps telling me you can find me a husband among the Vangiones, but with this child, no man is going to want me.”

  Her eyes opened when Valeria’s hand touched her arm. “I’m not so sure of that. I see how my brother looks at you. I think you’ve already won his heart. Does he know?”

  “No. Only Tiberius. He figured it out the first morning in Rome when my stomach didn’t feel good. He’s watched over me ever since, as if he were my real father. Actually, more than Father ever did. He’s such a kind man.”

  “I can see you love Tiberius, and he loves you. How do you feel toward Galen?”

  “He’s the finest friend anyone could ever have. Nothing stopped him from rescuing Otto, and he’s taken such good care of me from the moment Otto won me from the kidnappers.”

  Valeria’s head tipped. “Is that all?”

  “Yes…no. I mean, he’s such a wonderful man. So kind and funny and smart and brave and…” Her voice tapered off. How could she tell his sister that she loved him and longed to be with him when she carried another man’s child?

  “And he’s won your heart, too.” Valeria’s statement sounded so certain that there was no point in trying to deny it. “I see how you look at him.”

  “He deserves the finest, and I’m not that. Not anymore.”

  Valeria leaned across the table and rested her hand on Adela’s. “You’re a child of God, precious and of infinite value in His eyes. Nothing done by any man can make you less than that.”

  Adela traced the letters of Galen’s name on the table, then covered them with her palm. “In my head, I can tell myself that, but in my heart, I can’t believe it. I keep asking God to change this, but it’s like He’s not listening.” She rested her forehead on her hands and closed her eyes. “Galen says He always hears, but sometimes He doesn’t answer right away.” She turned sad eyes back on Valeria. “But this hurts so much, and I’m afraid.” She bit her lip. “I really need Him to answer right now.”

  “I’ve always found that God’s answer comes at exactly the right time, even though my heart might break while I’m waiting for it. The way I came to marry Decimus was like that.”

  Valeria stood. “It’s late, and you’ve had a long day. Take some rolls to the loft so you’ll have something to eat when you first awaken.”

  She walked behind Adela and massaged her shoulders. “I’ll join you in praying for God to give you His answer soon. He can bring good out of bad, and sometimes the result is more wonderful than anything we ever expected.”

  Decimus’s footsteps on the porch ended the conversation. After he stepped into the cottage, he closed and bolted the door. Then he walked to Valeria’s side and leaned down to kiss her cheek.

  Valeria’s head tipped back as her eyes caressed the man who towered over her. “Is your father comfortable in Galen’s cottage?”

  “Yes. He seems as happy about him being here as I am. It’s good to have you here as well, Adela. We’re glad you came.”

  “I’m glad I’m here, too.”

  Decimus’s arm wrapped around Valeria, and Adela placed her foot on the bottom rung of the ladder.

  “Good night, Adela. Rest in peace.” His words were barely spoken before his eyes turned on his wife. His other arm encircled Valeria.

  Adela’s heart ached for Galen to do the same. To be his wife…She fought the sigh. Each night his deep voice had spoken those words. Rest in peace―would that ever be possible again?

  “Good night.” She climbed the ladder and laid down on the cot.

  The soft murmurings of husband and wife drifted up to her.

  God, please let Galen be your answer to my prayer. She rolled on her back
, and a tear trickled across her temple and into her ear. But if he can’t be, please guide me to what is.

  It was barely sunrise when Galen heard the light tapping on the door. He opened it to find Valeria, wrapped in her shawl to ward off the cool dawn air. She gripped his wrist and pulled him onto the porch before closing the door behind them.

  “Good morning, Val. Do you need me to do something?”

  “No, but there’s something important I need to know. It can’t wait, and it’s not something the others should hear. I watched you and Adela last night. What’s going on between the two of you?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Is that the way you want it to be?”

  “Well, no.” He rubbed his neck. “But Otto’s been courting her. They talk a lot, and he makes her laugh all the time. She told me at the start that she expected to marry a chieftain’s son. I’m almost certain he’s going to ask her after he gets Baldric’s permission.”

  “You’re wrong about her wanting Otto. Don’t you see how she looks at you? She’s in love with you. She even admitted it when I asked her last night.”

  Galen’s head bounced back. “Are you sure? What woman would choose me when she could have Otto?”

  “Any smart one, especially if she also follows the Way.” She pushed the stray lock of hair off his forehead. “She’ll say yes the moment you ask and be thrilled with her choice.”

  His nose scrunched. “That’s hard to believe. I tried not to show how I felt before she decided to follow Jesus, and by then she and Otto seemed like they belonged together. I’ve even encouraged them because I thought he was what she wanted.”

  Valeria’s eyes rolled. “You men are so clueless when it comes to a woman’s heart. She was probably trying to make you think Otto was a rival so you’d say something before he did.”

  “But if that’s true, what about Otto? I think he’ll want to marry her in a few months.”

  “That’s too late, and it’s not likely, either. Baldric won’t give his permission.”

  “Of course he will. He wants the best kind of woman for his sons, and Adela truly is the best kind.”

  Val drew a deep breath. “She might be, but he’ll never say yes with her carrying another man’s child.”

  Galen’s hand flew to his mouth, and he dragged it down his chin. “Gundahar.” His jaw clenched. “He kidnapped her north of the frontier before he kidnapped Otto. Her stepmother hired him. We caught up with him in Brigantium, and he was crucified. As they were hauling him away, he told Adela he’d taken more than she knew and her father wouldn’t want her back.”

  He rubbed his lower lip. “This changes everything.” His normal smile reappeared. “I won’t be at breakfast. I need to talk with Otto.” The smile grew. “When I come back, I hope she’ll become your sister in more ways than one.”

  He kissed her cheek. “Thank you for telling me, Val.”

  Val pushed his stray hair back again. “That’s what sisters are for. I’ll be praying for all of you.”

  “If anyone asks, I’ve gone to discuss when he’ll get the rest of the horses.”

  As he strode toward the shed to get his saddle, his usual slight smile grew. What was a problem for Otto was no problem for him, and he would do his best to make it no problem for her. His heart would gladly welcome any child, no matter how he or she started in this world. And to the right woman, it really was the heart, not the height, that mattered.

  Chapter 49: The Perfect Man

  Galen rode into Baldric’s compound just as his family was drifting out of the main house after breakfast. Otto came out with a nephew clinging to his back, arms around his neck and legs around his waist. When he spotted Galen, he squatted so the little boy could slip to the ground and scurry off.

  He sauntered over to join Galen under the tree where he’d tied Astrelo. “I didn’t expect you this early. I thought you’d be stuffing yourself on Valeria’s breakfast porridge.” He glanced back at the main house. “Olga’s a good cook, but it’s not the same.”

  “I needed to talk with you alone about something.”

  Otto tipped his head toward a shed. “Behind there should be private.”

  When they were behind the shed, Otto leaned against the wall. “So, what is it?”

  “It’s about Adela. I know you like her, but is it more than that?”

  “What man wouldn’t like her? She’s probably the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. She’s not afraid of anything.” The corner of his mouth pulled up in a twisted smile. “She laughs at all my jokes, so she has a good sense of humor.” He scrunched one eye. “But she laughs at all your jokes, too, so maybe she’ll laugh at anything.”

  “I was really asking what your intentions are.”

  “Intentions?”

  “Yes. Do you want to marry her right away?”

  Otto’s eyebrows shot up. “Marry her? I think she’d make a fine wife, but I’m not planning to marry anyone soon. I like her as a friend, but I hadn’t thought past that.”

  Galen squared his shoulders. “I have. I love her, and I’d like to marry her as soon as possible.”

  Otto straightened. “Then I think that’s exactly what you should do. Having my best friend marry my good friend…I approve.” He slapped Galen’s shoulder. “I thought it might come to this after she decided to follow your Way. You don’t need my blessing for anything, but you have it anyway.”

  Galen closed his eyelids as he released a deep breath. When he opened them, a smile lit his best friend’s eyes. “Almost forgot. When do you think you’ll get the rest of the horses?”

  “Later this week. Father has to decide what land I’ll use for them, and we’ll need to make corrals.” Otto’s grin leaked out. “I haven’t told him yet that Tiberius made me a Roman citizen. He doesn’t like Romans, but he won’t disown me over it. Besides, Baldricus doesn’t sound that different from ‘son of Baldric.’”

  Otto draped his arm across Galen’s shoulders and started them back toward Astrelo. “You keep saying good can come from bad. When her stepmother tried to kill her, that was as bad as it gets. But getting you as husband, I can’t name anything better.”

  Galen mounted Astrelo and grinned down at the best friend in the Empire. “Time to go see if she agrees with you.”

  When Galen rode out of the dappled shade of the wagon track into the bright light of the farm yard, Adela was sitting on the porch with Tiberius. Her hand raised in greeting, as if she’d been watching for him.

  He pulled a deep breath through clenched teeth and blew it out through puckered lips. Then he reined Astrelo toward the porch and the future he hoped for.

  When he reached her, he swung his leg over the horse’s neck and slid off. “Adela, would you come with me to the corral?”

  He held out his hand. When she stepped off the porch, she placed her palm on his. He interlaced their fingers and squeezed. When she squeezed back, warmth flooded through him. The future was only one question away.

  Galen glanced at Tiberius in time to see his lips twitch. The noble Roman crossed his arms and raised one eyebrow. Her guardian was on duty, but he’d already told Galen he should marry Adela. He wouldn’t object to the topic of their conversation or to the result if it went the way Galen hoped. But Galen’s heart rate ramped up anyway.

  He led them to the corral where Astrelo usually stayed. Adela stroked the horse’s neck as Galen uncinched the saddle, lifted it off, and placed it on the railing. She stepped back when he opened the gate. After removing Astrelo’s bridle, Galen sent him in with a swat on the rump.

  One quick glance at the sky, and he was ready. God, let this be your will for us. Let her say yes.

  Adela’s stomach had swirled when she took Galen’s hand, but that had nothing to do with the coming baby. The determined look in his eye and the question that felt more like a command caused it.

  He closed the corral gate and focused serious eyes on her. “I’ve wanted to a
sk you this since the camp before Aventicum, but I don’t want to wait any longer.” He scooped up both her hands. “Adela, will you be my wife?”

  Her breath stopped as his words sunk in. Then it returned, rapid like something was chasing her.

  “You won’t want me…after you know. I’m not a good match for you.”

  A smile played at the corners of his mouth. “Is there something about me you couldn’t learn to love, or at least overlook? I can work on it. I am a short Roman, and that’s not what you told me you want. I can’t change the Roman part, but I was hoping you might agree it’s the heart, not the height, that matters.

  “Val has to stand on tiptoes and stretch up to kiss Dec. That can’t be easy on her neck. It should be easier to lower your head for a kiss from me than to stretch up to reach some tall German.”

  His hand swept toward the second cottage. “I already have a place, so we can marry right away. The winter nights won’t be so cold with you snuggled against me, like at the top of the pass…only better.” His smile blossomed into a full-blown grin.

  She bit her lip. If she told him about the baby, it would drive away the man she loved. But she couldn’t lie to him just so he would marry her. Better her own pain than his when he found out.

  “You’re the perfect man who would fulfill any woman’s dreams. The problem isn’t you. It’s me.” She closed her eyes to stop the tears, but some escaped anyway. “I’m carrying Gundahar’s child.”

  Her eyes popped open when his fingertip swept the tear away.

  “Then I’ll be getting a true bargain. I don’t have to pay anyone a bride price, but even if I did, I’d be getting two for the price of one. And I won’t even have to wait as long as most for my first child.” He wiped the tears from her other cheek. “I love children.”

  Her eyes saucered as she stared at his smiling face. She’d never seen him lie, but could he really mean what he’d said?

  “Don’t look so surprised. I’ll love our first as much as any others God might give us in the years to come. The blood father doesn’t matter to me. Every child you have will be my child, too.”