Married To The Cowboy (Love In Collin's Ranch 3)

by Veronica Wilson

“I’ll talk to Dragna if you get a hunting party together,” Aila offered.

  “Deal,” Dagmar smiled. “I want you on the hunting party.”

  “We can’t both leave our people, Dagmar.” She could tell he hated the logic in her rejection. She could see the heated arousal that seemed to always be there now when he looked at her. It stirred her blood. Giving in to the need she rose on her toes. “But I promise to give you a nice kiss goodbye before you leave and another when you return.”

  “See that you do, woman!” Dagmar growled. Aila let him plunder her lips now, letting his flavor warm all the cold places. Pulling back, she smiled.

  “Go get ready. I’ll have a report from Dragna before you leave.” Aila watched him head toward Svenbreck and realized, maybe for the first time, that Dagmar would make a good ruler. He might not rule the way she did, but he would make a good one if the people chose him over her.

  “Dragna?”

  “In here, dear,” Dragna called, coming up from the in-ground cellar Dagmar had dug six months before. The small dirt stairs led deep into the ground where it was cold all year round. With a thick cowhide cover, it kept their roots and vegetables fresh until they needed to use them. “What can I do for you?”

  “Dagmar and I need a report on anything we may be lacking in food for the Solstice feast,” Aila informed the old cook. “I also think there may be some weddings coming up so there’s that to consider as well. Dagmar mentioned that both Breslin and Bregnan Bulcher received their beloveds early this morning. They’re currently sleeping, but I imagine when they wake they may feel famished.”

  “I’ll make sure we welcome them in our way come lunchtime. As for the report on what we need for the feast, we definitely need ginger if Dagmar can find any. Sage, and rosemary as well. Jasmine, lavender, and anything that smells good or looks pretty. With you two bickering so much lately, we’re behind on our decorating.”

  “Tell me about it. How about holly? Do we have enough?”

  “We always have enough holly. Dagmar could pick up some mistletoe though. It’s good for pain, sleeping issues, and kissing.”

  “You never cease to surprise me, Dragna,” Aila laughed.

  “I’m old, honey. I’m not dead.”

  “No, and neither is Dagmar,” Aila pointed out.

  “True,” Dragna said, laughing. It sounded more like a cackle now, but it still pleased Aila to hear it. She knew intimately how much she’d miss it when Dragna passed on.

  ***

  “Dagmar!” Aila called. Dagmar turned toward the sound and braced himself as Aila all but flew into his arms. “I got the list from Dragna.”

  “You could have just handed it to me, you know.”

  “I also promised you a kiss, but if you’d rather—“

  “Come here, woman.” Dagmar slipped an arm around her waist and took her mouth. Plunging her under that first time was always so much fun. Especially when everyone began to shout and whistle. Then her cheeks turned as red as holly berries and Dagmar knew she hated it. She was fine with his kiss, it was everyone’s attention she didn’t like. He took the list from her, studied it and then tucked it into his tunic. “We need to talk about building better, more secure homes when I get back.”

  “Alright,” Aila said, feeling winded. She waved to him until he could no longer see her for the curve of the land. When he turned back in his saddle he saw the rainbow that stretched across the sky, obviously Aila’s doing. Normally they’d take the ship out, but with winter coming on strong, they couldn’t risk it. He’d gotten Svenbreck and Dufguss, an older man, to come with him, hoping he’d chosen well. He didn’t know the two men nearly as well as Breslin and Bregnan, but he’d had little choice in the matter as his two friends were tending to their women.

  “Either one of you good at finding herbs and such?”

  “I’ve got some skill in looking for things,” Dufguss replied. “I can get started while we’re traveling.”

  “Good,” Dagmar said. “We’re going to hunt red deer, but if a stray cow or bear comes along, we take it. With winter coming in so strong I want to make sure we’re well and stocked for the months ahead. The less I have to leave the better.”

  “So, you and Aila finally figuring things out?” Svenbreck asked. Dagmar could see the man’s jealousy and knew he’d probably feel the same in the same circumstance, had felt the same, where Aila was concerned.

  “We’re working on it. She’s the most stubborn woman I’ve ever known, but having known her for nearly my entire life, I know how to handle her.”

  “She’s quite a woman,” Sven replied.

  “She’s the only woman,” Dagmar returned, a little taken aback at just how much he meant it. Would she accept him if he proposed? Did he really want her in his life enough to make it permanent?

  The threesome rounded a corner that led to a massive clearing. Almost instantly they spotted red deer and slowed their mounts to leave them in the shelter of the trees. “That herd there is beautiful,” Dagmar said, motioning toward a herd that contained at least three large does and one huge buck. “If we can get three of the four, we’ll be good on red deer.”

  The three men spaced out and each notched an arrow, their spears lying at their feet. “One, two, three,” Dagmar counted off and the men let their arrows fly. Dagmar sunk his into the buck’s front shoulder. The deer dropped immediately. Svenbreck had done the same with his doe and Dufguss easily finished his off with his spear. “Good job, gentlemen.”

  Three hours later, Dufguss had found bundles of every herb Dragna had listed. He’d also obtained mint and marjoram as well, hoping Dragna could find uses for them. If not, he was sure their doctor, Ragnic, could.

  “That’s excellent, Dufguss. Great job.”

  “Not sure you want to worry about it, but there’s some bear tracks over near the ridge. We could use the meat and fur both.”

  “Might as well,” Dagmar agreed. “If it doesn’t turn out, we’ll have to make do with the deer.”

  “A nice bearskin blanket or some boots and pants would go a long way for our people.”

  “Agreed,” Dagmar nodded. “If you see any ermine around, take them too. I need the furs and the meat never goes to waste.”

  It took the three men nearly four hours to take down the large bear that roamed the woods. A final arrow to its neck did it in. Dagmar left Svenbreck and Dufguss to build the travois that would carry their cargo home, while he went in search of the elusive little ermine. It’d take at least five to make the present he had in mind for Aila, but any he caught today would be a good start. With the Winter Solstice less than a week away, Dagmar knew he’d have to hurry to get her gift done in time.

  Returning to the men, Dagmar threw four ermine weasels on top of the collected carcasses and smiled up at his two new hunters. Given more time and Breslin and Bregnan, they could have come back with almost too much meat. “Let’s go home, boys.”

  “Sounds good to me. I’m starving,” Svenbreck said, rubbing an itchy spot under his thick beard.

  “We’re Vikings, we’re always starving.”

  “Truer words were never spoken,” Dufguss laughed. “Think Dragna will be able to use all of this?”

  “With the number of people we have? We’ll likely be back out here in less than a month,” Dagmar chuckled. “Our men can pack it away and our women don’t do a bad job, either.”

  “Tell me about it,” Dufguss laughed. “My Asgurda can take on any man when it comes to eating.”

  “Dufguss,” Dagmar stumbled. “I want to apologize for any slight I may have—“

  “Don’t worry yourself, son,” Dufguss chuckled. “My Asgurda is a woman grown and has been for a while now. Her decisions and their consequences are hers and she knows it.”

  “Alright,” Dagmar said, shaking the older man’s hand. As night crept over the horizon, the three men returned to the village of Hail with their bounty, welcomed by all who cared for them.

  “How in Thor’
s name did you manage all that?” Aila asked, her pretty gray eyes astonished and shining with a hint of admiration and appreciation.”

  “Thor would be my guess,” Dagmar laughed. “Truly the gods were on our side today. Dufguss and Svenbreck proved to be knowledgeable and resourceful hunters, and Dufguss found everything you put on your list, Dragna. He even found a couple extras.”

  “I’d give Aislin a run for her money for that man,” Dragna cackled, leaning up to kiss Dufguss’ cheek.

  “She’d probably let you have me, truth be told.” Everyone had a good time as the deer, bear and ermine were skinned, gutted, and processed.

  “Aislin?” Dagmar called, catching Dufguss’ wife as she headed toward the food tent to help Dragna with the storage.

  “It was a fortunate hunt you had tonight young Dagmar,” Aislin smiled.

  “I couldn’t have done it without your man,” Dagmar complimented her. “I was wondering if you might have some free time to make something for Aila.”

  “Oh?” Aislin said, quirking up one dark eyebrow.

  “It’s a present, for the Solstice.”

  “I guessed so.” Aislin smiled. “I’m not sure the ermine skins will be ready that quickly, especially with winter already clutching us tight in its grip. Thankfully I have some left over from last winter. Would they do?”

  Dagmar thought about it and sighed. “If they’re white like her tunic they’ll work. You can have the new skins when they’re ready.”

  “No need. Keep them and maybe I’ll be making a winter coat for a little one next winter.” Aislin winked at him and then stepped into the food tent, leaving him to ponder whether or not he wanted children. When it came to Aila, he knew she’d want babies. She was built for them. Even if they ruled separately, she’d eventually settle down to motherhood.

  Chapter Two: Building Plans

  “You’ve been avoiding me,” Aila said, sneaking up on Dagmar.

  “No,” Dagmar corrected with a grin. “I’ve been taking care of business.” Aila walked beside him, happy when his hand slipped into hers. She couldn’t help the small jolt of electricity that sparked between them. He brought out her powers as easily with his words as he did with his actions. It didn’t seem to matter whether he was ticking her off, or turning her on.

  “I still can’t believe you got three deer and a bear. Not to mention those gorgeous ermine stoats.”

  “Luck was on our side today. I couldn’t have asked for better men than I had with me today. Svenbreck and Dufguss proved to be avid hunters. Not to mention Dufguss is an expert at finding edible herbs and spices.”

  “Dragna certainly felt full of the Solstice spirit.”

  “She’ll be busy for the next several days storing all that meat.”

  “Not to mention quartering those skins. I imagine our little ones will have some much-needed, new clothes soon.”

  “Aislin’s already on it, from what I hear. She’s taken to teaching the young women how to sew and mend clothing.”

  “It’s a good trade to learn.”

  “It is.”

  “Will you walk with me before supper?” Aila asked.

  “No one’s eaten yet?”

  “The village voted to wait until we were all together again. I’m thinking they’re glad they did, with the bounty you three brought in.”

  “It’ll serve us well, that’s for certain.”

  “You still wish to rule, yes?”

  “Yes, although my intentions have changed some.”

  “Oh?” Aila grinned.

  “I’ve always wanted to protect our people, but I never really saw the need to provide. I always imagined I’d fight and probably die in some epic battle to save our land, our culture. Then this beautiful woman helped me to see that it’s so much more than just protection that we need. We need a leader who takes care of our people.”

  “Yes,” Aila said, truly pleased. Had Dagmar really grown up, literally overnight?

  “We need a ruler who knows the people intimately. Knows what they want and need, and how to get it to them.”

  “And?”

  “And,” Dagmar sighed. “I realize now that I would have made a poor leader before. Thank you Aila, for opening my eyes.”

  “You’re welcome.” Aila smiled. “So we’re still at a standstill?”

  “Are we?” Dagmar questioned. “I could have sworn we were working toward something. Do you not know how I feel about you, Aila?”

  “Please, Dagmar,” Aila laughed. “I know exactly how you feel. You feel the same for every available and of-age woman in our village. Admit it, my friend. You’ve always been one to chase the women.”

  “I’m not trying to claim I’m a prudent man who’s never looked twice at a pretty woman. All I’m saying is that knowing you now, the woman you’ve become, makes me think there can be more to life than just a string of women, wine, hunting, and the like.”

  “Welcome to adulthood,” Aila chuckled. The two friends ate supper together, both intent on keeping the newfound peace between them, then Aila allowed Dagmar to walk with her to her tent. Expectant, she looked up into Dagmar’s stormy blue eyes. “Truth be told, you’re catching up faster than I thought you would.”

  “Funny. You’re funny, Aila,” Dagmar teased.

  “I couldn’t help it, you’re such an easy target.”

  “Come see me in the morning won’t you? I have some plans I want to go over with you.”

  “Alright,” Aila agreed. “Now kiss me goodnight so I can sleep.”

  Dagmar grinned, but he took Aila’s face in his hands, gently holding her as his mouth met hers. A fire he still wasn’t used to with her, snaked its way through his blood when he touched her. It flamed through him so that he almost immediately wanted more. It took everything in him to not ask her for more.

  “Aila…”

  “Good night, Dagmar,” she replied, but not before he’d heard the tremor in her voice and felt a ripple of her power. Deep down he knew he was no match for the powers she held inside her, but it didn’t bother him to stir her up once in a while. Dagmar drew up rudimentary plans overnight so he’d have something to show Aila in the morning. If she agreed, they’d start working on the new idea first thing.

  The sun was rising gently over the horizon when Aila stepped into his tent. “Morning,” she said, her eyes still sleepy. Dagmar could barely fight the urge to tumble her into his bed and enjoy a much slower start. Still, he’d asked her to meet him and she had. He’d never said so before, but it was nice to know that he could count on her to do what she said she would.

  “Morning. Warm beverage?”

  “Please,” she smiled. “So, you said you have plans you’d like to discuss.”

  “As you well know, the winters here are brutal, although perhaps not as bad as in our homeland.”

  “Yes.”

  “What would you say if I said we should build more permanent shelters for our people?”

  “I’d say great minds think alike. I’ve been trying to have this conversation with you for some time now.”

  “Do you think it’s too late in the season to start now?”

  “No, but it’ll be considerably harder than if we wait for spring.”

  Dagmar pondered her words and agreed. “Alright, but if it sits well with you I’d like to make an announcement at lunch and pick a few of our strongest men to appoint as leaders. The more homes we get done during the spring, summer and fall, the less we’ll have to worry about next winter.”

  “Alright,” Aila agreed. “While you’re doing that, I’m going to go talk with Breslin and Bregnan to see about their proposed nuptials.”

  “Meet me for a late lunch?”

  “Sure,” Aila agreed. Dagmar kissed her soundly and let her head toward the Bulcher brothers before he headed for the food tent.

  “Good day, everyone!” Dagmar greeted the villagers who were coming in for lunch. “Aila and I have talked it over and have agreed that by this time next y
ear we’d like to have as many of you as possible in more permanent homes.”

  Murmurs swept through the crowded tent as people began to talk. “What sort of permanent homes?”

  “Wood and mortar mostly, although I’ll need to discuss it with most of the men here. You’ll have your pick of a few different designs based on the size of your family, or the projected size, with the understanding that rooms can always be added. Homes can also be swapped should children be added to or leave the home.”

  “What about our elderly?” one man asked. Dagmar knew the man was taking care of his aging parents and thought the question valid.

  “Our elderly are just as important as our youth and will be treated with respect, as always. If they are able to care for themselves, they can choose a plan that suits them. If, however, they cannot, we’ll provide a spacious room where they can rest in comfort and be near to family should they need help.”

  “What is the cost?” a young man asked. Dagmar knew he’d just married and probably only had the bride-price he was given as a groom.

  “All Aila and I ask is that those men and women who can work, do. If you have a specialty, offer your services free of charge and someone will do the same for you. If you don’t have a specialty, but can find another way to contribute to the building, please let Aila or myself know. As for right now, I need Svenbreck and Dufguss to come and see me after you’ve eaten.”

  Dagmar spent a few minutes letting Dragna know that he’d eat when Aila arrived and then he waited for his friends to join him.

  “You rang, master?” Svenbreck teased. Dagmar laughed and realized, not for the first time, why Aila sought out his company. He was laid back, a great ally in a fight, and great company as he listened well.

  “I need leaders to oversee this process. I couldn’t think of any two better than you.”

  “Thank you,” Dufguss said, obviously meaning it.

  “I’ll do my best,” Svenbreck added.

  “Excellent.” Dagmar gave them the lists of things he needed to get done and left them to it while he went in search of Aila.

  “Hey, Dagmar,” Breslin said, almost running toward him.