Swiftcurrent Creek Hear my words that I might teach you.

"I get it," Eshe said with an amused snort as she lifted her gaze to his chin. "And I do want to have kids," she added, thinking of the insecurities that had been gnawing at her lately, "But ... I'm not anybody's mate or ... you know ... in the right situation to bring children into the world."

"I've always wanted a big family—just like my parents had ... but I'm starting to believe that's all just a dream I'll always be chasing." She shrugged. "Especially now since I'm past my prime" The one time she'd taken a chance it had backfired spectacularly, and she wouldn't try that again.

She was happy to change the subject. "I want to form a garden to keep and stockpile helpful herbs," There was a twinkle in her eye as she remembered the lush plot of land she'd found. "I'm a medic and a bit of a hoarder of medicines—you can never have enough on hand."