“I have never done this. Have never mated as men and women do. But I can. You may find me clumsy. But not unwilling.
“Charlie? Will you make love with me?”
Charlie couldn't help it. He broke into a laugh, his high clear humor reaching up to the sky. Before Lily's confusion could turn to anger, he caught her in his arms and drew her close.
“Lilaea. My dark-eyed mystery. My truest friend. My dearest love. Yes, I will make love with you. But don't expect me to be any more experienced than you. I am as much a virgin as you are.”
“What?” she said, astonished. “Those wicked girls in Europe could not trap you?”
“Hah. Pale, puny things compared to my Lily,” he said. “And no man ever tempted you? No dashing warrior of the Ojibwe or the Sioux ever caught your eye?”
“No,” she whispered. Her han
