Erik Osborne

"I can't help but worry about the unknown." Including worry about her, and what carrying children from him might do to her. But the goddesses wouldn't suggest such a thing if it would be her doom. A friend wouldn't do that.

"They will be very well cared for. There is no doubt. They will be loved unconditionally."

He grips her hand in his now, and moves from off the couch to the floor, down on one knee. He looks up into her eyes with an expression of deep love and gratitude... and also a fair bit of anxiety.

"If the children will be la Croix, then I, too, would like to bear that name. River, will you marry me and bestow your family name upon me?"