Author's note: This version of the chapter is meant for a more mature audience. If you are not old enough, please read the other version Ch 27a.

Chapter 27b

Marian moved forward to wrap her arms around Robin's neck. She let her lips find his and kissed him again. This time, it was a slow kiss. He wrapped both of his arms around her back and they found themselves lowered back to the ground. He moved so she was lying partially on top of him. They continued to kiss and caress each other. Marian stopped kissing him and looked deeply into his eyes. She moved her hand to caress the side of his face and moved a lock of hair from the forehead. "I love you" she said with great emotion.

"We make such a great pair. We are so much stronger together", he smiled. He kissed her one more time and said, "We should be getting back to camp".

"Not yet."

Robin cocked his head and asked, "Something else you'd like to do?"

Marian bit her lip nervously and nodded her head.

"What ?"

Again, she caressed his face and kissed him. "I thought I had lost you. We have been given a second chance. I don't want to lose it."

"We won't, I promise."

"You can't promise that."

"Marian………………"

She put her finger on his lips and shushed him. "Let me speak. I do not want to go another day without you. I want to start today with you as my husband."

"Marian, as much as I would love to, I don't think we will find a priest to marry us, being outlaws."

"I know. What if we do it ourselves? Right here, now?"

"What?"

"If you think it's silly………………..", she said starting to get up.

He held her arm and stopped her from getting up. "I didn't say that. What do you have in mind?"

"What if we say vows to each other right here, in front of God? We have our own private ceremony."

"All right", he agreed.

"I'll start." Looking directly into his eyes, she smiled, "I Marian, take thee Robin, Master of the bow, Lord of my heart, to be my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, 'til death do us part."

Smiling in return, he began, "I Robin, take thee Marian, my beautiful Marian, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad. I promise to love you all the days of my life…'til death do us part." He smiled wider and kissed her hand. "What do we do about a wedding ring?"

"We will just use this one. It is beautiful and will work just as well" she beamed.

Nodding, he asked cheekily, "Now what?"

Marian blushed and whispered "Now we live. Robin, I would like to become your wife."

"I thought you just did", he chuckled.

"No" she said looking down. "I want to really become your wife. I want to have you and you to have me, in every way." She was really blushing now.

As it dawned upon him what she meant, he mouthed, 'Oh.' "Marian, are you sure? I mean, this isn't Locksley. There are no comforts, and……."

"All I need is you, Robin. We have this chance. We do not know when we will be taken from this earth. I want to have this opportunity to show you just how much I love you."

"You have nothing to prove to me, Marian", he said gently.

"This has nothing to do with proof, Robin. It has to do with living life while we can. I do not want to leave this earth, nor have you leave it, without loving you and taking every opportunity to live life as one. We have already wasted so much time."

Robin looked at her and saw how important this was to her. Knowing he could deny her nothing, he nodded. "You are right. But, are you sure about this place?"

"Robin, we spent so much time here when we were younger. This is where we began our courtship. You proposed to me the first time under this tree. It is right. It is secluded here. We will not be seen. We have plenty of time…." She could have continued her reasons, but he decided to shut her up with a kiss. When he pulled back, she could see the passion in his eyes. She smiled and he moved in for another kiss. It became heated quickly. He began to unbutton the back of her dress. One thing lead to another, and soon, they were both laying totally exposed to each other.

For a while, they kissed and caressed each other. "You are so soft", he whispered, as he fondled her creamy, white skin. He was trying to make her comfortable instead of just 'taking' her immediately. The feel of his rough, calloused hands over her body excited her. When he finally made her his own, she gasped at the first thrust and held her breath. But, it only took a moment for her to relax before she began to feel the pleasure of being loved. Robin reveled in the feel of her hands on his skin as he moved. Time moved slowly as they became one. It was as if only they existed in their own little world. At the climax, she screamed and he followed her over the edge with a final groan. Some time later, they lay side by side, holding each other, sated, and breathing heavily. After a little more hugging and kissing, they decided to take a dip in the cool pond before getting dressed and returning to camp.

Just before they departed, Robin again asked, "What is next, My Lady?"

"We take care of England. We stay diligent until the king returns, but we also take care of us. Us being ….you, me, and the rest of the gang. We protect each other and love each other. No more silly arguments. Together we are stronger!" she asserted.

Robin nodded and kissed her once again. He reached for her hand, and holding it tight, pointed toward camp. "Ready?"

She mumbled, "Mmmmhmmm" as she shook her head, and they started off toward camp where they would await the rest of the gang. Tomorrow they would continue their fight for justice safe in the knowledge that they have each other and holding their faith for a brighter future.