Chapter 18
When morning came,the mist had lifted and the storm had passed.
Bella woke to warmth and the solid wall of her husband's chest beneath her cheek, his arm locked around her waist, holding her close even in sleep.They were both still naked, their bodies pressed together beneath the tangle of blankets, and she blushed at the memories of the night before.How many times had Boyd taken her with such fierce, tender abandon?She'd lost count somewhere between breathless pleasure and declarations of love.
She lifted her head slightly to study his face, relaxed in sleep.The harsh lines that usually marked his brow were smoothed away, his lips slightly parted, his breathing deep and even.He looked younger like this.Peaceful.Happy.
Bella's chest tightened with an almost painful swell of emotion.She had never felt such happiness, such complete contentment.No, that wasn't quite true.She'd felt this way when they were young and in love and the world had seemed full of endless possibility.
But this was better.Deeper.They'd been tested by fire and come through it stronger.
She thought back to their conversations from the night before.Boyd had mentioned he had a special gift waiting for her at the Keep, something he was excited to show her.The boyish enthusiasm in his voice had made her heart melt.
Guilt pricked at her.She had nothing to give him in return.But today was Market Day in the village.She'd planned to go with Gilroy and Darach, and they'd mentioned leaving early.Perhaps she could find something special for him there.Something meaningful.
She should tell him.Wake him and let him know where she was going.
But Boyd looked so peaceful, so deeply asleep.After the intensity of the night they'd shared, he deserved his rest.She could leave word with Mrs.Anders and be back before he even knew she was gone.
The decision made, Bella began the delicate process of slipping from her husband's embrace.It was harder than expected because even in sleep, Boyd was possessive, his arm tightening reflexively when she tried to move.He grunted softly, his brow furrowing, and Bella froze.
"Shh," she whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to his shoulder."Sleep, my love."
He settled then, his grip loosening just enough for her to slip free.
The moment she stood, Bella felt a deep, pleasant ache between her thighs, the tenderness in muscles she hadn't known she possessed.Evidence of her husband's thorough claiming.She bit her lip against a smile, pressing one hand to her lower belly, wondering if even now she could be with child.Part of her wanted nothing more than to crawl back into that warm bed and wake Boyd in the most intimate way possible.
But no.She had a mission.A gift to find.
Moving as quietly as possible, Bella stoked the fire and added another log to it, then slipped outside into the crisp morning air.The loch was cold enough to steal her breath when she waded in to wash, but it felt cleansing, refreshing.She scrubbed quickly, brushed her teeth, then dried herself before wrapping her arisaidh around her body over her spare gown.Bella combed and plaited her hair then donned her shoes.
She took one last glance at the bothy and headed up the path toward the Keep, her heart light despite the early hour.
Mrs.Anders looked up in surprise when Bella appeared in the kitchen."Did ye get caught in the storm, mistress?I assume since the laird did not return to the Keep that he remained with ye?"
Bella's cheeks flamed."Aye, we...we sheltered in the bothy.Boyd is still sleeping.I did not wish to disturb him."
Mrs.Anders's eyes twinkled with amusement."I dare say ye kept him awake most of the night, mistress."She winked.
Bella's blush deepened, but she couldn't help smiling."If Boyd asks, please tell him I've headed to the village for Market Day.And if 'tis not too much trouble, could someone see to his breakfast?"
