"No need, lass.Thamas was heading down there already with provisions in case the two of ye did not appear within the hour."
Bella thanked her and hurried to her bedchamber to change into proper clothing.Within the hour, she emerged dressed in a warm forest green gown and an arisaidh with the MacKinnon colors, her purse of coins secure at her waist, ready to find the perfect gift for her husband.
Gilroy and Darach were waiting, and together they set off for the village.
***
BOYD WOKE SLOWLY, LANGUIDLY, a smile curving his lips before he even opened his eyes.
Last night had been the best night of his life.Bar none.Every moment buried deep in his wife, reconnecting with his beautiful Bella, finally free of the lies and misunderstandings that had poisoned their past.It had been perfect.More than perfect.
Now, with the air clear between them, they could begin their real marriage.Build the life they should have had years ago.
Perhaps he'd take his wife again before they had to return to the Keep.Several times, if she'd let him.His body was already responding to the thought.
Still smiling, Boyd reached across the bed for Bella.
His hand found only cold sheets.
His eyes snapped open.The space beside him was empty, the blankets thrown back, the indentation of her body the only evidence she'd been there at all.Pale morning light streamed through the window.He'd overslept.He never overslept.
Boyd sat up, scanning the bothy.Empty.No Bella by the fire, no Bella by the table.The cottage was silent except for the crackle of the fire.
He heard a knock at the door.
Boyd grabbed his plaid, wrapping it around his naked body as he stalked to the door and yanked it open.Thamas stood there, holding a tray laden with food and ale, looking far too amused for Boyd's liking.
"Where the fuck is my wife?"Boyd demanded.
"She went to the village."
"Bloody hell!"Boyd raked a hand through his disheveled hair."How hard is it to keep my wife in bed?"
Thamas bit back a grin and stepped inside, setting the food on the table.His eyes swept the cottage, and he saw the rumpled bedding, the torn garments scattered across the floor, the general state of chaos."Seems ye both made the most of the storm, laird."
Boyd just growled and stormed past him, striding out to the loch.He needed a cold wash to ease his raging arousal and cool the mixture of frustration and concern churning in his gut.
She'd left without him.Snuck out while he was sleeping.
He dove into the frigid water, gasping at the shock of it.As he surfaced, scrubbing his face and hair, one thought crystallized with absolute clarity: he needed to double his efforts to ensure Bella stayed in bed next time.Perhaps tie her to it.Or exhaust her so thoroughly she couldn't possibly have the strength to leave.
Boyd found himself grinning despite his annoyance.
Aye.That sounded like a perfect plan.
***
AS BELLA WALKED THROUGHthe bustling market with Gilroy and Darach flanking her at a respectful distance, she felt something she hadn't felt in years.
Joy.
Simple, uncomplicated joy at being out among people, seeing the colorful stalls laden with goods, hearing the calls of merchants hawking their wares, smelling fresh bread and roasted chestnuts and the tang of leather goods.
For the first time in a long time, Bella wore something truly beautiful.The seamstress had delivered the gown just two days prior.It was a dress of soft wool in a deep forest green that brought out the amber flecks in her eyes.The bodice fit perfectly, the sleeves were elegantly tapered, and the skirt fell in graceful folds that swished pleasantly.Over it, she'd draped her arisaidh in the MacKinnon colors, pinned at her shoulder with a simple bronze brooch.Even her feet were clad in new leather slippers, supple and comfortable, replacing the worn-out shoes she'd brought from the abbey.It was the most elegant ensemble she'd owned since before her father had cast her out.As she walked through the bustling market with the fabric moving beautifully around her, and the knowledge that Boyd still loved her, Bella couldn't help but feel a small swell of pride in her appearance.
"Mistress," Gilroy said gently, "dinnae wander too far.We need to keep ye in sight."
"Aye," Bella assured him with a smile."I'm just looking."
