"Aye 'tis true, the mistress had everything under control with her battle skills," Gilroy said with pride.
"I'll deal with ye both later," Boyd snapped at Gilroy and Darach.They sighed knowing they'd end up with garderobe duty because as Bella's guards, they should have intervened sooner.
"'Tis time to return to the Keep," Boyd announced."Una can return with us if ye wish."
"Oh, no.My relations are expecting me for supper," Una replied.
"Then Darach and Gilroy will escort ye home."
Boyd finally released Bella so she could say goodbye to Una.That was the first time he noticed both women were tipsier than he'd thought because he and his men stood back to witness the longest, drunken, emotional farewell in history.
"Bella!"Una sobbed, her words slurring together."I'm so happy for ye!"she said as she hugged Bella tight.
"Una, yer the most loyal friend a woman could ever wish for.I've missed ye so much!"Bella was crying now.
Una pulled back, cupping Bella's face with both hands."No, 'tis ye who are the dearest-est friend in the whole world.And ye bought me a bonnie shawl.I will treasure it forever," Una replied then started bawling, while clutching the shawl Bella bought her.
"I love ye, Una," Bella replied, her own voice thick with emotion."Ye're the brightest star in the sky and ye were there for me, when I had no one."
"We will visit one another, aye?"Una asked, swaying slightly.
"Always," Bella replied through tears."Ye will always be welcome in our home.Isn't that right, Boyd."
"Aye, love," Boyd replied whilst trying to hide his amusement.
"And ye will always be welcome in mine," Una replied.
They hugged again sobbing, neither wanting to let go, until Boyd cleared his throat.
"Gilroy, Darach," he said, "'tis time to escort Miss Murray."
"Aye, laird," both men replied.
Boyd then slipped two coins into Una's hand."For yer travels," he said, then stepped back.
Una pulled back from Bella, surprised and wiping at her eyes.She glanced at Boyd, then back at Bella."He's a good man.A very good man."
"I ken it," Bella replied softly.
Una hugged her one more time, then let Gilroy and Darach guide her toward their horses.She kept turning back to wave until they disappeared around the corner.
Boyd waited until they were gone, then turned to Bella.His expression softened.
"Come here, wife," he said quietly.
Bella stumbled toward him; her feet unsteady but her heart filled with love.His hands came up to cup her face, and he said, "Dinnae ever leave my bed without waking me.I want to see yer face first thing every morning."
"I'm sorry," Bella whispered."I thought ye were tired."
"I'm never too tired for ye," he replied, then kissed her again, softer this time."Never."
He released her only to lift her onto his horse with ease, then mounted behind her.His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back against his chest as they started toward home.Thamas and several guards rode at a discreet distance.
The rhythm of the horse's gait was soothing, and Bella found herself relaxing against Boyd's warmth.The ale and the excitement of the day were catching up with her, making her eyelids heavy.
She snuggled deeper into his chest, her head tucking under his chin, and let her eyes drift closed.
Boyd knew the moment she fell asleep, her body going soft and pliant against him.He looked down at her peaceful face, at the way she'd curled trustingly into his embrace, and shook his head with a mixture of exasperation and affection.
