She looked away,suddenly shy, her fingers twisting in the blanket she still wore. The fear that he might think less of her rose briefly, unbidden. It was quickly chased away by his soft scoff.
“Daenae be daft,”Jaxon said, shaking his head. “Ye are me wife, and ye are perfect as ye are.” His tone left no room for doubt, firm and reassuring.
Gracie feltsomething inside her settle, as though a door had finally closed on her fears.
She rosefrom her chair and crossed to him, moving before she could think better of it. With a small laugh, she perched herself on his lap and cupped his face.
“Then ye should kenI’m grateful,” she murmured, leaning in to kiss him. It was soft but sure, full of warmth rather than urgency.
Jaxon groanedlow in his throat and tightened his hold on her.
“Woman,”he said, breathless and amused, “if ye kiss me like that, we’ll never leave this room.” His eyes sparkled with humor even as his arms held her close. The promise and restraint in his voice made her laugh.
She leanedher forehead against his and smiled. “Then I’ll behave,” she said lightly, though neither of them truly believed it. For a moment they stayed like that, sharing quiet and closeness. Outside, the sounds of the inn waking up reminded them of the day ahead.
Gracie slipped backto her feet and returned to her chair, smoothing the blanket over her knees. She felt steadier now, lighter in spirit than she had in days. Jaxon finished his bread and rose as well, stretching as though ready for the road. The sight of him filled her with a calm confidence she had never known before.
“The day’s dry,lass, and the roads’ll be kinder to us now.” Jaxon fastened his belt as he glanced at the sky and smiled.
“I saw Connor from the window,”she said, smoothing her chemise. “I’m glad he made it safe with the wood.”
“Aye,Connor came in last night, though I must’ve forgot to tell ye.” His eyes gleamed as he added, “Ye were distractin’ me somethin’ fierce.”
Gracie felther cheeks warm and dropped her gaze, a smile tugging at her lips. “I cannae imagine how,” she said lightly, though her tone betrayed her.
Jaxon stepped closer,lifting her chin with one finger. “Och, daenae pretend innocence now, wife,” he murmured, clearly enjoying her blush.
They finishedtheir meal in companionable quiet, the earlier teasing lingering like warmth between them. Afterward, Jaxon poured water into the basin. Gracie washed first, cool water splashing her wrists and face, grounding her in the morning. Jaxon followed, rolling his sleeves and splashing water with a contented sigh.
When they wereclean and refreshed, Gracie reached for her dress, hesitating just a moment. Jaxon noticed and took it from her hands.
“Allow me,”he said, voice low and pleased. She turned her back to him, heart quickening as the familiar closeness returned.
As he liftedthe dress and settled it over her shoulders, his knuckles brushed her arms with deliberate slowness.
“Ye make this task difficult,”he said, feigning a sigh.
Gracie laughed softly.“Ye’re the one takin’ so long with the laces.”
His reply camenear her ear. “A man should savor fine things.”
He beganto lace the back, fingers deft yet unhurried, and Gracie felt every small pull as keenly as a touch.
“If ye keep that up,we truly willnae leave,” she teased, glancing at him over her shoulder.
Jaxon grinned,eyes dark with amusement. “Now ye’re threatenin’ me, are ye?”
She shifted slightly,the fabric settling into place as he worked. “I’m merely statin’ facts,” she said. “Ye’ve a terrible habit of forgettin’ the road when ye’re near me.”
He tuggedthe final lace and leaned closer. “And ye’ve a habit of enjoyin’ it.”
Gracie turned to face him,smoothing the front of her dress, their bodies just inches apart.
“We’ve duties awaitin’us,” she reminded him gently.
Jaxon nodded,though his smile lingered. “Aye, we do,” he agreed, “but I’ll nae apologize for enjoyin’ me wife.”
He handedher her cloak and watched as she fastened it. “Ye ken,” he said, voice thoughtful, “travel’s easier when the mornin’ starts like this.”
