“Is it the morn already?” she said.
“Aye, wife, ’tis.”
“We slept like this all night?”
“Aye,” he said with a smile. “It appears we wore one another out.”
She chuckled. “I do not ever want to leave this chamber.”
Angus kissed her forehead. “And I want you always by my side, Annabella. I never want to be parted from you again.”
“And I you, husband. But, Angus?”
“Aye?”
“If I do not eat soon, I fear I may grow too weak to love you again.”
In a swift move, Angus bounded from the bed, threw a coverlet over Annabella, and tossed his tunic over his head. He was at the door, lifting the latch, in less than a minute.
“Your wish is my command, wife. Shall I order a bath for you as well?”
She sat up, barely covering her breasts with the blanket, her hair all tangled and glorious around her. He wanted to jump back in bed with her, but his stomach rumbled loud enough for her eyes to grow wide.
“You are ravenous, my lord? Is that my fault?”
“Aye it is, and I would have it no other way.”
“Then bring us some food, husband, so that we may deplete ourselves again.”
Angus winked at her as she settled back down into the bed. By God, she was the most amazing creature he had ever beheld. And she was his.
He ran to the kitchen to find Rhona stoking the fire and Gordon kneading some bread. Osla was preparing the morning trenchers.
“Good morn, my lord. Are you in need of something?” Osla said with a grin.
“Aye, food, ale. Enough for an army.”
Osla smiled as broad as Angus had ever seen. “Lady MacDonald will need a bath as well. We have been warming water for a while in anticipation. Go back to your lady, my lord. We will be along very soon with everything you require.”
Angus kissed her on the cheek and then embraced her. He had not felt so elated in… well, mayhap ever!
“Thank you,” he said after releasing her.
“I wish you joy and happiness, my lord,” Rhona said from near the hearth. Her hands were clasped together and she wore an air of uncertainty.
“I thank you, Rhona. For your kindness to my wife.”
She smiled at him then. Had she not redeemed herself, he was not certain he would have been comfortable with her in proximity, knowing she had a penchant for mischief. But redeem herself she had.
“Now return to your wife and do not worry about a thing. We shall be along shortly with your meal, and we will have everything ready for the feast to begin this evening.”
“You are a treasure, Osla.”
“I know.” She made no attempt to hide her smile.
Angus returned to his chamber with a light heart and step. Annabella was wrapped in a sheet, rummaging through the old wardrobe belonging to his sister.
“Where is it?” she asked when he closed the door.
