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?"
"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 THROUGH the 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."
She moved from stall to stall, admiring hand-woven fabrics, beautifully crafted pottery, gleaming jewelry. She was examining some leather goods when she heard a voice that made her heart stop.
"Bella? Bella Sutherland?"
Bella spun around, and standing by a fabric merchant's stall with her mouth hanging open in shock was Una Murray.
Her dearest friend. The only person who'd visited her regularly at the abbey over the years. The woman who'd stood by her when Boyd rejected her publicly at the tavern and defended her when everyone else in their village had turned away.
"Una!" Bella breathed, and before she could stop herself, she was rushing forward, pulling her friend into a fierce embrace.
Una hugged her back just as tightly, then pulled away to stare at Bella with wide eyes. "What are ye doing here? I went to the abbey to visit ye, and they told me ye'd married and left. Ye never said anything about a betrothal!"
"I did not ken it until the day I was wed," Bella replied, her words tumbling over each other. "'Twas sudden. The king decreed it. I had no choice, Una."
"The king?" Una's eyes went even wider. "Bella, who did ye marry?"
Bella hesitated, then replied, "Boyd MacKinnon."
For a moment, Una simply stared at her. Then her face went through a series of expressions including shock, horror and fury before she exploded.
"Boyd MacKinnon?" Her voice carried across several stalls, making people turn to stare. "That miserable sod. Tell me this is some cruel jest."
"Una, lower yer voice," Bella replied, glancing around.
Una grabbed Bella's arms, her face fierce. "Bella, that man destroyed ye! This cannot be right. Come with me right now so we can escape and—"
"Dinnae fash," Bella said gently but firmly. "'Tis a royal decree. The marriage is legal and consummated."
Una's expression shifted to concern. "Bella, are ye... are ye well? He's not mistreating ye, is he? If he is, I'll punch him in the bawsack." Una made her hand into a fist.
"No, dearest Una," Bella replied with a soft chuckle. She loved how fiercely loyal her friend was. "It was difficult at first, but he has been very good to me. Now we ken the truth of what happened, we have made our peace with the past."
Una stared at her for a long moment, then pulled her into another fierce hug. "Ye're too kind for yer own good, ye ken that?"
"Or too stubborn," Bella replied with a watery smile.
"That too." Una pulled back and wiped her eyes. "Well, if ye're stuck with him, at least tell me ye're happy."
"Aye," Bella replied honestly. "I am very happy."
Una's expression softened. "Well then. If ye can forgive the big, stupid oaf, then I suppose so can I."
"But enough about me, Una. How have ye been and what are ye doing here?"
"I’m visiting relations here in the village. They're from my ma's side and have more money than sense, to be sure. I've been teaching their prim and proper daughters how to sew like fancy ladies so they can marry well at the king’s court. I have the day free so made my way here."
Bella's face brightened. "Then let's make the most of it. I have coins to spend, and I want to buy ye something nice."
"Ye dinnae have to—"
"I want to," Bella insisted. "Ye gifted me that beautiful shawl ye made when I was at the abbey, and all these years ye've been my closest friend. 'Tis my turn to repay the favor."
They spent the next hour wandering through the market stalls together, chatting and laughing like they'd never been apart. Gilroy and Darach followed at a distance, relieved that their mistress seemed so happy.
Bella found a beautiful woolen shawl in deep blue—Una's favorite color—and insisted on buying it despite her friend's protests. She also purchased some ribbons, a small jar of honey, and various other trinkets. Gilroy trailed behind and placed her purchases into a large boist he carried.
Then, at a silversmith's stall, something caught Bella's eye and made her breath catch.
It was a leather necklace, simple, masculine, with an intricately crafted long leather tie and a small pendant hanging from it. The pendant was a half sun, crafted in silver, with intricate rays extending from the curved edge.
Half a sun.
Bella's hand moved toward it, her fingers trembling slightly as she picked it up.
"We're like two halves of the sun," Boyd had told her once, when they were young and in love and the world seemed full of possibility. "Apart, we're incomplete. But together, we burn bright enough to light up the whole sky."
She'd laughed and called him foolish, but secretly she'd cherished the words. She’d held them close to her heart over the years.
"That's a bonnie piece," the silversmith said. "Made it myself. The half sun represents a bond between two people. Each one incomplete without the other."
Bella's throat tightened. "How much?"
The price was steep, but she found herself handing over the coins regardless, tucking the necklace carefully into her purse alongside the other purchases.
"What's that?" Una asked, peering over her shoulder.
"A gift for Boyd," Bella replied. "Just something small that caught my eye."
Una gave her a knowing look, then smirked.
***