Page 17 of His Runaway Bride
Ewan approached the water's edge while Lileas turned away to study the star-scattered sky emerging overhead.She could hear clothing being removed and then the splash of water as he washed.For a fleeting moment she wondered what he looked like naked, then mentally slapped herself for such errant thoughts.
"Ready?"his voice came from behind her, warm with something that might have been affection.
Startled, she blushed and stammered, "Aye."But not before he caught her gazing at his naked chest, wrapped only in his plaid.
Ewan returned a wicked grin before clasping her hand and leading her back to camp.
When they returned, Lileas noticed that Grant and Patrick had made themselves busy with checking the horses.Near the dying fire, a sleeping area had been prepared: Ewan's travel pallet spread with additional blankets and furs, positioned by the fire with the shelter of a large boulder.
"Grant, Patrick," Ewan said quietly, "I'll take the dawn watch."
"Aye, laird," Grant replied, not quite meeting anyone's eyes."We'll keep vigil through the night."
The two men melted away into the darkness beyond the firelight, leaving Ewan and Lileas alone beside their makeshift shelter.For a moment, they stood in awkward silence, the reality of their wedding night—such as it was—settling between them.
"The pallet is large enough for two," Ewan said finally, his voice carefully neutral."But if ye'd prefer, I can make another bed by the fire."
Lileas looked at the inviting pile of blankets and furs, then at her husband's face in the firelight.She saw no demand there, no expectation, only an offer of warmth against the cold.
"I...I think I would like to share," she said quietly, surprised by her own boldness."If ye dinnae mind."
Ewan's smile was soft and genuine."I dinnae mind at all, wife."
He helped her settle onto the pallet, then arranged the heavy woolen blankets and his own clan plaid around them both.When he lay down beside her, Lileas felt a moment of shy uncertainty, but the dropping temperature and Ewan's solid warmth beside her was undeniably welcome.
"Come here," he murmured, opening his arms in invitation."Ye're shivering."
Indeed she was, though she wasn't entirely certain the cold was to blame.Still, when Ewan gathered her close against his chest, wrapping his strong arms around her and pulling the plaid snugly around them both, she felt her tension melt away.His warmth enveloped her, and despite her nervousness about their strange new intimacy, exhaustion was quickly winning the battle for her attention.
"Better?"he asked softly, his breath stirring the hair at her temple.
"Much," she admitted, allowing herself to relax fully against him.She could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her cheek, could smell the clean scent of him mixed with woodsmoke and Highland air.It was unexpectedly comforting, this closeness with a man who was still largely a stranger yet was now her husband.
They lay quietly for a while, listening to the soft sounds of the night and the distant murmur of Grant and Patrick's voices.Gradually, Lileas felt herself growing drowsy, lulled by Ewan's steady breathing and the secure circle of his arms.
"Lileas," he said quietly, and she made a soft questioning sound."Thank ye for marrying me."
She tilted her head to look at him in the dim firelight."Thank ye for being patient with me."
Ewan's hand came up to stroke her hair with surprising gentleness."We'll make this work, love.I give ye my word."
"I believe ye," she whispered, and meant it.
He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, his lips warm against her skin."Sleep now, Lil," he murmured, the nickname falling naturally from his lips for the first time.
The unexpected endearment sent a flutter of warmth through her chest."Lil?"she asked softly, smiling.
"Aye," he said, and she could hear the smile in his voice."Lileas is a lovely name, but perhaps too formal for a husband to use with his wife under the stars."
"I like it," she admitted, snuggling closer to his warmth.
"Good night, then, Lil."
"Good night, Ewan."
As she drifted toward sleep in the circle of his arms, Lileas marveled at how right this felt.They were still learning each other, still finding their way, but tonight they were not just two strangers bound by political necessity, but a man and woman choosing to trust each other.
It was, she thought drowsily, a very good beginning indeed.
