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He gave her a quick kiss and took off. It dawned on her how often he kissed her that way, as if it was the most natural thing for him to do, as if he was her true husband. She had no time to linger on the thought, too much to do, but she could not help but think how lovely it was to have a loving husband.
The sun that had risen bright and bold was later devoured by heavy clouds and crisper air. Bliss intended to tell Trey that another fire was necessary to help keep the men warm. She wasn’t surprised when he built one without her having said a word. They thought much alike, or perhaps he was more attuned to her thoughts than either of them realized.
The day wore on, with Bliss busy attempting to heal the more serious injuries enough so that they would not worsen with travel. She knew her zealous efforts would leave her tired, but with a bit of rest, she would feel refreshed soon enough.
Bliss barely had time to exchange even a few words with Trey throughout the day though he sent a smile her way often enough.
By nightfall, all in the camp were exhausted, and after the food was eagerly eaten, the men drifted off to sleep, all except Trey. He had the first watch.
Bliss lay next to the fire, her cloak and blanket wrapped tightly around her. She missed Trey’s warmth, his solid embrace, and his hard chest, which so often pillowed her head. She had grown accustomed to sleeping beside him, snuggled in his arms. And she could not imagine ever sleeping alone again.
He had in a short time become necessary to her, and though the thought caused a moment of fear, it also brought pleasure. To think that he would keep her warm, love her, and grow old with her filled her with joy.
But would he? Or was this a momentary episode created by fate. But for what purpose?
It had been much easier to accept fate’s ways when she was alone, but not so now that there was Trey. She would miss him terribly if they were to part.
She shook her head, not wanting even to imagine the possibility. The hurt would be...
How had Trey ever survived losing the woman he loved? Just the thought of Trey’s parting wrenched at her heart. She had felt a mere moment of his horrific pain when he had told her about Leora’s death. And while her pain ceased with the telling of the tale, his had not.
It continued to linger with him, along with memories, some good and some unbearable.
She would be asked on occasion to help heal the bereaved, and sadly, she always had to refuse. Her grandmum had taught her that only time and the love of family and friends could help them.
Bliss stood taking the blanket with her and went to where Trey sat just on the outskirts of the campsite.
“Your steps are so light I barely hear them,” Trey said, as she approached.
She plopped down beside him, threw the blanket around them, and cuddled close. “My intentions were not to surprise you but to seek warmth.”
His arm went around her waist and drew her closer. “Truth be told, I wouldn’t mind some myself.”
She slipped her arms around his waist and rested her head to his shoulder. “Then you don’t mind if I stay here with you?”
“I’m glad you’re here, though I must keep alert to my post.”
“I did not come to seduce you,” she said with a soft laugh.
“You can seduce me any other time you would like to,” he encouraged with a squeeze to her side.
She laughed again. “I’ve had no experience at seduction and wouldn’t know where to start.”
“You seduce me every time you look at me.”
She lifted her head from his chest and stared at him bewildered. “I do?”
“Aye, you do. Your eyes need only settle on me, and I’m thinking things that ... distract me.”
She chuckled. “Such power. What will I do with it?”
“Nothing at the moment, though feel free any other time,” he said. “Right now I’d prefer we sit quiet so that I can listen for unwanted company.”
Bliss understood, for passion was beginning to stir within her, the knowledge that she had the power to excite him so easily excited her; but he was right—now was not the time.
She rested her head to his shoulder once again, and he tucked the blanket more firmly around them. The night had turned cold, but she was snug in his warmth. She listened along with him to the silence. Nothing seemed to stir tonight; the forest was at peace. And so was she.
It wasn’t long before her eyes drifted closed, and she fell asleep.
