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“Your mum wanted my help. Her only concern was for you to survive and be well.”
Trey stopped, bringing them to an abrupt halt and shook his head. “That may be so, but my mum has a way about her, abrupt more times than not.”
“Though not out of malice, more out of concern for her flock.”
“But not once was she that way with you,” he said, shaking his head again. “I heard Mercy, Tara, and Willow speaking about it when they thought I slept. All three were amazed at how kindly my mum spoke to you, not a bite or sting to her tongue.”
“She would not talk such to the person who she hoped would help heal her son.”
“That proves you don’t know my mum.”
Bliss smiled. “I know your mum better than you think.”
This time he nodded and kept nodding as he spoke. “You know something about her. Something she fears you will reveal, and so she speaks more respectfully to you than to others.”
“I know she is a good woman with a good heart—and a heavy burden.”
“How can I help ease her burden?”
“You cannot. It is for her to carry and release when the time comes,” Bliss said, impressed he had not demanded she reveal what she knew but instead asked how he could help his mum. And he didn’t argue, protest, or debate her response, and that pleased her. He accepted her explanation and let it be.
They started walking again, this time keeping a steady pace.
Bliss was surprised that their hands remained joined, firmly locked together as if neither of them wished to let go. It seemed an instinctive action, natural, something they did often and yet, they hadn’t.
She thought back to the moment when she first sensed that it was her future husband who approached. She wished she had sensed more in regard to him. Though it had been clear he would be her husband, there had been no indication of anything else. Did that mean they were destined to remain husband and wife? Was she meant to love this man and was he meant to love her? Were they truly meant to be together?
She wished for answers, but none came. In time, things would be revealed to her. She’d be patient—at least she hoped she would.
They came upon the cottage, and Willow ran to them, her red hair blowing wildly around her face.
“Soldiers are near,” she said after giving Bliss a hug. “Stone spotted them while he searched the area. He told me to pack fast and warn you”—she nodded at Trey—“when you returned. Stone is keeping watch now. We’re to meet him at the north end of the croft.”
Willow smiled at Bliss. “There’ll be time for us to talk when we reach the keep. Mercy and Tara will be so pleased to see you.”
“I can’t come with you,” Bliss said, and tried to slip her hand free of Trey’s, but his grip was strong, and he refused to let go.
“As much as I’d prefer to take Bliss home and see her safe, there is an ill woman in need of her skill,” Trey said, and Willow nodded. “Go join Stone and explain to him what has happened and make sure to let my family know so they do not worry.”
Willow hugged Bliss again, and whispered, “Tell me I’ll see you both again, so that I may leave without concern.”
“You will,” she whispered in return, and Willow smiled.
“Go,” Trey urged.
“I filled two sacks with food. I will take one; you take the other. It’s by the door,” she said, pointing. “And take blankets from the house—the day is growing colder.”
With a hug to Trey and a wave to them both, she was gone.
“We have no time to spare,” Trey said. “No doubt the soldiers will show up here to see if anyone has returned.”
“They are not far,” Bliss warned.
“Then we hurry.”
Bliss collected blankets while Trey grabbed the sack and kept watch. As soon as she was out of the cottage, Trey once again took hold of her hand.
“Can you keep a fast pace?” he asked, as they hurried off, the cottage disappearing from view behind them.
