Aiden kept his promise, and no dreams haunted his beautiful lass that night. He slept lightly, stirring to wakefulness each time she moved on the bed, just in case she needed him. She looked better this morning. Her tawny brown eyes were bright, and shadows no longer darkened her face. Her tempting mouth curved up in an enchanting smile when she saw him. She and Lydia met him and Brodie outside the inn, ready for the journey ahead. Anna wore a dark hunter-green carriage dress that had sleeves embroidered with acorns and oak leaves. She was like a woodland sprite or a tree nymph come to life.
She came toward him, her movements elegant and careful as a queen. He had the wild urge to set her free, like removing a falcon’s hood and setting the bird loose upon the wind.
“Is our coach ready?”
