He told himself not to remove his garments, not get in bed naked, but he paid no mind to his own warnings. Besides, she wore a nightdress, one he itched to remove, but warned himself against doing. He eased himself up against her, his arm going around her waist to draw her slowly back against him. She was toasty warm, her flowery scent ridiculously tempting, so much so that his manhood roused considerably.

He buried his face in her slightly damp hair and enjoyed its fresh scent. She smelled so good and felt so good that he could devour her, except… she snored lightly.

She was exhausted and he couldn’t bring himself to disturb her, even if his manhood urged otherwise.

He settled comfortably around her, thinking how easily he had grown accustomed to sleeping with her. He’d never felt that way about a woman. A woman had meant nothing more to him than a way to satisfy a need and a warm body to wrap himself around on a cold night.

With Willow, it was more than a need. It was a feeling of being content when he was with her, and suffering an empty ache when separated from her. And being wrapped around her warm body felt like a welcoming hug after being away from home.

Damn, he did love her, and he had no idea what he was going to do about it.

Willow woke alone, though she hadn’t slept alone. She had woken during the night to find herself snuggled against her husband. She had never felt as content as she had at that moment. She had been tempted to stir him awake with an intimate touch, but she had asked herself if that was what she wanted, to take advantage of their situation? It had been an easy decision. She wanted her husband to decide for himself if he wished to remain wed to her. She would not have passion decide their fate.

There was much to be done today and with a long, easy stretch, she eased herself out of bed. She donned her garments, combed and plaited her hair, slipped her boots on, and left the bedchamber to see how Sara had fared the night and certain that was where she’d find her husband. Afterwards, she’d speak with James. She owed him that and she knew exactly where he’d be at this early hour… in his solar. It was a habit of his to go there in the morning upon rising and plan what needed to be done that day.

Willow was surprised that her husband wasn’t with his grandmother when she entered the bedchamber, though more surprised to find James there and to see that he and Eleanor were asleep. He had placed his chair beside hers and her head rested on his shoulder while his head rested atop her head. It appeared James was more than smitten with Eleanor and obviously she felt the same.