"There." She smiled down at the basket with the pride of a queen admiring a cradle lined with gold and gems. "Our son's bed is ready!"
He placed the washbasin on the floor, never taking his eyes off her. Then he stepped around it and gently cupped her face beneath the jaw.
"Rest now while I go bring the rising water for your bath."
She looked up at him, her hazel eyes glowing with trust. "Thank you, for everything. For this little dream house, and for being here with me."
Rohan shook his head, wanting to tell her not to thank him for what she truly deserved. But he swallowed the words for now, knowing there were things he needed to take care of quickly.
Returning to the bedroom minutes later with more water, Rohan found Belle standing in the washbasin, her body glistening with soap. She stood in half-profile to him, revealing the elegant curve of her back and the side of one breast.
