< prev page 85 next >

Chapter 4: Within

“Good morning,” John returned, trying to smile. His eyes briefly met hers before he lowered them. He leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

“Is something the matter?” she asked, a wave of concern passing over her features.

John caught himself setting his jaw. “Oh no,” he said, turning away from her to arrange his clothes. “It’s just difficult shaking this sleep,” he said, “this dream.” He heard silence behind him and knew she was looking at him. “The swinging of the ship makes for a strange night’s sleep,” he said, turning. She was looking at him, as he had suspected. “Not to mention our confinement in this cursed cabin. Thankfully it seems that the rain has subsided.”

She reached out to touch his abdomen. “Yes,” she said, “though I haven’t found it too awfully terrible to be forced into such close contact with my new husband.” A mischievous smile spread across her features.

He stepped away from her touch. “How was your rest?” he asked.

“Oh,” she said, reaching up to stretch her slender arms, “I slept like the dead. I found the constant roll quite soothing.” Her arms fell to rest on her belly. “Though I almost feel as though I could go back to sleep right now,” she said with a light laugh.

“Your eyes are red,” he said. “You look tired.”

“Oh,” she said, giggling, and raised her delicate fingers to rub them.

< prev page 85 next >