"Shivaree"
She sank onto his, no their bed, after the mountain women had left the room. Dressed in only her chemise and a thin cotton robe, she felt almost nude. Her chestnut locks had been unpinned and brushed until they hung in long waves down her back, gleaming in the soft glow of the lamplight. Her stomach churned in anxious waves as she anticipated what was to come. There was a loud knock at the door, and she tensed. Instinctively grasping her robe tighter about her, she rose from the bed. "Come in." Her voice was faltering, and she fought back the overwhelming nervousness she felt. Time seemed to slow as the handle turned and the door inched open. In stepped her husband of only hours, and out stepped her nerves. She blushed under his heated gaze, but found herself relaxing as he pulled her into a tight embrace. This was right. This was natural. This was perfect.