THE MARRIAGE BED
Waking in the predawn half-light, she is enfolded in his solid warmth, his arms wrapped around her, leg draped over her hip.
He held her like this on their wedding night. Marian disliked it at first, as she dislikes all constraint, fearing that his embrace would become her prison. She'd wriggle free, and resent his hurt look when he jolted awake.
Now, she feels safe and needed, and no longer afraid: She knows that he loves her freedom even more than he fears it.
Drowsily, she kisses his shoulder; then settles snugly into his arms and drifts back to sleep.