“She slept in,after what happened yesterday,” Erica said smoothly, shooting Gabriella a quick wink. “Poor thing needed the rest.”
“Aye,she deserves it after that ordeal,” Madison agreed softly, her gentle voice much stronger than it had been months ago.
The shy youngwoman’s transformation was remarkable—gone was the broken girl who’d barely been able to lift her head. Now, she moved with quiet confidence, her red hair shining with health.
Flora,still the quietest of them all, simply smiled and nodded in agreement, but even she looked vibrant and well-cared for.
Andrea,however, fixed Gabriella with a knowing look that made her cheeks burn even hotter. The older woman’s eyes twinkled with maternal understanding, and Gabriella had the distinct feeling that Andrea knew exactly where she’d spent the night.
“Well then,”Andrea said with barely contained amusement, “we’d better get ye ready. Ye have a weddin’ to attend, and the groom will be wondering where his bride has gotten to.”
“Aye.”Erica laughed, already reaching for the elaborate wedding dress hanging nearby. “And knowin’ me braither, he’s probably pacin’ the Great Hall like a caged wolf by now.”
Gabriella felther embarrassment fade into excitement as the women surrounded her with love and laughter.
Today was her wedding day—theday she’d officially become Hector’s wife. Though, in her heart, she’d been his completely since the moment he’d claimed her last night.
“Come on then, lass,”Piper urged, holding up delicate silk stockings. “Let’s make ye the most beautiful bride the Highlands have ever seen.”
As her friendshelped her dress, Gabriella caught Andrea’s eye in the mirror. The older woman’s expression had softened into pure maternal love, and she mouthed silently, “I’m so happy for ye, child.”
Gabriella’s heartswelled with gratitude and joy. She was no longer the broken, frightened girl who’d been rescued from that terrible place.
“There,”Madison said, stepping back to admire the delicate silver chain she’d just fastened around Gabriella’s neck. “Perfect.”
“Nae quite.”Andrea approached with a small wooden box, a smile playing on her lips. “Every McCulloch bride needs somethin’ special.”
She openedthe box to reveal an exquisite brooch—a silver set with deep blue sapphires in the shape of the McCulloch crest.
“This belongedto Hector’s grandmaither, and her grandmaither before her,” Andrea explained as she pinned it carefully to Gabriella’s dress. “Welcome to the family, me dear daughter.”
Tears prickedGabriella’s eyes as the weight of acceptance and belonging wrapped around her like a warm blanket.
She was home.She was loved. And in just a few hours, she’d be walking down the aisle to marry the man who’d saved her in every way that mattered.
“Now,”Erica spoke up, clapping her hands together, “let’s finish gettin’ ye ready. Me braither has waited long enough for his bride.”
The room eruptedin laughter and renewed activity as the women put the finishing touches on Gabriella’s dress. Outside, she could hear the castle preparing for her wedding—pipes warming up, servants arranging flowers, and the excited chatter of arriving guests.
Today wasthe first day of her new life as Lady McCulloch, and she couldn’t wait for it to begin.
The Great Hallof Castle McCulloch had been transformed into something magical. Clan banners hung from the rafters, alongside garlands of heather and wild roses. The ancient stone walls were draped with the clan’s tartan, and dozens of candles cast everything in warm, golden light.
Gabriella stoodat the entrance to the hall, her heart hammering against her ribs as she took in the sea of faces turned toward her. The entire clan seemed to be present, along with representatives from allied clans who’d come to witness the union.
But she only had eyes forthe man standing at the far end of the hall.
Hector lookedmagnificent in his formal Highland dress—his clan colors draped across his broad shoulders, his dark hair gleaming in the candlelight, his brown eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her knees weak.
When he saw her,his stern expression melted into something so tender and proud that she felt tears prick her eyes.
“Ready, lass?”Andrea whispered beside her, gently taking her arm.
Gabriella nodded,not trusting her voice.
Together,they began the slow walk down the aisle, the guests rising to their feet in respectful silence.
With each step,Gabriella felt herself growing stronger, more confident. These people weren’t strangers anymore—they were her clan now, her family. She could see Noah’s proud grin, Erica’s tearful smile, and the warm faces of servants who’d shown her kindness.
