But most of all,she could see Hector waiting for her with love blazing in his dark eyes.
When they reachedthe front of the hall, Andrea placed Gabriella’s hand in Hector’s with a whispered blessing, then stepped aside to give them their moment.
“Ye look beautiful,mo chridhe,”Hector murmured, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her hand.
“And ye look handsome,”she replied, her voice steadier than she’d expected.
The ceremonyitself was a blur of ancient Gaelic words, traditional vows, and the binding of their hands with McCulloch tartan—the handfasting that would make them one in the eyes of God and their clan. But throughout it all, Gabriella was aware only of Hector’s strong presence beside her, the warmth of his hand in hers, and the promise of forever shining in his eyes.
“By the powerof the old ways and the blessing of the Almighty,” the priest declared, “I pronounce ye husband and wife, bound together before clan and country.”
The hall eruptedin cheers as Hector cupped her face and kissed her with tender passion, sealing their union before their people. When they broke apart, both breathless and grinning, the celebration began in earnest.
“Ready for ourfirst dance as husband and wife?” he asked, offering her his arm.
The crowd partedto create a circle as the pipers began playing the traditional wedding tune. True to the McCulloch custom, the bride and groom would dance first, officially opening the celebrations before others could join in.
Hector ledher through the steps they’d practiced, but this time was different. This time, they moved together as husband and wife, their bodies in perfect harmony, their eyes locked on each other with utter devotion.
As the music swelled,other couples joined them on the dance floor. Gabriella caught sight of Noah spinning Erica withsurprising grace, both of them laughing with pure joy. Madison was dancing shyly with one of the younger clan members, while Piper had somehow convinced the elderly priest to partner with her, much to everyone’s amusement.
“Happy?”Hector asked as he spun her gently.
“Perfectly,”Gabriella replied, truly meaning it.
The evening continued with feasting,storytelling, and more dancing. Gabriella found herself surrounded by well-wishers, accepting congratulations and gifts with growing confidence. She was no longer the frightened girl who’d arrived at this castle months ago. She was Lady McCulloch now, and she felt every inch the Highland lady.
It was nearlymidnight when the commotion started.
“Well, well,”a sharp female voice cut through the din. “What a… quaint wedding.”
Gabriella turnedto see a beautiful woman with auburn hair and cold green eyes approaching their table. She wore an elaborate gown that was clearly meant to upstage the bride, and her smile was razor-sharp.
Caitlyn.
It had to be.
The hall grewquiet as the guests noticed the newcomer. Hector’s expression darkened, but he remained seated, his hand finding Gabriella’s under the table.
“Caitlyn,”he greeted coolly. “I wasnae expectin’ ye.”
“Oh,I wouldnae miss this for the world,” Caitlyn replied, her gaze sweeping dismissively over Gabriella. “After all, it’s nae every day that one gets to see such a… charitable match.”
Murmurs rippledthrough the crowd at the insult. Gabriella felt her cheeks burn, but before she could respond, Hector was on his feet.
“That’s enough,”he said, his voice carrying the absolute authority of a Highland laird. “Ye’re a guest in me hall, but that courtesy has limits.”
Caitlyn’s smile faltered slightly,but she pressed on. “I just thought the clan should ken what kind of woman their new lady is. After all, she is nae a noble, is she?”
The insult hit its mark,and Gabriella felt old shame trying to crawl up her neck. But then she looked around the hall—at Andrea’s protective expression; at Erica’s furious face; at the clansfolk, who were looking at Caitlyn with disgust rather than agreement.
These were her people now.They’d already accepted her.
“Aye,”she uttered, rising to her feet with newfound dignity. “I ken I wouldnae have wed a laird under normal circumstances. But I’m grateful that Hector saw somethin’ in me that made him decide to marry me anyway, because he is the finest man I’ve ever kenned.”
The hall eruptedin approving cheers, but Hector held up a hand for silence.
“Caitlyn Grant,”he said formally, using the maiden name with deliberate emphasis, “ye are nay longer welcome in me hall or on me lands. Guards, escort her out.”
