As they reached the end of the aisle, Magnus gently let go of Anna’s arm. Now, she was standing with Emeric—no barriers between them. He reached out and took her hand in his. The fingers that wrapped around her hand were warm and strong, sending a jolt of energy straight through her.
The ceremony passed in a blur for Anna. She repeated the vows in Gaelic, led by the elderly priest who had known Emeric since his childhood. Their hands were bound together with a strip of Emeric’s tartan, symbolizing their unity and mutual support through life’s trials.
“And do ye, Anna, take this man to be yer wedded husband?” The priest’s voice echoed in the hushed hall.
“I do,” she said, her voice strong and clear.
There was a pause as the priest looked at Emeric. “And do ye, Emeric, take this woman to be yer wedded wife?”
“I do,” he replied, his voice resonating with certainty and conviction. A murmur of approval swept through the hall.
The priest repeated the words for Aislinn and Brodie. Aislinn spoke strongly and Brodie’s voice wavered only a little.
The elderly priest smiled. “Then I am delighted to say, that ye are husbands and wives. Ye may kiss yer brides.”
A cheer erupted from the crowd as Emeric pulled Anna into his arms and kissed her. She felt lost in him, like she was drowning in a sea of emotions she could hardly comprehend. She clung to him, her fingers digging into his plaid. The noise of the crowd faded away as if they were thousands of miles away.
As they parted from their kiss, Anna turned to see Aislinn and Brodie sharing their own sweet moment. Aislinn had her hands clasped on either side of Brodie’s face, the bouquet of wildflowers forgotten at their feet. Their kiss was gentle and sweet, so strikingly intimate that Anna felt a flush rise to her cheeks. Brodie looked almost dazed as he pulled away, his eyes never leaving Aislinn’s face.
“Let the feast begin!” boomed Laird Mackintosh’s voice over the clamor, and more cheering ensued as servants rushed in, wheeling carts laden with food. Jugs of mead and ale were passed around, along with platters of venison, roasted potatoes, fresh fish from the loch, and sweet honey cakes.
Anna found herself seated beside Emeric at the high table, their chairs side by side and their hands still entwined beneath the long wooden table. Beside them, Aislinn and Brodie were deep in conversation.
Brodie suddenly leaned towards Emeric. “About the plans to drain the eastern marshes. I’ve taken another look and I think I know a way to refine the process.”
Emeric raised his hand, cutting the younger man off. “Aye, I’ve no doubt ye have. But I’m sure it can wait until tomorrow, aye?”
Brodie blinked owlishly. “Well...er...aye, I suppose it can.”
Anna shared a smile with Emeric. The new alliance with the Murrays was still a work in progress and she got the feeling it was going to keep them all on their toes. Things were changing in Clan Mackintosh and she hoped it would all be for the better. After a long discussion, she and Emeric had decided to keep his father’s secret and not tell anyone the truth. Only hurt could come of it. Anna knew it was a heavy burden that Emeric had chosen to carry but she hoped it would be just a little lighter now she was around to help him carry it.
The MacDonalds were no longer a threat and were allies of a sort under the leadership of Duncan MacDonald. His father’s plan to invade Murray territory had been revealed and the former laird had been taken to Edinburgh to await the king’s judgment.
Of Lady Maria, there had been no sign. Emeric’s sword-brothers had scoured the land for her but she had disappeared like smoke. That was just fine with Anna. If she never saw that woman again it would be too soon.
“What are ye thinking about, love?” Emeric asked.
Anna gave him a wide smile. “Oh, nothing important. How about some dancing?”
Emeric groaned. “What? Already? I’m not half drunk enough yet.”
Anna snorted a laugh. “Do you remember at Lily and Oskar’s wedding when I dragged you up onto the dancefloor?”
“How can I forget? A crazy twenty-first century woman trying to show me some dance moves. It was an eye-opening experience.”
Anna scowled at him. “Crazy? I’ve told you before, I prefer the term ‘eccentric.’”
He laughed, a deep rumble that sent shivers of delight all the way to Anna’s toes. She loved that sound. She loved everything about him. How strange that she had to travel so far to find what she was looking for.
“Would ye like more wine, my dear?” said a voice beside her.
“Why not?” Anna said, holding her goblet out for the servant. “Start as you mean to go on, eh?”
“That’s the spirit, my dear.”
The woman stepped forward to pour and Anna jerked in shock, slopping wine all over the table. This was no serving girl as Anna had expected. The woman was ancient, and short, and wore her gray hair in a tight bun.
“Irene?”
