“Yes,” Violet replied with a soft laugh, tugging on her lavender dress. “I truly hope this one goes well, or it would turn into a curse.”
“What ye have with me braither could never be a curse,” Sienna replied with a gentle smile, adjusting the veil on her head. “I believe that me braither will defy the heavens to make sure this union holds. Yewillget married today.”
Ruaridh was not the only one who was growing impatient. In the time since they had confessed their love for each other, it had become very difficult to stay away from each other.
It was as if the knowledge of their heartfelt adoration ramped the heat between them to unbearable levels until all Violet could think of was making love. But these days, it was very difficult tosneak away together. It seemed that the residents of the castle had connived to keep them away from each other, ensuring that they hardly spent time alone.
Considering that Ruaridh had hoped to leave her chaste until their wedding night, their tactics were helping even though it was driving her crazy.
“I am grateful you are here,” she told Sienna, watching as she rubbed her swollen belly. “I know it cannot be easy in your condition.”
“I am pregnant, nae ill, Violet,” Sienna said in a tone that suggested she had had this argument with her husband one too many times.
Frankly, Violet understood the man’s worry. While she was grateful for Sienna’s presence, she was not completely oblivious to the stress that came with assisting in the wedding preparations, even if it was the second time. But then, Sienna had always been a strong woman who refused to be slowed down by something as ordinary as pregnancy.
“I think ye are ready now,” she declared, tugging on the veil one more time before handing her a bouquet of fresh flowers.
“When did you get it? They are still so fresh.”
“I asked Ronald to pick it up this morning,” she replied with a sheepish smile.
If there were men who worshipped the ground their women walked on, Ronald Mackenzie would be one of them.
“Thank you,” Violet said, squeezing her friend’s hand in gratitude before standing to her full height.
“Good luck,” Sienna whispered in her ear, pulling her into a hug. “May God be with ye both.”
“Amen.” Violet nodded, picking her way towards the door.
She needed all the luck she could get. She hoped that, for once, she could see a wedding through without unwanted disruptions.
Outside the door, her father stood waiting with a wide smile. He was happier these days, but that was to be expected of someone who had let go of the burden of fear and cowardice and chose to live life boldly.
He had returned to England, and while Lord Westall had once boasted of his inability to tell an inconvenient truth, he had gone to the Queen and explained what had happened, clearing Ruaridh’s name and releasing the threat of ruin that had hung over his neck.
In the weeks that followed, he described a restlessness that made staying in English society difficult. Well, he had changed, and this new version of him would not thrive in his old circles. Violet was most grateful that he was here to walk her down the aisle again.
“You look beautiful, Violet,” he complimented with a tender smile.
“You look good as well,” she returned, taking in his simple attire—a shirt tucked beneath breeches and his best waistcoat over it. He was the epitome of English nobility even here in the wild Highlands.
“Most men only have the honor to walk their daughters down the aisle once,” he said with a laugh as they walked out of the castle. “I have had the honor three times.”
“I sincerely hope this is the last time,” she chuckled.
“I will make sure of it,” he assured her as they stopped before the chapel’s doors.
She did not know how he intended to do that, but she did not need to ask. The man her father had become was quite capable and would make all her dreams come true if it were in his power.
The doors opened, and she made the trip down the aisle again to the love of her life.
Following the attack by Lord Westall, it had been decided that it was safer to hold the wedding indoors, even though there was hardly anyone left in England or Scotland who would seek to disrupt their union. It was better to be safe than sorry.
When she got to the altar, she found Ruaridh smiling widely, the shadows in his eyes completely gone.
“Ye look very bonny, lass,” he murmured, his heated gaze moving over her in appreciation. She suppressed a shiver.
“Thank you,” she replied. “You look good, too.”
