Arianna shook her head, her gaze unwavering. “Nay,” she said firmly. “It makes ye look like the man who fought for me… and found me.” His grip tightened just slightly, emotion flickering across his features before he masked it with a softer expression.
As they returned to their dessert, Arianna found herself drifting inward, her thoughts unfolding quietly. There had been a time when she had dreaded this marriage, when the very idea of it had felt like a chain around her freedom. She remembered the anger, the suspicion, the fear of being nothing more than a pawn in a bargain. Yet now, as she sat beside Ian, their hands brushing and their gazes lingering, she could scarcely imagine a life that did not include him. Somewhere along the way, what had begun as an obligation had transformed into something far deeper, something she held close to her heart.
“Arianna.” Her name broke gently through her thoughts, and she turned to find Ian watching her with quiet concern.
“Where did ye wander off to?” he asked, his voice soft. She smiled faintly, reaching for his hand beneath the table, her fingers threading through his.
“Just thinkin’,” she said. “About how different things feel now from when we first met.”
Ian studied her for a moment, then squeezed her hand. “Aye,” he murmured. “They do.”
Before she could say more, a familiar voice called her name, and she turned to see her mother, Eilidh, approaching alongside her brothers, Marcus and Hugh.
Hugh gave a small chuckle, clapping Ian lightly on the shoulder. “Enjoyin’ the feast, are ye?” he asked.
“Aye,” Ian replied, his tone easy. “Though I’ll admit, yer clan has set a high standard this night.”
Hugh grinned at that, clearly pleased, while Eilidh’s attention shifted back to Arianna. “And ye, lass?” she asked gently. “Are ye well?”
Arianna’s fingers tightened slightly around Ian’s, her heart swelling with emotion as she met her mother’s gaze. “I am,” she said softly. “More than I ever thought I would be.”
Ian glanced at her, something unspoken passing between them before he straightened slightly.
“There is… somethin’ more we wished to share on this visit,” he said, his voice steady though his eyes betrayed a flicker of anticipation.
Arianna felt her pulse quicken, a smile beginning to form as she turned toward her family. “Aye,” she added, her voice warm and bright. “There is.”
Eilidh’s brows lifted in curiosity, while Hugh leaned in slightly, his expression attentive. Arianna drew in a breath, her free hand moving instinctively to rest against her stomach.
“I am with bairn,” she said, the words soft yet filled with quiet joy. For a heartbeat, there was silence. Then Eilidh gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as tears sprang to her eyes.
“Hugh, Marcus, did ye hear?” she exclaimed, her voice trembling with happiness.
Marcus broke into a wide grin, stepping forward to embrace his sister. “I did,” he said, his voice thick with pride. “And I couldnae be more pleased.”
Hugh placed his hand on her shoulder, “As am I. Congratulations to ye both.”
Eilidh followed, wrapping Arianna in a tight embrace, her laughter mingling with soft tears. “Oh, me sweet girl,” she murmured. “This is the greatest news.”
Ian stood close, watching the exchange with a quiet, almost reverent expression, his hand never leaving Arianna’s.
Hugh turned then, clasping Ian’s arm firmly. “Ye’ve given our family a great gift,” he said, his tone sincere.
Ian shook his head slightly, glancing at Arianna with a soft smile. “We’ve given it together,” he replied.
Arianna looked up at him, her heart full, knowing that whatever had once stood between them had long since been left behind.
As laughter and congratulations surrounded them, Arianna felt a deep sense of peace settle within her. The path that had brought her here had been fraught with doubt and danger, yet it had led her to something she now cherished beyond measure. She leaned into Ian slightly, their shoulders touching, her hand still entwined with his. And as she looked around at her family, at the man she loved, and at the life growing within her, she knew with certainty that she was exactly where she was meant to be…
At me husband's side.
As the last of the music faded into the rafters in the great hall, Arianna stood beside Ian with her hand resting lightly in his.
“It seems yer clan cannae bear to stop celebrating,” Ian murmured, his thumb brushing slow circles against her knuckles, his tone warm with quiet amusement.
Arianna smiled up at him, her eyes soft. “We ken how to enjoy a night, husband, though I think even they grow weary now at this hour.”
Servants began clearing the tables while the musicians packed their instruments, and the great hall slowly emptied of voices and light.
