Warmth filled Cailin at how she and his father had liked each other from the start. During their mutual recovery, their frequent chess matches had turned into more of a challenge of wills. “She does.”
A soft knock sounded on the door.
“Enter,” LordDalkirk called.
Decked in his finest attire, his sword gleaming, Rónán stepped inside. “Father Lamond has arrived.”
Eyes beaming with pride, his father set aside his goblet. “Let us be on our way, son. ’Tis time for you to wed.”
Cailin met his father’s gaze as he set aside his cup, then joined him as he headed for the door. Indeed, he couldna wait to make Elspet his wife. A lingering sadness filled him as he wished his mother could be there. Then he recalled that Elspet wore his mother’s cross and realized in spirit she was. A tale that Cailin relayed to his fatheras they walked.
* * * *
“And do you, Sir Cailin MacHugh, take Elspet to be your lawfully wedded wife?” Father Lamond asked, his rich tones echoing throughout the chapel.
Love filled Cailin as he held Elspet’s hands, amazed that, within a few weeks, his life had changed completely. Gone was the loneliness, of days filled with thoughts of naught but battle. However unconventional their meeting, in the end she’d stolen more than his sword but hisheart. “I do.”
“And do you, Elspet,” the priest asked, “take Sir Cailin foryour husband?”
Emerald-green eyes sparkled with happiness. “I do.”
Father Lamond made the sign of the cross. “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, with your consent declared before God, you are now bound as husband and wife!”
The crowd cheered as Cailin drew her into his arms for a deep kiss. “I love you, Elspet.”
“And I love you, Cailin, andwill forever.”
His heart full, he laced his fingers with hers as they turned to the crowd.
“May I present Sir Cailin and Elspet MacHugh!” Cailin’s father boomed out.
Cheers again filled the holy chamber.
A short while later, with the celebration having moved to the great room, Rónán handed goblets of wine to Elspet, Cailin, Lord Dalkirk, Lord Odhran, and Taog as the aromas of roast boar, mutton, hart, and sweets sifted through the air. “A toast for a long and happy life!”
His friends lifted their cups and downed the spirit. Calls for Cailin to again kiss thebride rang out.
Laughter fading, the door of the keep opened. Snow whirled inside as a man bearing King Robert’scolors entered.
Body tense, Cailin lowered his goblet. Only one reason came to mind for the runner’s appearance. His sovereign was requesting his immediate presence.
His father frowned. “’Tis the king’s man.”
Any scrap of color on Elspet’s face faded.
Cailin’s chest squeezed tight. ’Twas to be their wedding night, the hours ahead filled with soft whispers, making love, and creating memories to cherish for a lifetime, not for thoughts of war.
As quickly, he smothered the feelings. He was a warrior, and ’twas the king’s support that had allowed him to seize Tiran Castle, discover his father lived, and, more, meet and fall in love with Elspet. “Nay doubt he bears news that I am needed and must leave to rejoin the fight.”
A guard led the messenger to the dais.
“He wouldna ask you to depart on the day of your wedding,” Taog said.
Lord Odhran noddedhis agreement.
“He will want me to return posthaste,” Cailin said, resigned to his duty.
Rónán nodded. “I willgo with you.”
