Chapter One
Ailis McAfee glidedthrough the grand hall of the castle. She brushed her delicate fingers against the vibrant blossoms that decorated the space, carefully selecting a symphony of hues for her sister Fiona’s upcoming wedding. The sweet scent of daisy and heather wafted through the air, filling the room with a promise of joyous days to come. As she weaved her way through the bustling preparations, Ailis couldn’t help but harbor a sense of excitement and anticipation, eager to witness her sister’s happiness bloom like the flowers she held.
“Think ye these marigolds too bold?” Ailis asked, contrasting the fiery blooms with daisies and bluebells on the table. They had two days left before the wedding, so they expected many guests. Now it was the right time to study how the hall would look with the blossoms.
“Bold is what our Fiona deserves,” Moira replied, eyes twinkling. “Ye ken she ne’er shied from making a statement.”
“True,” Ailis conceded, giggling as she added marigolds to the arrangement. “Remember her sneaking into kitchens or leading ye on wild chases?”
“Twas ye who always found us,” Moira countered, tying ribbons around bouquets. “Like when I climbed the tallest oak.”
Ailis smiled at the memory. The sisters shared a knowing glance during the preparations, acknowledging the weight of Fiona’s upcoming union.
“I’m glad she and Alisdair will be staying here at the keep with us. I was worried for a bit that she would decide to move to McClain lands,” Moira continued.
“I would have missed her every day,” Ailis replied. “But ’tis her path to walk.”
“I’m glad that for now, her path will stay here with us,” Moira whispered.
“As am I,” Ailis affirmed, patting her sister’s shoulder. “I canna imagine life without our sister.”
*
Ailis placed thelast foxglove in the woven basket, her ears catching hushed tones from behind the grand oak doors. Fiona and Laird Duncan McAfee were discussing the wedding’s seating arrangements.
“Father, we cannot have the McClains beside the McAfees,” Fiona insisted. “Eventually we’ll all get along, I hope, but for now…”
“But we must show unity,” their father replied.
Approaching unnoticed, Ailis suggested, “We alternate the seats of our clan with those of the McClains.”
Duncan nodded. “Fiona, see it done as Ailis advises.”
As preparations unfolded, Ailis noticed Lachlan McClain at the periphery of the celebration. She approached him, filled with curiosity.
“Good day, Lachlan,” she began. “Does the merriment not tempt ye to join in?”
“The care with which ye all prepare for the wedding fascinates me.” He smiled. “It tells me yer dedicated to family and tradition. I like to see that it’s not only Clan McClain who feels that way.”
Ailis replied, “The union of Fiona and Alisdair marks more than a marriage—it is the intertwining of two clans’ destinies. This alliance will benefit both clans.”
Lachlan smiled. “Perhaps ye’ll share with me some of the traditions of yer clan.”
“Aye, of course. I’ve grown up with our traditions, and I realize many are shared by all the Highlands. But there are a few that are just true of Clan McAfee. We invite all the villagers to the keep when the harvest is in, and we hold a feast. There is dancing and we all eat our favorite foods. There is laughter late into the night.”
He grinned. “That sounds like fun to me.”
“Aye, tis a great deal of fun. I hope ye and yer brothers will still be around for the feast this year.”
“Well, we know Alisdair will be around because he will be laird of yer clan, but I hope Brodie and I find a way to stay as well. At least for now.”
Or forever.
“We truly are a large family. Everyone is welcome to give their opinions to the laird. Me father never turns anyone away. It doesn’t matter how small the problem is. He is willing to help.”
“That’s a sign of a good leader,” Lachlan enthused.
“It is. I hope yer brother will be just as good of a leader.”
