Chapter Twenty-Seven
Ailis stood atthe edge of her father’s grand courtyard. She greeted incoming allied lairds with practiced grace alongside Fiona and Moira. It had been their task to welcome guests since they were old enough, and she enjoyed meeting all the new people.
“Welcome, Laird Robertson.” Ailis extended a hand to the next arrival. She observed the accompanying warriors, noting their strength and weaponry. “We’re so glad you joined us.”
The courtyard filled with voices and clanking armor as suppertime neared. Ailis’s attention shifted to Lachlan leading his family’s delegation. She was so happy he was back!
Ailis’s heart raced as he dismounted and strode toward her. “Good even, Ailis,” Lachlan greeted before drawing her aside from watchful eyes. “There’s talk of war,” he whispered. “Before we battle, I want ye to be me wife. Will ye marry me?”
Her breath caught, joy surged through her at the thought of standing beside Lachlan as his wife, understanding this union meant more than just love. It was also an alliance for uncertain times.
“Seek me father’s blessing,” she reminded him, formal yet trembling with hope. “But know this, Lachlan—I would be honored to be yer bride.”
Her admission hung between them like a fragile promise. As supper’s call echoed through the keep, Ailis awaited the outcome of her father and Lachlan’s meeting.
*
Lachlan entered thegreat hall with a pounding heart. Laird Duncan McAfee stood by the hearth. Lachlan approached, feeling the weight of his request.
“Duncan,” Lachlan began, inclining his head. “I have a matter to discuss.”
Duncan turned to face him, his eyes searching Lachlan’s. “Speak yer piece.”
“I wish to speak of Ailis,” Lachlan continued. “With yer permission, I ask for her hand in marriage, to further unite our clans.”
Silence fell as Duncan regarded him. Then, he nodded slowly. “Ye have me blessing. I can see that the two of ye work well together. And though I wanted me daughters to each make a new alliance, it seems to be smart to strengthen our alliance with the McClains at this time. Ye won’t take her away until after the war?”
With gratitude, Lachlan smiled. “Thank ye. And no. I will not take her away until after the war, and until after Alisdair feels comfortable with his new job as laird.”
*
He rejoined Ailisand announced that they would be wed that evening. Her face bloomed with joy, and she clasped her hands together.
“Then we mustn’t tarry,” she trilled. “An hour after supper, we shall stand before the priest and pledge ourselves to each other.”
As Ailis sat down beside Lachlan for their only meal as a betrothed couple, she realized that neither of them had ever spoken of love to the other. Certainly, he felt for her if he’d askedher to marry him! But… was it love? She couldn’t ask him, as she’d never uttered the words either.Heshould say them first.
As soon as the meal was over, her sisters ushered her away to prepare for the ceremony. Ailis allowed herself to be guided, envisioning her life ahead with Lachlan. And though she’d expected to have more time to prepare for her wedding, she knew this was how things were meant to happen. She could feel it deep within her.
Her sisters readied her in silence. They dressed her hair and clothed her in a purple gown that hinted at elegance and strength, its color as deep as the moor’s heather.
Ailis studied her reflection in the mirror that had cost a knight’s ransom, not recognizing herself. A linchpin of an alliance and beacon of hope, she thought of Lachlan, the man who had claimed her heart in political turmoil. “Let us not keep him waiting. Tonight, we forge our future.” With purpose, she went to the chapel.
The chapel’s soft candlelight held anticipation as Ailis entered on her father’s arm. Each step toward the altar melded her future with Lachlan, whose gaze met hers. There was a slight smile on his face, showing her that he was as happy as she was this was finally happening. They’d practically courted for a lifetime, but in truth it was only a couple of months.
Father Neil, the new priest who was meant to serve both the Sinclairs and the McAfees nervously began the ceremony, stumbling over words as if they were stones. Laughter rippled through the assembly, a moment of levity shared by Ailis and Lachlan amidst their commitment.
When asked who gave Ailis away, Duncan proclaimed himself proudly, his voice echoing with the future of their clans.
Neil hesitated, squinting at the text. “Do ye, Lachlan, take Ailis to be yer lawfully wedded wife, to protect and to cherish, from this day forward?”
“I do.” Lachlan’s vow echoed through the chamber.
“And do ye, Ailis, take Lachlan to be yer lawfully wedded husband, to honor and to…” Neil trailed off.
“Cherish,” Ailis gently supplied.
“Then by the power somewhat vested in me,” Neil declared, laughter following his words, “I now pronounce ye husband and wife.”
