"Aye. Stop making me weepy," she chided.
He laughed.
When Colin pressed his lips to hers, it seemed an eternity had passed since the last time he had kissed her this way, with gentle but persistent passion. His lips moved with slow, sensual deliberation, exploring every part of her lips with his own.
His tongue brushed against her lips, inciting a quickening of desire that stole her breath.
Being careful of her arm, he lifted her and placed her gently on the bed, then lay down beside her. "Do not tell anyone," he whispered against her mouth.
"I won't. Did you lock the door?"
"Aye." They lay snuggled warmly together, face to face, breathing the same breath, his lips sipping tenderly at hers. His hand at her waist, he tugged her closer. Suddenly, she sensed his great restraint in the midst of consuming passion. Thrilling tingles sparkled over her skin. Her arm around his neck, her hand buried in his thick hair, she drew him closer.
"I was teasing about seducing you," he said.
"Blast," she muttered. "Why do you torment me so?"
He laughed. "Do you think you'll be well enough for seduction by our wedding night next week?"
"Of course. I'm ready now."
***
Kristina was so excited she could hardly sleep the night before the wedding, but she did manage a few hours.
During the past week, her head pain had diminished to almost nothing, which she was thankful for.
Colin had asked one of his clansmen, an expert carver, to fashion a cane for her. She was thrilled to have it and she'd been walking around the castle beside him, Anna or Maili, learning her way around.
"A snow during the night has blanketed the whole countryside," Anna announced as she entered Kristina's bedchamber.
"I'm sure it must be beautiful." Kristina sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, dejected that her blindness had not abated before her wedding day.
"Aye, but 'tis also exceedingly cold."
"I had so hoped to be able to see my handsome Colin as I marry him. I yearn to look into his eyes now as never before."
"Oh, I know, sweet sister." Anna patted her hand. "I will tell you this much… the expression in his eyes says he adores you."
Kristina smiled, happy despite her disability. "And I adore him."
"Do you have any pain this morn?"
"Nay. I feel much better. By the way, Ma visited me in a dream just before I woke up," Kristina said.
"Indeed?" Anna sounded surprised. "What did she say?"
"Naught. She simply smiled very serenely, and I could see and feel how happy she was for us."
"I'm certain she is. She will be with us in spirit this day. I need to tell you, because of the deep snow, the wedding ceremony has been moved to the great hall. 'Twill be much warmer anyway."
"Very well. Is Colin disappointed?"
"Nay. 'Twas his idea, and the minister agreed it would be acceptable. Now, I'm going to send the maid for some food to break your fast, then we can get you ready for your big day."
***
Musicians played as the bride emerged from the stairwell. Colin was stunned speechless, unable to believe how beautiful Kristina was. Realizing this was the happiest day of his life, he grinned until his cheeks hurt.
