Ralston and Anna escorted Kristina across the great hall toward him where he stood in front of the high table, beside Neacal and Reverend MacAbee.
Kristina's long blond curls were loose upon her shoulders and interwoven with blue ribbons and dried heather. She wore a lovely gown of blue and a tartan sash of white, red and blue. The bodice fitted to her slender body perfectly, while the skirts and lace petticoats billowed out. Her arm in the splint and matching plaid sling did not detract from her elegant clothing.
Best of all, she wore a bright smile and a blush. Her happiness and love were clear for everyone to see.
When she stopped close in front of him, Colin took her hand. Since she could not see him, he wished to make a connection with her, so she would know 'twas indeed him. "You are so beautiful," he whispered in her ear.
Her smile widened and she squeezed his hand. The joy upon her face thrilled him and appeared to match his own. He wanted to kiss her now, but he knew he had to wait until the ceremony was complete.
As he repeated the vows after Reverend MacAbee, Colin could not take his gaze off her. His love for her was the most extraordinary and intoxicating thing he had ever experienced.
When it was her turn, Kristina repeated the vows in a strong and sure voice, all the while smiling.
"You are blood of my blood and bone of my bone. I give you my body that we two might be one. I give you my spirit 'til our life shall be done."
He absorbed the sacred wedding vows coming from her lips as one might relish the warm spring sunlight after a long cold winter. He prayed the rest of their days would be just as joyful as this one.
"I now pronounce you man and wife," Reverend MacAbee announced jovially. "You may seal your vows with a kiss."
Colin wanted to devour Kristina's lips, but he restrained himself. Although… once he started kissing her, he found it difficult to stop.
Whistles and yells erupted from the clansmen. Colin smiled and pulled back. He did not want to overdo it and embarrass her. But she was already blushing. He would much prefer giving her the good kisses in private anyway.
Next, 'twas time for more feasting and toasts, as well as the singing and dancing.
When Colin and Kristina took to the floor for their first dance as husband and wife, he allowed her to stand on the toes of his boots, as they had done in their only other dance, so the steps would be much easier for her. They were both giggling like bairns by the end of it, and the laughter was contagious, for everyone in the great hall joined in.
A short time later, Anna and the other women came for Kristina. When she blushed profusely, he laughed. They ushered her upstairs to the chamber she had been using, the same one he'd slept in the whole of his life until he'd given it over to her. He looked forward to spending their wedding night there, and was elated he would never have to sleep without her again.
"And now for the best part." Neacal grinned and playfully slapped his shoulder.
Colin chuckled. "Aye, I can hardly wait."
"Whisky?" Fraser offered him, lifting his flask.
"Nay, I want to remember every moment of this night."
Neacal raised his tankard of ale. Shamus, Bryce and the other men joined in. "To the wedding night!"
After drinking a swallow of ale, Colin glanced around at his circle of close friends and his brother. "Who will wed next? Bryce, Fraser or Cyrus?"
"Ha! Not I," Fraser was quick to say.
Bryce snorted. "I have no need of a wife."
"I think it should be Cyrus," Fraser said. "He's in much need of a wife, an heir and a spare."
Ever serious and intense, Cyrus lifted a dark brow, then shrugged with indifference. "If I find a lady from the right clan who measures up to my expectations."
"And those expectations are quite lofty," Fraser mumbled. "He will settle for naught less than a duke's daughter."
"Don't be ridiculous. An earl's daughter should suffice." Cyrus sipped his ale.
Shamus, Neacal and Colin chuckled, exchanging glances, for they knew finding the ideal wife had naught to do with who her clan or parents were and everything to do with her heart and soul.
***
Feeling giddy, Kristina covered her head with the counterpane when Neacal, Shamus, Fraser and the other men brought Colin to the bedchamber. The men were boisterous, with much teasing and laughter, which mortified her. No doubt they had already drunk too much whisky.
