With unintended jerky movements, he tied the strings into a bow at the bottom. When she turned, he surveyed her.
"You're the loveliest lady I've ever beheld." Not because of the clothing, but because of her bonny face and the trusting expression in her eyes.
"Yeah, right. I had no way to fix my hair, so I finger-combed it."
"'Tis beautiful." He wished to finger-comb it himself, just as he hungered to touch and explore every inch of her graceful body.
"I don't have any makeup, like eyeliner or blush."
"You don't need it. You're stunning."
She looked demure of a sudden as if she accepted his words as truth. "Well… thank you." Her gaze darted down over his clothing, then back to his face. "You look gorgeous."
He bowed, pleased she found him appealing. "I appreciate it, m'lady." After placing the cloak around her shoulders, he offered his hand, and she took it, hers a bit jittery.
∞∞∞
Dani loved the warmth of Gavin's strong, calloused hand surrounding hers. She recalled with sudden clarity his proposal of two nights prior. When he'd spoken his heart, there had been such honesty and hope in his eyes. Since then, he appeared to care about her, not just want to use her.
She focused on the spiritual aspect… what she had felt in the chapel. Destiny. She had a purpose—to help a chief and an entire clan. Perhaps Gavin would make her happier than any other man, and they would develop a monumental love.
One thing she knew for sure… when she stood in Gavin's presence, he captured every ounce of her attention. He mesmerized her and filled her with impending joy. She could see tiny glimpses of magnificent things to come.
As they descended the narrow turnpike stairs with him in front, she kept a steadying hand on his strong shoulder. In the great hall, he tugged her hand around his elbow.
"Where would you be wanting to say the vows?" he asked. "Here in the hall?"
She had imagined they would marry in the chapel, but… why had Gavin not thought of it? Because he considered himself evil? If so, she didn't want to bring it up.
Though Finch had cleaned the great hall, she still found it dark and drab, lit by one candle and the fireplace. Moonlight gleamed through one of the narrow windows.
"What about on the battlements or outside?" she asked. "The moonlight is bright."
She hadn't noticed Father John sitting before the hearth until he stood and turned to them. "In front of the chapel would be fitting, m'laird, m'lady, if it pleases you."
Dani nodded. "That would be nice."
Besides, the chapel would be dark inside now, without a load of candles. She much preferred the open air.
Once they descended the steps into the cobbled bailey, she glanced up at the full moon in the midnight blue sky. Three torches lit up the curtain walls surrounding them and most of the bailey.
Ewan approached with a smaller torch, and the four of them took their positions on the steps before the carved chapel doors.
"Is your da not able to attend?" she whispered.
"Nay. He has trouble walking."
"Oh yeah. What about Crocker?"
"He's busy in the kitchen, as is Hewie."
What a bummer no one would attend their wedding except for Ewan and Father John.
A fluttering of wings caught Dani's attention, and she scanned the area, looking for the friendly black hawk. Instead, she spotted a large owl on top of the curtain wall. Its green eyes glowed in the torchlight.
"Why are so many birds of prey hanging around?" she asked.
Gavin followed her gaze and frowned at the owl. "Be gone!" He retrieved a small stone from the ground and threw it.
