"Gavin!" She grabbed his arm as the owl took off flying. "Don't hurt it!"
"I missed. But that bird must stay away from here."
Shocked and annoyed at his vehemence, she snapped, "Why? It's just an owl."
"'Tis an evil owl."
She scoffed. "Don't be silly. Animals are not evil. It's hunting for food."
He released a long breath. "'Tis our wedding ceremony. Do you truly want an owl in attendance?"
She shrugged. "Why not? Only two humans are here besides us."
The priest observed them as if they'd gone crazy, his wide gaze darting back and forth between them.
"Father John, tell her about the owls hereabouts," Gavin said.
"Aye, evil," the priest murmured.
"You won't think so when the owls exterminate all the rats and mice."
"That owl is a miserable hunter and will catch no rats." Gavin glanced around at the tops of the walls. "Keep an eye out for it, Ewan."
"Aye, chief."
"Father John, begin if you please." Gavin took her hand.
The priest opened his small book and read Latin in a somber tone. Trying to forget the poor owl, she focused on the ceremony. Realization struck her that she understood most of his words. The pronunciations were a bit different, but she got the gist of it.
This ceremony felt ancient and dreamlike. She glanced up at Gavin, unable to believe she was actually marrying him. Even his stunning blue eyes seemed a figment of her imagination. Squeezing her hand, he held her gaze for a long moment, his expression a beautiful blend of hope and sincerity.
Is this real?
With her free hand, she pinched the inside of her upper arm.Ouch!
The actual Scottish Highlands surrounded them. Gavin held her hand, for real. A shiver traveled through her from his heat, his possessive hold, and the way he observed her with dark interest… or concern. Did he wonder if she would run away?
Okay, so this is actually happening. I'm getting married.
She drew in a deep breath to calm her racing pulse.
They exchanged vows, and, at the priest's prompting, Gavin slipped a narrow band onto her finger, the gold already warmed by his hand. The ring glinted in the torchlight and fit her finger perfectly. Inexplicable happiness sparkled through her.
"I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your lovely bride to seal the vows, m'laird."
Man and wife?"What happened tohusband and wife?" Dani murmured and glanced up at Gavin.
He bent and placed a kiss on her lips, making her forget semantics. What started out as an innocent peck morphed into a hungry kiss of possession. Wanting to climb his tall frame, she wrapped an arm around his neck and returned his kisses.
The priest cleared his throat, prompting Gavin to break the kiss.
"Thank you, Father John." Gavin picked her up and carted her across the bailey. She should have demanded he put her down, but being a romantic idiot, she loved this part. He would carry her over the threshold like a fairy tale princess.
"The curse is destroyed!" he roared.
Ewan whooped and danced a crazy jig behind them, still clutching the torch.
Dani laughed at their antics, then glanced up to see the owl diving straight for them.
