Her mother gave her a kiss on the cheek and smiled with tears in her eyes. "My dear, you're the most beautiful bride I've ever seen."
Her throat tight with emotion, Cat managed to murmur her thanks before her mother hastened out the door.
"You do indeed look lovely, lass." Brodie kissed her forehead. "And you're wiser than I realized."
'Twas one of the nicest things he'd ever said to her, making her eyes misty. "I thank you, but what do you mean?"
"You chose one of the most honorable and worthy men in the kingdom as your husband."
She grinned. "I'm glad we agree on that, at least."
"Torr will guard and protect you better than anyone."
"Indeed. We will be exceedingly happy together. And I so appreciate you approving of our match and giving your blessing."
"Da always liked Torr, so I ken he would approve of him. But if Torr ever mistreats you, inform me immediately." Brodie smirked.
"Ha. He will never mistreat me."
"I think you're right."
Bagpipe music filtered up from outside.
"Sounds like they're ready for you," Brodie said.
"Heavens!" Nervous excitement seized her.
"Are you ready to become a married lady?" her brother asked.
"Aye." She picked up the beautiful bouquet of multicolored flowers the maids had created for her.
Holding her hand, Brodie helped her down the narrow spiral stairway. At the bottom, she took his elbow, her hand shaking a wee bit.
Because of the loud volume of the bagpipes, the piper stood outside the open entry door.
Cat and Brodie proceeded into the crowded great hall, and she could not believe her blessed good fortune. She felt her clan members' gazes on her, but she only had eyes for her gorgeous groom.
Torr stood smiling in front of the flower-adorned high table beside Gavin. Father Helms and Dani waited near them.
She took Torr's hand, and Brodie stepped aside.
When the bagpipe music stopped, Father Helms cleared his throat and began the ceremony.
Cat knew she should pay attention to the priest, but she could not drag her focus away from Torr, his sweet, handsome face, and the wee smile he was trying to hide. He gave her a covert wink the priest couldn't see.
'Twas truly the happiest day of her life and the day her long-held dream came true.
Before she knew it, Torr leaned down to seal their vows with a kiss. She latched her fists onto his doublet, wanting him to never stop kissing her.
The men laughed, whistled, and cheered.
A heated blush covering her face, she giggled and pulled back. A beaming smile covered Torr's face.
Theceilidhbegan with much lively music, dancing, and toasts. Cat enjoyed the first dance with her new husband and the sip of whisky she shared with him from aquaich.
After the meal was served and they'd taken a few bites, Torr leaned toward her and murmured, "Are you hungry?"
She cupped his ear and whispered, "Hungry for you, my braw warrior."
