Page 88 of Leila’s Legacy

Now, however, she knew that loneliness to be of her own making, her own guilt for something she could not control.

A warm hand slipped into hers and Leila looked up to find Cat grinning down at her. “Come on, or you’ll be late for your own wedding.” She caught Leila in a great, exuberant hug, the kind only Cat could give, and the two ran off toward their sisters. Together, they all made their way down to Werrick Castle’s chapel.

For the first time, Leila realized she truly did belong with them and that she always had.

Niall waited at the front of the chapel, beside the twitchy priest who had heard his confession prior to the wedding. The very same priest that had pissed himself during questioning when Niall was initially seeking out Leila for charges of witchcraft. That had been a lifetime ago, or so it felt. And though Bernard cast furtive little glances at Niall in nervousness, the priest had absolved Niall of his sins.

The pews were full of Werrick Castle’s inhabitants. Nan sat beside Edmund, the butcher, and his son, already mopping at tears. The Master of the Horse, Peter, and his wife, Freya, and their children were there as well.

On and on, Niall could name and share at least something personal about each one. He’d spent the last fortnight learning all the various servants who lived at Werrick Castle and had realized Leila’s family was not limited only to her father and sisters, but all the people within the castle.

Isla was one of the last people to enter. She nodded to Bernard as she took her seat and he nodded to her in return, their greeting one of old friends. From what Leila had told him, their amicable relationship was new and had been a direct result of her care of the priest after Niall’s questioning. So, at least there had been something positive to arise from it.

The doors swung open and Leila’s golden-haired sisters swept into the room and took their seats next to their husbands, opting to sit below with everyone else rather than on the raised platform at the rear. Her family occupied the front pews, along with Brodie and Bonnie.

Niall’s heartbeat quickened.

And there she was. Leila in a lovely purple gown with her dark hair unbound and flowing around her shoulders. Bits of heather had been woven together and set upon her head, and a smile lit her face.

Pride swelled in Niall’s chest. This woman would be his wife.

She strode slowly to the altar, graceful and lovely. More women joined Nan in crying, and someone gave a honking blow to her nose. Most likely Nan, but Niall wasn’t looking at Werrick’s cook, or anyone else—not with Leila joining him in front of the chapel.

“Nervous?” he asked.

She grinned and shook her head. “You?”

“Nay.” He took her hand in his and Bernard proceeded with the wedding. Through it all, Niall kept his fingers linked with Leila’s, speaking every word of his vows with the whole of his heart and soul until at last, they were declared man and wife.

He drew her into his arms and lowered his mouth to hers in a tender kiss that elicited cheers from the congregation.

Lord Werrick and Rose approached them first, all smiles and joy, with the two children that Rose had rescued, Joan and John, hovering close behind them. The remainder of the family quickly joined them, followed by the rest of Werrick Castle’s occupants.

Once felicitations had been given, they all made their way to the great hall to celebrate. Leila leaned close to Niall. “I’m glad I never saw our wedding in my future,” she whispered.

He raised a brow.

“I got to experience it for the first time this moment.” Tears sparkled in her eyes. “And it was beautiful. I’m so happy.”

Happy.

It was a word he had not considered being part of his own future. He had success with what he did; he had a comfortable life. But happy?

Nay. Not like this, not with that tickle of joy that warmed his chest every time he looked at Leila. Every time he thought of her.

“The future surprised us both,” he replied. “And I’m just as glad as ye are for it.”

He pulled his new wife close, caressed the softness of her cheek, the line of her jaw, then gently, tenderly kissed her. He released her and took her hand. A soft flush stole over her face as she smiled up at him. “I’m looking forward to learning each new, unexpected day with you.”

“As am I,” Niall replied. For they had a lifetime of kisses to look forward to, and new days and everything each one would bring. They would experience it all together.