Page 63 of How to Woo a Highlander

"I have a gift for you. I bought this a long time ago, but it was specifically for your wedding day," Mary said. Jane smoothed down the huge billowing skirts of her wedding dress while watching Mary in the mirror curiously as the governess opened an old trunk.

When Mary finally stood up, she turned, holding the gift in her hands and smiling excitedly. Jane felt her jaw drop as she looked at the present in the mirror. She turned swiftly to face Mary, checking just in case the mirror was deceiving her.

"Mary… what is that?" she choked, her cheeks warming. Mary giggled like a naughty girl causing Jane to gape in disbelief.

The gift was a dress -if the daring item of clothing could be called that. It was but a fishing net in the shape of a dress with three patches of flowers in a triangle that would only cover her breasts and womanhood.

"It's a nightdress for your wedding night!" Mary exclaimed excitedly. "Oh, you don't know how long I've waited to see that look on your face. I bought this when you were fifteen from a foreign merchant woman at the docks. I have kept it ever since."

Jane did not know what to say as her face was burning. Mary cackled mischievously, laying the dress on the bed.

"When he sees you in that, he will be sure to render you with a child." The governess smiled, to which Jane closed her eyes in embarrassment.

"Oh, no! Mary, stop!" she cried. Mary was still laughing when the door opened, and her father poked his head inside.

Catching sight of her, tears pooled in his eyes for a second before he blinked them back.

"My daughter, look at you! You are so beautiful. That husband of yours is going to suffer from a weak heart when he sees you," her father praised. Jane couldn't help her grin as he stepped into the room.

"Thank you, father," she said. He glanced over at Mary, who was standing by the bed and smiled kindly.

"You look lovely as well, Mary," he said. Mary was wearing a lovely blue dress and beamed at him as she curtsied.

"Thank you, Mr. Baxendale," she said.

Jane caught the frown on her father's face as he craned his neck, looking around at Mary.

"It's time for us to go. The minister is here…" he said absently, his eyes on the dress lying on her bed. Jane's eyes were wide, her cheeks reddening in a blush as her father realized what he was seeing.

"What is that?" he exclaimed, staring aghast at the skimpy item of clothing. Jane rose to her feet immediately, running to push him out the door and then going with him.

"Oh, the minister is here! Let's go get on with my wedding!" she said. Too embarrassed to be nervous even as she pulled her father away to meet Alastair at the altar.

* * *

The wedding was a small and simple affair. Alistair’s only family was William, who stood at his side as both the best man and brother. His guests were the allied Lairds and their wives, and families of his men, killed by Lain's hand.

On Jane's side, she had her father and her governess, and the stable boy, Anderson. Her father invited several Lords and Dukes as well as other men of power in the English army. He had been in a little trouble helping with the war and was still under suspension as punishment for his actions. If the military needed him, however, he would be recalled.

Alastair had been fidgeting as they waited for the priest. William had helped him get ready while he looked at himself in the formal clothes, which still felt alien to him. The last time he’d been dressed so formally, was the first time he’d been properly introduced to Jane at the clan celebration. Now he was getting dressed up again, and he was marrying her.

It still felt surreal as he stood by the priest, waiting for the wedding to begin. The ceremony was to be conducted the English way – her father had been adamant.Alastair had not minded much since all that mattered was the fact that he was marrying her.

The moment Alastair saw Jane, tears pooled in his eyes. She looked stunning and was all he could think about as they said their vows. He felt as though he were marrying a goddess with the way she continued to shine.

He could not believe that she was finally his wife. His heart swelled with pride as everyone celebrated with them, the servants rained down flower petals, and he was finally able to pick her up and kiss her.

Now he was roaming the hall, a glass of wine in hand thanking all the guests personally while Jane danced with her father. He greeted the well-wishing families of his dead men who had come in their place. They all looked well, he noted as he surveyed them.

He had just barely escaped the clutches of the Lairds Cargill and Balfour, who were already half-drunk and praising the Mackenzie wine and ale when he noticed Jane smiling and heading for him. He dropped his glass on a passing servant's tray and opened his arms to receive her in his warm embrace.

"Hello Mrs. Bain," he said, swaying slowly with her in his arms. Jane laughed, throwing her head back in a carefree manner and exposing her neck, which was glowing like moonlight.

He swallowed hard, averting his gaze before his thoughts could take a dirtier turn. When she raised her head to look at him again, her eyes were dancing with happiness. The emotion was so pure that Alastair found himself grinning as well.

“All of my dreams have just come true,” she said, resting her head against his chest as they swayed. He chuckled, deep in his throat. He had not known that this was her dream.

“Everything is so magical; it is like I always imagined it would be. Now I feel silly for all the worrying I did before,” she confessed.