Page 72 of Bewitching her Highland Savior

CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO

Liam had no trouble readjusting to his life in Argyll. He'd been gone for a long time but after everything he'd been through, he didn't miss the adventure of being out in the wilderness, where anything could happen. He'd grown accustomed to his warm, comfortable bed, the regular meals, and the general ease of being somewhere where everyone knew him and cared about him.

Having Muriel by his side was also beneficial. He didn't need the excitement of a new job as long as he had her. All he wanted was to spend the rest of his life with her in Argyll and start a family with her.

The first step, however, was their wedding. Once they returned to the castle, the preparations moved quickly and the day arrived in less than a week. Liam was in his chamber, two servants assisting him in getting ready for the big day when Ron entered, beaming at him.

“Are ye nervous?” he asked.

“Aye, of course, I am,” Liam said. There was no point in hiding it. Ron would surely see right through him. “Were ye nae nervous when ye married Amelia?”

“Och aye, verra much,” Ron said. “I cannae blame ye. When ye find the right lass then ye want everythin’ to be perfect.”

Liam supposed that Ron was right. He would do anything to make Muriel happy and so he wanted to give her the perfect wedding, along with the perfect life and the perfect family. He didn’t want to settle for anything less.

“How do I look?” he asked once the servants had finished dressing him; turning around for Ron to look at him.

“Verra handsome,” Ron assured him. “I’m certain that Muriel will think the same thing. Everythin’ will go weel. Amelia is takin’ care of it all, so there willnae be a thing out of place. Are ye ready to go?”

“Aye,” Liam said; taking a few deep and steadying breaths. They would have to go soon, but Liam had something to tell him before they did. He put a hand on Ron’s shoulder and gave him a small smile, grateful for everything he had done. “Thank ye.”

“Ye dinnae need to thank me,” Ron assured him. “If ye’re goin’ to thank someone, thank Amelia. She’s the one that did everythin’.”

“I’m nae talkin’ about the weddin’,” Liam said. “Though it’s nae a small thing. I’m talkin’ about everythin’ that ye did for Muriel and me. For comin’ to save me. For helpin’ us. I ken it wasnae easy for ye.”

“Dinnae be a fool, of course it was easy,” Ron said with a grin. “Ye’re me best friend. I couldnae leave ye all alone.”

Liam paused for a moment before pulling Ron into a brief hug and patted his back. Ron returned his hug before leading him out of the room and down the stairs, all the way to the chapel. It was a small one but the sunlight streamed in through the windows, filling the room with light. They couldn't have picked a more beautiful day for his wedding.

Muriel arrived not long after, dressed in a midnight blue gown embroidered with gold thread and trimmed with the finest lace. Her hair was pulled back, and her blue eyes glistened, the fabric of her gown bringing out the violet hues in them. She was stunning, and Liam couldn't take his eyes off her as she approached him, lips slightly parted.

The only people there to witness the ceremony were Ron, Amelia and Ailis. He and Muriel had both wanted to have a small ceremony; eager for some moments of peace and quiet after the events of the previous months. On the other hand, Liam knew that the moment they stepped into the great hall, it would be packed with people, his clansmen and women eager to celebrate their union. After all, the McAlpine clan was known for their feasts and Amelia's efforts never failed to impress.

Liam took Muriel’s hand once she was within reach; smiling at her. Her smile mirrored his own, and he was certain that they appeared to everyone else as two fools in love, but he didn't care. He had never felt such happiness before. He was at a loss for words.

The ceremony was a quick affair; it seemed to be over in a matter of minutes but Liam thought that may have been due to his nerves. Between Ailis’ soft sobs and the priest’s words, he lost track of time – all his attention fixed on Muriel by his side. Once it was over, he grabbed her by the waist, locking their lips together in a searing kiss.

“How does it feel to be Mrs. Russell McAlpine?” Liam asked.

“It’s the best thing in the world,” Muriel said; pulling him down for another kiss.

As much as Liam wanted to take her to their chambers right at that moment, he knew he couldn’t skip the feast. They had to make an appearance and they had to entertain their guests that were there to honor them.

Besides, there would be time for that later.

The five of them made their way to the great hall, where, as Liam had predicted, everybody in his clan was already drinking and feasting. When they walked into the room, everyone cheered. The great hall was richly decorated with blue tapestries and tablecloths and the tables creaked from the weight of the food on top of them, which was piled high with roast meat, potatoes, pies, and bannocks.

Liam took his place at the head table by Ron and Amelia, with Muriel by his side. Their fingers were entwined the entire time, and even though Ron tried to repeatedly serve him cups of wine, he tried to pace himself. He wished to recall his wedding. Most importantly, he wished to recall his wedding night.

“To Liam and Muriel!” Ron said; standing by the table with his cup of wine raised high in the air. The clansmen and women joined him; raising their own cups and repeating his words.

“To Liam and Muriel!”

“To us,” Liam said; turning to look at Muriel. He brought her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss on her knuckles, smiling against them. “To our love. To our future family that I cannae wait to have with ye.”

* * *

Muriel was overjoyed to be married to Liam and to have the feast thrown for them, but she couldn't wait for the night to end so the two of them could retire to their chambers. She wanted them to spend their first night as husband and wife entangled in each other's arms, just as she had hoped to do since they had lain together in Barra.