Page 127 of Under the Laird’s Promise

"Aye," Tavish said. "We're ready."

The ceremony was brief. No elaborate rituals, no lengthy readings. Just the essential vows spoken clearly in the quiet chapel. The priest asked the questions. They gave their answers.

"Dae ye, Tavish MacBain, take this woman as yer lawful wife?"

"I dae."

"Dae ye, Maighread MacEwan, take this man as yer lawful husband?"

"I dae."

"Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce ye husband and wife. What has been joined here cannae be undone by mortal hands."

Tavish pulled her close and kissed her. Not gently, not carefully, but with fierce possession that made her knees weak. When he released her, his eyes were blazing.

"Mine," he said quietly.

"Yers," she agreed. "Always."

Greg clapped Tavish on the shoulder. "Congratulations, brother. Ye've done well fer yersel'."

"I ken it."

Kathleen hugged Maighread tightly. "Be happy. Both of ye."

"We will be."

The priest smiled. "May yer union be blessed with many years and strong children."

Maighread then went over to hug her faither, who had been watching with tears in his eyes. He hugged back with frailty but conviction in his voice. “God bless ye both and may ye bring happiness and prosperity tae this clan. I couldnae be prouder.”

Then Tavish stepped over and the two men clasped forearms in the warrior’s embrace.

They signed the registry quickly, making it official. Maighread's hand trembled slightly as she wrote her new name: Maighread MacBain. It looked strange. Right, but strange.

When they finished, Tavish took her hand again. "Shall we?"

"Where are we going?"

"Our chamber. Unless ye'd prefer tae stay here and chat?"

Heat flooded her cheeks. "Our chamber sounds perfect."

They left the chapel together, Greg and Kathleen trailing behind with knowing smiles. The castle was still busy with activity as they made their way through corridors, but nobody stopped them. Word must have spread already.

When they reached the chamber, Tavish pulled her inside and shut the door firmly. The lock clicked into place. Suddenly they were alone, truly alone, as husband and wife.

Maighread's pulse raced. Tavish stood watching her, his expression intense.

"Come here," he said softly.

She crossed to him. He cupped her face in his hands, studying her like she was something precious.

"Me wife," he murmured. "I cannae quite believe it."

"Believe it. Ye're stuck with me now."

"Best thing that's ever happened tae me."