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"Pastor, I know you have your rules and believe you can't possibly break them, but you need to understand that it's important for me to marry Edna. We love each other —tremendously. She isthe one for me. I won't stand here and lie to you about knowing so my entire life. I only met her a few days ago, but this marriage is even more important because of it. I knew she was the one for me the moment I saw her. I believe that God creates soul mates for each of us, and Edna is mine. My mother, and most likely her mother as well, will never agree to this match, but we don't want their opinions to interfere with our love. You are aware that when a person meets their soul mate, they can recognize them by the brightness of their eyes. I've seen that bright light in Edna's eyes since the first time I saw her, how they shine when she's with me. The warmth of her being and the innocence of her smile convince me that there is no one better for me in this world. I want her to be by my side always and forever, and she wants the same. All we need right now is your assistance, Pastor. If you supportus, you will be aiding two people who are meant to be together. And our love will be strong enough to put an end to the hostility between our families."
Ronin was aware that he had exposed his heart to the man, and he now waited for a reaction. Throughout the speech, the pastor had stared at him expressionlessly, his smile gone. Hewasn't sure if the man would finally show some compassion and agree to this arrangement. Or if he would keep denying him.
“When will Edna be here?” the pastor asked. He sighed in relief even though he still did not know if this question signaled his agreement.
“Shortly,” Ronin answered.
Before the pastor could finish his sentence, the door opened and Lachlan entered; rushingthrough the church and across the path to stand beside him.
“Is it done?” Ronin quickly asked.
“Yes,” Lachlan replied with a nod.
“Ronin, I cannae marry ye but I can perform a handfasting ceremony instead. It will be proof of yer love and a promise to one another,” the priest said.
“Alright, so be it,” Ronin agreed; knowing that this was the best he could hope for. He and Edna could get married publicly once they informed their families.
"Clearly, we cannaedo it here whereanyone could walk in at any time. Come get me as soon as the bride arrives, and we willwalk to the woods in the back. No one will find out," the pastor said softly, his smile returning. Ronin felt a wave of relief wash over him.
“I will come to you as soon as she is here,” Ronin assured the man. Now all he needed to do was wait for the love of his life to become his bride.
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
“Do I look alright?” Edna asked her friends as she stood in front of the looking glass, staring at her reflection. Her hair was loose and trailed down her back in a mass of soft curls. The white dress still fit her small figure perfectly and she looked beautiful. Her eyes shone and her face glowed. She did not know if she was excited or stressed but her heart was thundering in her chest.
“Alright? Ye look most beautiful,” Kathy whispered as she came to stand beside her.
“Kathy is right. Ronin won’t be able to take his eyes off of ye when he sees ye walking down the aisle,” Laura chimed in and came to stand beside her too.
Edna nodded and finally turned around. A short while ago, Lachlan had delivered her a note; Ronin had asked her to be at church at daybreak. They needed to leave the house immediately since the walk to the church was long and they needed to pick flowers from the woods.
“Let’s go. I don’t wish tae be late,” Edna said; taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. She already felt anxious and she knew that she would turn into a ball of nerves once she reached the church.
She did not remember the last time she had lied to her mother about something this major and life changing. The full impact of the situation was finally coming to her. She was about to marry Ronin, and no matter how much she loved him and wanted this, it still was a huge decision. Worrying about it was natural, she knew her emotions were justified. She knew that sooner or later she would have to tell her mother and Ronin would have to inform Mara. What awaited them in the future disturbed her.
“Edna, are ye overthinking again?” Jana’s accusatory tone reached her ears.
“I am not, I promise,” Edna replied; knowing she was awful at lying. These thoughts were constantly coming back to her and were not allowing her to be fully happy. This was a special day for her. She knew she shouldn’t be upset about baseless things. Right now, the only thing that mattered was their love.
“Good. This is a happy time,” Laura said; holding her hand affectionately.
The four girls filed out of herroom and down the hall. Edna knew her mother would wonder where they were going. Everyone had become extremely cautious as a result of the murders. Shewas sitting in the living room, reading a book, just as she had predicted. As soon as they stepped downstairs, she looked up.
“Where are ye all going off tae so early in the mornin’?” she questioned; eyeing them suspiciously.
“We have decided tae spend the entire day together today. We are all very disturbed about everything and being together will be good for us,” Kathy answered quickly; just as they had decided earlier.
“Ye can be together upstairs as well. Why go somewhere else?”
“Mother, we just wanted tae spend some time in the fresh air. We won’t go anywhere far, I promise,” Edna replied with a soft smile; praying with all her heart for her mother to agree. She saw her mother’s expression finally change.
“Alright, just stay together,” she said softly and smiled at the girls.
“We will,” Edna replied and quickly moved forward to place a kiss on her mother’s cheek.
“Ye look very pretty today, Edna. White looks good on ye,” her mother said suddenly and she felt warmth brew in her chest. After all, she was going to get married. She felt a moment of guilt for keeping that a secret but it couldn’t be helped.
“Thank you, mother. I’ll see ye soon,” she waved as they walked out of the house and into the daylight.
