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its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame.
Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot sweep it away.
If one were to give
all the wealth of one’s house for love,
it would be utterly scorned.”
Ronin's eyes misted up as Edna finished reciting the verses. He had no idea that religious scripture could be so poetic as well. He thought he was the poet, but she had rendered him speechless.
“Ronin, ye can say yer vows now,” the pastor invited.
"I wish I could have written you a poem for this special occasion, Edna, but I couldn't. But know thatafter today, we willhave a lifetime together where I willwrite you a poem every day. Today, I will simply open my heart to you and hope that it is enough. Ifell in love with you because of the beauty of your heart. Your smile, your strength. You make me stronger. I admire how you completely devote yourself to me without reservation. I promise to love you until the end of time and through every storm that comes our way. I will always be there for you.I will make certain that nothing harms you and, if necessary, will protect you with my own life.I assure you I will safeguard your heart for all time."
They were both crying softly.
“Edna, are ready to embrace this man as yours and yours alone?” the pastor asked.
“I am,” Edna replied amidst her laughter and tears.
“Ronin, are ready to embrace this woman as yours and yours alone?” the pastor asked Ronin.
“I am.”
“As yer hands are bound together, now shall ye be bound as one. Keep this cord as a visible reminder of yer love for one another, and let no one unbind it as long as ye both shall live. With the power invested in me, I now pronounce ye man and wife. Ye may kiss your bride.”
A loud cheer greeted the pastor's announcement. He moved closer to Edna, scooping her up in his arms and bending to kiss her lips. Everything else faded away as their lips met. He was finally home.
CHAPTERTWENTY
It all seemed to her as if she was part of a fairytale and the entire wedding had happened in her dreams. Until yesterday, if someone had told her that tomorrow by midday she would be married to Ronin, she would have refused to believe it. The idea would have seemed too absurd to her but now that they were finally bound to each other for life, she felt as if it was the best thing that could have happened to her.
“Are you happy?” Ronin asked; taking her in his arms and gazing deep into her eyes.
“The happiest lass in all of Scotland,” Edna replied. “Are ye?”
“Far happier than you are,” he said and Edna hit him lightly on the shoulder.
“That is nae possible,” she laughed. Ronin bentdown again and pressed his lips against hers. She felt like they have always known each other. She reasoned that this was exactly what should happen when you meet your soul mate. It felt as if that person had been a significant part of your life from the beginning and that nothing and no one could take them away from you.
“If ye two are done, can we celebrate?” Kathy’s voice forced them to part.
“What dae ye have in mind?” Ronin asked.
“We obviously cannae go anywhere else so our only choice is tae stay in the woods where no one can see us. Why don’t ye all move a little further in tae the wood and I will fetch some food and liquor for us all. We can eat and dance and celebrate in the name of these two beautiful souls,” Lachlan said; sounding excited. Ronin couldn’t believe this was the same guy who had been starkly against this match until yesterday.
“Wonderful!” Edna replied happily. Ronin appreciated his friend being so kind to her. He did not wish for the woman he loved and his best friend to be on bad terms with one another.
“I will come with ye,” Kathy quickly said. Edna had no idea where they would find food and liquor at such short notice but Lachlan had seemed extremely certain about his plan and she knew Kathy was an excellent problem solver. She was certain they would work out the details.
The rest of them moved a little further into the woods where the trees were denser. Edna had no desire to be seen by any traveler that came across them. She wanted to stay in her little cocoon of happiness, far away from the world for a little while longer. The people with her were the people that loved her and Edna wanted nothing more than to stay with them until it was necessary to leave. She knew she had to return home and face her mother. She knew Ronin had to face his mother too and, eventually, they had to face the entire clan. Even though she was ready for it all with Ronin by her side, she still desired peace. This was her peace; far away from everyone else.
