Page 58 of Never Fall for a Highlander

Helena stood.“Aye.”She turned to Jena.“Ye look a tad tired.Mayhaps ye should lie down for a while.”

Her sister nodded and Helena followed the lass to the kitchen.

***

Finn stood alongside Robin, both dressed in Mackay formal attire.The Mackay kilt, vest, leine, jacket, stockings and shoes, along with a cap worn to one side made up their outfits.As laird, Robin wore the Mackay pin on the tartan draped across his shoulder.

Helene wore the gown she and Ainslee had selected, with the Mackay tartan wrapped over her shoulder and secured at her waist with a lovely jeweled pin.Her ice-cold hands shook as she held the bundle of thistles.

She could not believe this was truly happening.She was marrying the man she loved with her whole heart, and who also loved her.He was handsome, strong, brave and stood at the front of the kirk with his brother looking very much the Laird of Mackay.

He held out his hand as she reached him.“Doona fash yerself, lass.This is the necessary, but short part of the day.”

She took a deep breath.“I am fine.”

His warm smile released a great deal of tension in her body.They faced the priest who spoke briefly about the sanctity of marriage before he had them join hands, their palms facing each other.He then took the piece of Mackay plaid and wrapped their hands together.

The priest spoke the vows that they repeated.Since they were having a formal wedding ceremony, handfasting was not necessary, but Robin insisted on it since his parents had done so years before.

Helena couldn’t believe how warm Robin’s hand felt against hers.His also covered hers completely and she felt like a bairn.She looked into his eyes as they spoke their vows and she never felt more loved, cared for, or protected in her life.

A kiss following the speaking of vows was also not a common practice, but again, Robin insisted on it.In fact, it was necessary for Finn to nudge him in his middle because he was taking too much time and the clan members who were observing their laird getting married were beginning to chuckle.

“I love ye, wife,” he said softly.

“And I ye, husband.”

Cheers erupted from the crowd.Many villagers and clan folk had arrived to witness their laird marry the Healer they’d all grown to love.Since weddings were performed outside the kirk, there was plenty of room and, fortunately, nice mild and sunny weather.

Robin thanked them all for coming and announced that food and drink would be served outside the brooch for all the villagers who wanted to join in the celebration.If possible, the cheering grew louder.

He took her hand and they walked from the kirk to the keep steps.Helena looked around and just then noticed that Craig was missing.In fact, now that she thought about it, he should have been the one to stand alongside Robin.

“Where is Craig?Is he no’ attending our wedding?”

They entered the great hall and Robin helped her onto the dais and pulled out a chair for her.“Craig is at Clyth Castle.”

She looked at him with raised eyebrows as he settled in the chair alongside her.

Robin grinned.“The only way The Gunn allowed the change in the betrothal agreement was to make it a requirement that Craig stay there until their wedding.”

Helena covered her mouth with her hand and laughed.“That is quite interesting.”

“Aye.I’m afraid we only have a few days to settle in as a married couple before we have to travel to Clyth Castle to witness their vows.”

Although it couldn’t be helped, Helena would have loved to spend time alone with Robin before they had to rush off.She also needed to see to her new duties as Lady of the Manor, which Mairi had been doing since Robin’s mother passed away the year before.The lass had assured her that she was more than happy to give up those duties.

Maids from the kitchen began carrying out platters of food.The cooks had done well with preparing for all the guests.Helena was happy that Maude hadn’t felt insulted when they brought Margie with them.In fact, she was grateful for the help since there was so much food to prepare and in a short time.

Fowl, roasted boar, venison, various fishes, root vegetables and many loaves of fresh bread were placed on the tables for the guests to help themselves.

Helena hadn’t eaten anything all day in anticipation of the wedding.Now her stomach reminded her of the neglect.Robin filled their trencher with all the offerings and fed her the best parts of the meat.

The guests were all lively and drank many glasses of wine, mead and ale along with the abundance of food.Once Helena had taken what had to be the very last bite of food since her stomach could hold no more, Robin leaned toward her.“I think we’ve had enough celebration, wife, ‘tis time to retire to our bedchamber.”

She smiled at her husband since she knew where his thoughts were.“Nay,” she said, “we still have dancing.This is my wedding, my laird, I want to enjoy it and remember it for many years to come.”

“Aye.Ye are right.”He leaned forward again and whispered in her ear.“I am anxious to have ye alone.”