Page 75 of Ladybird

“I see.”

Uncle Corbett and Aunt Devon are their parents. They’re right over there,” she said, pointing. “Daegel, their other son isn’t married yet but he’s about to be knighted.”

“Regina,” said Hunter in a soft voice.

“Then, over there is my Aunt Echo and her husband, Garrett, who is Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.” She raised her hand and waved to them. “Their daughter, Eleanor, and her husband, Conner, just had a baby after Christmas. Plus, their son, Gar, and his wife, Josefina, have a new baby boy.”

“Regina,” said Hunter once again.

“Evan, their brother just caught the bouquet.”

“That is nice they could all be here.”

“Oh, they’re not all here.”

“They’re not?” Hunter’s words sounded guarded.

“Nay. I have a Scottish uncle named Storm and his wife is my father’s sister, Wren. They live in Scotland and couldn’t make it here in time with my cousins Lark, Renard, Hawke and Heather.”

“Regina, stop it. I’m overwhelmed.”

“Oh, did you hear my sister, Martine, is having a baby in a few months and that Dot wants to get married more than ever now?”

Hunter pulled her into his arms and dipped her down, kissing her long and hard.

The crowd cheered and the music started back up.

“You did that to shut me up, didn’t you?” she asked with a giggle.

“You think?”

“Lady Regina, we have a surprise for you,” said Luke, standing there with Fred. “Actually, you have to come out to the field to see it.”

“A surprise?” asked Regina. She looked over at Hunter. “What is this all about?”

“You’ll have to go out to the field to see,” Hunter repeated.

“All right then. Let’s go.”

Regina and Hunter led the way to the open field just outside the castle with the procession of guests following right behind them.

“Are those my birds?” Regina spied all four of her birds perched and tethered, awaiting her arrival.

“It wouldn’t be right not to have your ‘babies’ at the wedding, so I made sure they were invited as well,” said Hunter, melting her heart by his thoughtful act.

Roger stood with a falconer’s glove in his hand awaiting them.

“My lord and lady,” he said with a bow.

“I can’t believe I’m being called lord,” mumbled Hunter. “It is really going to take some time to get used to that.”

“You will,” said Regina. “Or mayhap I should say, Lord Hunter.”

“Are you going to let the birds fly?” asked Luke.

“Why not?” she answered. “But only one at a time.”

“Here you are, my lady.” Roger handed her the bag of meat.