“About the doorway?”
“That, too.”
She shot him a dark look, had a huff of a laugh as her reward, then felt him squeeze her hand.
“We’ll be fine,” he said. “I’m certain of it.”
She admired his confidence, but held on tightly to her wee rolling trunk with her free hand, just to fix herself in the present day should the doorway have other plans for them. Oliver opened the door, then reached inside and lit the lights. She crossed the threshold with him, then sighed a little in relief.
“The proper time,” she said.
“I think I’ve rarely been more relieved,” he said, with feeling. He took her trunk from her and set it against the front wall, then looked at her. “A fire?”
She nodded. “Please.” She paused, then smiled. “It won’t bother me if you’re here.”
He closed his eyes briefly, then nodded before he led her across the wee gathering chamber. She found herself invited to sit, which she did, and watched him build a fire in the cold hearth, ignoring the echoes of watching him having done that sort of thing before. He fed his fire for a bit, then finally sat back on his heels and looked at her.
“Might I say something serious?” he asked, his expression serious indeed.
She nodded slowly. “If you will.”
He turned and walked over to her on his knees, then took her hands. “I would like to do the traditional twenty-first century marriage ceremony with you, as well.”
She had to clear her throat, but that was likely from the fire. “Would you?”
He nodded. “I would.”
“With a ring?” she managed. “And a trip to a honeymoon destination where we might sip champagne poolside?”
He smiled. “I’m being serious.”
“And I’m trying not to weep.”
He bent his head, kissed her hands, then looked at her. “Bridal magazines?”
“Emily thought I should at least have a wee peek at one.”
“Well, she’s definitely the one to put in charge of packing for our honeymoon trip.” His smile became a bit graver. “And yes, Mairead, a ring and a priest and perhaps our families all gathered in your father and grandfather’s hall.”
She supposed there was no point in trying to hide the tears that spilled down her cheeks. “In truth?” she whispered.
He nodded. “But until then, I’m happy that this was for us alone. I didn’t want to leave you at Jamie’s again.”
She supposed there was no point in hiding her blushes either. “I didn’t want to remain behind.”
He nodded, looking slightly uncomfortable. He looked around them for good measure, then back at her. “I suppose we just ate supper.”
She nodded.
“I could read to you,” he offered.
She looked at him in surprise. “Read?”
“Do you have any other ideas?”
She considered, then imagined there was no reason not to be about their marriage presently as they meant to go on. She rose to her feet and pulled him to his. She put her shoulders back and nodded briskly. “Let’s be about the proper activity for a married couple. I’m braced.”
“Braced?” he echoed faintly.
