However, just as she felt his breath brush her lips, he grabbed her chin and turned her head slightly, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek instead.
Ava opened her eyes and looked at him. That stupid smirk still played at his lips, she wanted to wipe it off. Of course, that would entail her touching his lips. And that could not happen. They hadnot even kissed yet. Not that she was disappointed, of course. She justthoughtthat he was going to do it.
She took a step back to hear thunderous applause from the crowd. She turned around, intending to find her sisters, only to lock gazes with Finlay.
CHAPTER 3
Ava could senseCaden extending his hand for her to take. She paused to look at Finlay, then turned back to her new husband. His muscles tensed at her hesitation, making the green tartan sash quiver.
It was the only sign he showed that he caught her uncertainty.
Ah, he doesnae like showing his hand. Especially nae in public, I’d wager.
Ava wrapped her arm around his, and he led her proudly down the aisle.
Finlay made a gesture with his hand; he needed to talk to her. Ava did not know if she could talk to him. Her supposed best friend gave a nearly imperceptible nod toward the door.
Caden guided her to the little grove outside, where a cèilidh would soon be in full swing. The small kirk sat on a rollinggreen hill near MacCabe Castle. The sun was warm on her skin, calming her nerves. Ava felt her chest loosen just a bit with the fresh breeze. She clearly needed it.
Her mind should have been on Finlay and his trick, but she was a bit too preoccupied with her new husband. Apparently, it was the fate of a married woman. She almost laughed at the thought of her being married, especially to someone so…So…
Just what was thatnear kiss back there? Why am I so flustered?
A large table laden with a feast fit for a king stood before them, effectively distracting her. Candles, fruit, meats, cheeses, and rosemary and primrose bouquets spilled out over the tabletop. It was enough to feed the guests and the entire village down the hill.
“Good heavens, this could feed an entire country,” Ava remarked, wide-eyed.
“Aye, only the best to celebrate me bride.” Caden steered her toward the head of the table, where two ornate chairs waited for them.
“How long have ye ken… that ye would be taking Finlay’s place?”
Ava could not bring herself to say that they switched. It made her feel like a piece of meat they had different tastes for and easily swapped at will. It left a sour taste in her mouth.
“It was decided just this morning,” Caden replied simply, as if she had asked about the weather.
He pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit down. But instead of sitting, she shot him an icy glare.
“It wasdecided! And nay one thought to mention it to, I daenae ken, thebride? Ye were able to prepare this whole meal meanwhile, and Finlay didnae have the stones to tell me what was happening?” She planted her fists on her hips.
An emotion that she could not quite place flickered across Caden’s face not. She had seen it earlier in the kirk. It was hard to make out, what with the mask covering half his features.
Curiosity gnawed at her. What could he possibly be thinking? And why would she care? So many things had happened in the past hour that it made her dizzy to think about it all.
“I daenae want to talk about me braither’s stones, but I’ll let him tell ye all about what happened.” Caden looked pointedly over her shoulder.
Ava turned around to see Finlay now standing behind her. Her nostrils flared immediately.
“Greetings, darlin’.” Finlay flashed her a flirtatious smirk that he usually reserved for other girls. He had never used it with her. Well, except this time.
Ava’s ears began to buzz like a beehive. Before she knew what was happening, her hand was cutting through the air. A streak of color flashed across her vision, before pain burst across her palm. Barely a moment later, a red hand-shaped mark appeared on Finlay’s face.
He stared at her, his hazel eyes wide with astonishment. “What was that for?” he whined, rubbing his face. His lips curled into a pout, and disgust roiled in her stomach.
“Ye’re daft if ye daenae ken, Braither.” Caden commented, leaning on the chair for support.
Ava walked over to the chair he was still holding out for her and sat down, keeping her nose high in the air. “Thank ye, husband.” She smiled up at him.
His eyes widened in shock, much to her delight.
