“Definitely,” she promised.
As Codie returned to his place, Iris became aware that the entire hall had gone quiet. She looked up to find hundreds of faces watching her interaction with the boy, and she realized they’d all been listening to every word. From the approving nods and warm smiles on their faces, it looked like she’d passed the test.
“Well done,” Elijah said quietly as he helped her into her chair. “He’s been askin’ about ye since we arrived.”
“Has he?” She studied his profile as he settled beside her. “What did ye tell him about me?”
“The truth. That ye’re me wife now and that he’s to mind ye as he would his own maither.”
“And what did he say to that?”
Elijah was quiet for a moment. “He asked if ye’d like him and if ye’d stay.” His eyes met hers briefly. “I told him I dinnae ken, but that he’d have to wait and see.”
The admission hung between them, heavier than it should have been. This wasn’t just about her accepting a husband she didn’t want; it was also about accepting responsibility for a child who needed stability and love.
“And now?” she asked.
“Now, I think,” Elijah said, his voice so low only she could hear, “that me son is about to be very disappointed when ye inevitably decide ye want nothin’ to do with either of us.”
Maybe that’s what this is really about. Nae just needin' a wife but needin' someone who willnae leave.
Before she could respond, Elijah stood and raised his goblet. The hall fell silent immediately.
“Friends, family, clan members all.” His voice carried easily through the massive space. “Tonight, we celebrate nae just a marriage but a new beginnin’ for Clan McMurphy. I present to ye yer new lady—Iris Craig, Lady McMurphy!”
The cheer that went up was deafening. Goblets were raised, voices joined in traditional Highland blessings, and somewhere a piper began playing a tune that made her chest tight with unexpected emotion.
As the noise died down, Elijah continued. “Let the feast begin! Tonight, we celebrate, and tomorrow, we begin buildin’ the future!”
Food began appearing as if by magic, servants bringing platter after platter of roasted meats, fresh bread, vegetables, and sweets that made her mouth water. The ale flowed freely, conversations grew louder and more animated, and gradually the formal atmosphere gave way to genuine Highland celebration.
But through it all, Iris found herself watching Codie—the way he sat up straighter when she smiled at him, the careful way he used his eating knife, the occasional glances he shot her way as if making sure she was still there.
He’s been hurt before. Abandoned before. He’s afraid I’ll disappear too.
“Ye’re thinkin’ too hard,” Elijah said quietly, cutting into her thoughts.
“Am I?”
“Aye. I can practically hear the wheels turnin’ in yer head.” He took a sip of his ale, studying her over the rim of his goblet. “What’s troublin’ ye?”
Everything. This marriage, these people, the responsibility of bein’ someone’s mother when I barely ken how to be someone’s wife.
“I daenae want to hurt him,” she said quietly. “Yer son. He’s already lost one mother, and he doesnae deserve to be hurt again.”
Surprise flickered in Elijah’s eyes. “Nay,” he agreed. “He doesnae.”
“So, whatever happens between us, whatever this marriage becomes, I want yer word that ye willnae use him against me and that ye willnae make him choose sides or suffer for our conflicts.”
Elijah set down his goblet, his expression serious. “Ye have it. Me word, and me oath as Laird of this clan. Codie will nae be used as a weapon between us.”
“Good.” She lifted her own goblet, surprised to find her hand steady. “Then we understand each other.”
“Do we?” His voice was thoughtful. “Because I’m beginnin’ to think ye’re nae at all what I expected, Iris Craig.”
Iris Craig.
The name sent a jolt through her that had nothing to do with fear and everything to do with belonging, but before she could think of a response, Henry stood up at the far end of the table, his own goblet raised.
