But Leona barely heard the words. She was too focused on Murdock, on the way his hand trembled slightly as it held hers, on the love shining so brightly in his eyes.
“Do ye, Murdock Lyall, take Leona Gilmore to be yer lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do.” His voice was steady, certain. “Before God and all assembled, I swear to love her, protect her, and cherish her for the rest of me days.”
“And do ye, Leona Gilmore, take Murdock Lyall to be yer lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do.” Leona’s voice was clear and strong. “Before God and all assembled, I swear to love him, support him, and stand beside him for the rest of me days.”
The priest smiled. “Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce ye husband and wife. Ye may kiss yer bride.”
Murdock didn’t need to be told twice. He pulled Leona into his arms and kissed her with a passion that made several people in the audience whistle and cheer.
When they finally broke apart, both breathless, Leona saw Skye jumping up and down with excitement.
“They’re married!” the little girl announced to anyone who would listen. “Leona’s me ma now!”
The word hit Leona in the best possible way. She looked at Murdock, saw the same emotion in his eyes, and felt tears spill down her cheeks.
“Aye,” she said, loud enough for everyone to hear. “I am.”
The hall erupted in applause and cheers as the newlyweds walked back down the aisle, hand in hand. Skye darted ahead, throwing rose petals with wild enthusiasm, while Nyx batted at them from Ailis’s arms.
Outside, waiting servants ushered them to the adjacent room, where the feast had been laid out. Tables groaned under theweight of roasted meats, fresh bread, wheels of cheese, and casks of ale and wine. Musicians tuned their instruments in the corner while children ran underfoot, already wild with excitement.
“This is wonderful,” Murdock murmured in Leona’s ear. “But exhaustin'.”
“We have to stay for the feast,” Leona reminded him. “It’s tradition.”
“I ken. Doesnae mean I’m nae countin' the minutes until I can have ye alone.” His hand settled possessively on her waist. “Me wife.”
The word sent a thrill through her. “Me husband.”
They were pulled apart almost immediately, Leona by a stream of well-wishers, Murdock by men wanting to toast the new bride.
Leona found herself embraced by both of Murdock’s sisters, both crying and laughing at the same time.
“Ye’ve made him so happy,” Ailis said, squeezing her hands. “I havenae seen him smile this much since… since before everythin' happened.”
“He deserves happiness,” Kristen chimed in. “And ye’re perfect for him. Strong enough to stand up to him, soft enough to reach his heart.”
“Thank ye,” Leona said, genuinely touched. “For accepting me. For supportin' this.”
“Are ye jokin'?” Ailis laughed. “We’ve been planning this weddin' since the day we arrived at Ainsley Castle and saw how he looked at ye.”
Before Leona could respond, Isla appeared with Rufus in tow.
“Me darling girl,” her mother said, pulling her into a fierce embrace. “Married. Me baby is married.”
“I’m nae a baby anymore, Maither.”
“Ye’ll always be me baby.” Isla pulled back, wiping her eyes. “But ye’re also a woman now. A wife. And someday, ye’ll be a maither.” She glanced at Skye, who was showing Nyx to a group of fascinated children. “Though it seems ye already are, in a way.”
“Aye,” Leona said softly, watching the little girl. “I am.”
The feast was everything a wedding celebration should be: loud, joyous, and slightly chaotic. Leona and Murdock sat at the head table, barely eating despite the incredible spread before them. They were too busy stealing glances at each other, too aware of every touch, every brush of hands.
Around them, the celebration continued. Hamish, slightly drunk, attempted to flirt with one of Leona’s cousins and got hisear boxed by Ailis for his trouble. Laird MacBain regaled anyone who would listen with an extremely embellished version of how he’d been invited to the first wedding. Rufus, looking both proud and overwhelmed, accepted congratulations from clan members on his upcoming ascension.
