Heather got to her feet, taking a deep breath. “Time to go.”
The ceremony took place in the chapel in the courtyard. Heather walked out with Tanya by her side and Donna carrying the train of her dress. It had been raining for the last two days but it had finally stopped.
The ground was wet but the sun was shining, the spring warmth enough to stop Heather from shivering. A crowd had gathered in the courtyard. They parted to let her pass through, all of them smiling.
She noticed Keith in his squire’s uniform, little Natalie waving, the bandage finally gone from her arm. There were Catherine and Amelia beside Mungo, both women scowling.
In the chapel, Gavin’s men lined the aisle, nodding to her as she walked toward the altar. Gavin stood in front of Charles, his hands clasped behind his back. He beamed when he saw her. Almost at once Charles began talking. Gavin leaned in and whispered in her ear. “You look beautiful.”
Charles shushed him before continuing. “The chance to protest has passed. The time for bonding these two people together is now here.”
He lifted his hands into the air. “Almighty God, I beseech you to bless these two people here before you in their union and for the rest of their lives. Gavin MacGregor, do you take Heather Frazer to be your wife, to listen to and talk to, to obey and command, to laugh and to cry together, for the rest of your life.”
“I do,” Gavin replied, taking Heather’s hands in his.
“And do you, Heather Frazer, take Gavin MacGregor to be your husband, to listen to and talk to, to obey and command, to laugh and to cry together, for the rest of your life.”
“I do,” Heather replied. “And I give this to the laird to show my loyalty to the clan.” She handed him a golden apple. He looked at it and smiled. “Straight from the Frazer orchard,” she added.
Charles raised his voice louder. “Now you may kiss in the presence of the MacGregor Clan and the Frazer clan, bonding your two clans together in a peace that no man or clan may ever tear asunder.”
Gavin leaned toward her, pressing his lips to hers. The familiar tingle spread through her as she closed her eyes. All too soon the kiss was over and she was walking on a cloud out of the chapel and into the great hall.
The feast rivalled the one enjoyed when they defeated the old crone. This time she knew Gavin could dance though. Together they swirled around the center of the room, the musicians on the balcony playing her favorite tunes. Gavin held her close, whispering in her ear. “I love you, Lady MacGregor.”
“And I love you Laird MacGregor.”
Bruce thumped his fist on the top table. “To the bride and groom.”
The toast went around the room as the song came to an end. Donna waved to her, glass held higher than anyone else.
Gavin beckoned someone over. Bruce frowned as he saw who it was.
“Mary?” Bruce asked. “You…you look lovely.”
She spun around, her dress splaying outward. “You really think so.”
“Aye, I do. Would you…?”
“Would I what?”
“Care to dance?”
She smiled. “I’d love to.”
The rest of the day passed in a blur. It was only when the fires died down and the last few guests left that Heather floated back down again. Tanya was beckoning her from the door that led through to the solar. “It’s time to say goodbye to Donna,” she said.
Heather’s smile faded. “Does she have to go?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“Will I ever see her again?”
“Perhaps. It depends on if I can keep this key safe.” She passed the key to Heather. “Be sure to lock it when she’s gone.”
Heather nodded, passing through to the solar, finding her friend standing by the window.
Donna gave her a final hug. “I’m going to miss you,” she said sadly. “Be sure to visit.”
