Wallace noticed someone waving from the back of the crowd. As the captain walked toward the church Wallace paused. “What is it?” he asked the figure. “This better be important.”
It was one of the scouts whispering in his ear. He nodded and the scout moved away, vanishing into the crowd.
“What was that about?” Natalie asked.
“He says a silver key has been found.”
The captain shook his head. “We’ve heard of so many silver keys in the last year that I’m surprised the highlands don’t sink under the weight of them all.”
“He seemed serious about this one.”
“Today is not the day for you to worry about such things. Tomorrow I will go and look into it while you two get on with your honeymoon.”
“You will tell me at once if one is found.”
“Of course. Now come on, let’s get you two blessed.”
“I already am,” Wallace replied, his hand slipping into Natalie’s.
The rest of the guests retired to the great hall to wait. When the couple entered an hour later a cheer went up.
The feast went on into the early hours.
Wallace and Natalie slipped away somewhere between the minstrels dancing on the tabletops and the captain serenading the entire room with songs so bawdy Scarlett blushed as red as her name.
In the laird’s bedchamber, Wallace and Natalie sat together. “How does it feel to be laird of two clans?” she asked, warming her hands by the fire.
“A big responsibility,” he replied. “But what about you? Are you glad?”
“That I married you?” She shrugged. “I could have done better, I guess, but I’m a glutton for punishment.”
“You’d have to be to want to live here.”
“I like it here. I’ve always liked this castle. Never thought I’d be lady to the laird though.”
“How’s things with Tanya?”
“Good. She’s telling me new stories every day.”
“How did she take it when you told her you couldn’t remember her childhood?”
“Better than I expected. Sure, it was a shock at first but once you’ve traveled back in time, you can get used to anything. She told me she didn’t mind. Gives her a chance to regale me with a life I’ve never known.”
“What about you?”
“It takes some getting your head around. Shehas a whole history with me that I have no clue about.”
“And a lifetime ahead.” He stood up, untying the baldric and letting it fall to the floor.
“A lifetime with you sounds good.” She stood too, loosening her dress. “Though I’d settle for one good night.”
“Then I better make sure you get one.”
They kissed, their clothes melting away along with their inhibitions. Downstairs the party continued, the sound of the captain’s singing drifting softly up the stairwell.
The next morning they gathered at the dock to bid farewell to the captain. He stood on deck with Scarlett by his side.
“I wish I was going with them,” Tanya said, waving wildly.
