“Since always.”
Chloe smiled. She was right. It was since always when she took over after Brianna left.
Her sister’s eyes lit up when she noticed the brooch in her hand. “What is that?”
“Malcolm gave it to me. He said it was his mother’s.”
“Oh, Chlo, it’s beautiful.” She ran a finger over the circle in awe.
“Pin it to my cloak, Eve. It’s time for me to get married.”
***
Evie escorted her from her bedchamber to the chapel. When they arrived, Callum waited outside the doors to walk her down the aisle. He was dressed in his Highland finery like Malcolm. His tartan was draped over him and pinned together at his shoulder.
When they arrived, Evie turned to her and kissed her cheek, her face alight with joy. Then she hurried into the chapel to take her seat near the front next to Jamie.
Chloe took a deep breath and peered through the doorway. The chapel was alight with what seemed like a thousand candelabras.
“Are ye ready, lass?” He held his arm out to her.
Nodding, she placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. Together, they walked into the chapel down the center aisle. Every seat was filled and all eyes were on her as they made their way. But her gaze was fixed solely on Malcolm, who stood at the front next to the bishop, his hand on the hilt of his sword. When they came to the altar, Callum kissed her cheek and took his seat next to her sister.
Together, they turned toward the bishop as he began speaking.
“Today, we gather to witness and celebrate the sacred union between Malcolm and Chloe. They shall be bound together in love and commitment by the rites of handfasting. They both come of their own free will to bind their love and loyalty to each other.”
The rest of the ceremony was a blur for her. Their hands were bound, their vows exchanged.
The bishop announced, “As yer hands are bound together, so shall yer lives be bound as one. May ye enjoy a lifetime of love, peace, and happiness. Let us rejoice in their union. Ye may kiss yer bride.”
His kiss was slow, thoughtful, and probably the sweetest one she had ever had.
Cheers went up. Evie rushed to her to hug her. Even Jamie beamed at their union.
“Two MacLeod lassies now,” Roslyn proclaimed as she wiped a tear from each eye. “I cannae wait to have the hall filled with little lads and lassies.”
Evie grinned and cut her a glance. Chloe flushed hot, her cheeks burning. Malcolm merely chuckled.
The crowd started to make their way out of the chapel toward the celebratory feast in the great hall. Callum wrapped an arm around Evie as they walked together. She and Malcolm followed, stepping into the cool night air. But the crush of people overwhelmed her, leaving her feeling as though she were suffocating.
“Can we wait a moment?”
“Are ye well? Ye look a wee bit flushed.”
She sucked in a deep breath, the crisp air filling her lungs. “I need a bit of air.”
“Something troubles ye, eh? Is it what Roslyn said about the bairns? She meant nothing by that.”
She shook her head as he pulled her closer, wrapping her in his arms. She basked in the warmth of his body radiating over her, the warmth she loved with every breath she had in her.
“No. It’s not that.”
“What, then?”
She pushed the thought away. She didn’t want to think of anything other than her husband on this night. But the worry had gnawed at her since their return to Dundale.
She shook her head. “It’s nothing.”
