“Ewan!” she shrieked, breaking out into fits of giggles, enjoying every second.
“Wheesht, woman. That bum will be officially mine tomorrow, so quit yer complainin’,” he told her before his look of feigned innocence turned to lustful glee.
“And this will be mine,” she told him, pinching him back.
They walked along a little further. “’Tis so nice and peaceful out here,” he said. “The whole castle’s gone mad over the weddin’. Ye cannae move fer the maids turnin’ out the bedrooms and carrying about piles of linen. Yesterday, comin’ out of the great hall, I nearly collided with a servant carrying a load of glasses. We just managed tae save them from smashin’ all over the floor! I’ve never seen the place so busy.”
“Aye, I ken. I think they’re lookin’ forward tae it though. They all seem very excited,” Isla replied. “Almost as excited as we are.”
Ewan nodded. “’Tis been a long while since we’ve hosted a big celebration like this, I suppose. Me weddin’ was bound tae cause a furor. Especially as they have such a beautiful bride tae admire.”
“Och that’s sweet of ye, Ewan,” she told him, touched by the compliment, not that she was short on them with him around. She felt as though her life was really starting in earnest at last. She was going to be Lady Ballentine, and she could not have been happier.
They came to the stone jetty where boats were unloading baskets of fresh fish, oysters, and other tasty delicacies ferried from the mainland, destined to grace the tables of their wedding feast the following day for their guests’ enjoyment. They stood and watched for a while.
“’Tis funny tae think that only a few months ago it seemed like all was lost,” Ewan suddenly remarked. “And now, I feel like the luckiest fella alive. I’ll likely shed a tear or two when I see ye walking up the aisle with me sister as yer bridesmaid… ’Tis like a dream come true.”
“Aye, I ken how much it means tae ye,” Isla replied fondly. “Deidra’s a wonderful girl. She’s made me feel so welcome. I’m so happy tae have her tae help me with all the weddin’ arrangements. And wait until ye see her in her bridesmaid’s dress,” Isla replied sincerely.
“Aye, she’s lovin’ every second of it, and she has some roses in her cheeks at last,” he said, hugging Isla to his side. “Havin’ ye here tae talk tae and the weddin’ tae take her mind off the bad memories has helped he an awful lot, Isla. ’Tis easer fer another woman tae understand what she’s been through.”
“Aye, maybe so. She’s a brave wee lass though. When it comes tae courage, she takes after her braither.”
Ewan kissed her hair. “Thank ye, Isla. Now, talkin’ of braithers, look out tae sea.” He pointed to the horizon, where the white sails of a birlinn could just be seen approaching the shore.
Isla followed where he was pointing, suddenly gripped by excitement. “Is it Gregory, d’ye reckon?” She had not seen her brother for a couple of weeks and could hardly wait for him to arrive, see her new home, and have him give her away at the wedding.
“Aye, I think it very likely is. Shall we go down and be there tae greet him when he docks?”
“Och, yes, please, I’d love that.”
So, arm in arm, they walked further down the beach towards the nearby village, so they could be waiting on the dockside for Gregory to disembark. It meant the world to Isla to have her beloved brother there.
Just before eleven o’clock the following morning, dressed in his finest full kilt and laird’s regalia, complete with ruffled white lace at his throat and cuffs, Ewan took his place before the altar in the castle chapel, feeling as if he might burst with nervous anticipation.
Before him stood the smiling priest, all in black, his bible under his arm. Behind him sat the congregation, a selection of family, friends, and representatives of neighbouring lands, all dressed in their finest attire and bathed in the varicoloured sunlight that filtered through the stained-glass windows. A low buzz of conversation arose from the gathering as, along with the groom, they all awaited the arrival of the bride.
At last, Ewan heard the chapel doors creaking open. His heart racing, he glanced over his shoulder. Like a vision from a dream, Isla appeared in the doorway on Gregory’s arm, smiling radiantly. Gregory also looking splendid, beaming with pride in his kilt, escorting his sister down the aisle at a stately pace.
Ewan’s breath caught in his throat at the sight of her, as she looked more beautiful than ever in her lovely wedding dress of pale cream silk. It showed off her lithe curves to perfection. A lump formed in his throat when he glimpsed Deidra following behind her, holding her train. She did indeed look beautiful in her flowing bridesmaid’s dress, her face wreathed in smiles.
As Isla drew closer, her eyes locked with his. She smiled at him and he smiled back, feeling a silent promise passing between them. When she reached the altar, Gregory grinned at Ewan as he placed her hand in his. The congregation fell silent, and Ewan and Isla exchanged a loving glance as they turned to face the priest. He opened his bible, cleared his throat, and the ceremony began.
The Father’s words washed over them, for Ewan and Isla were lost in their own private world, their hearts beating in perfect harmony as they said their sacred vows to love one another forever. When it was time for the handfasting, it was Colin who handed Ewan the ceremonial dagger. Ewan quickly made a cut in Isla’s palm, then his own before he pressed them together, the mingling of their blood a symbol of their union, as well as that of the two clans.
Colin bound the hands of the bride and groom together with the ribbons each wore around their wrists, the binding that tied them together as man and wife in the ancient Highland tradition. After the solemn words had been spoken in the old way, Colin slowly pulled the bindings so that they formed a perfect knot. That knot, another symbol of their joining, Colin carefully slipped from their hands and carried back to Deidra, who waited by the front row of seats. She would guard it until it could be safely displayed for posterity.
Colin then returned to the altar with the velvet cushion bearing two gold rings. Ewan felt a rush of pride and joy as he slipped the golden band onto Isla slender finger. She was almost his! Isla smiled at him lovingly as she placed the matching band on his finger, completing the most important part of the ceremony. His happiness was almost complete, and he could see joy shining in Isla’s eyes, assuring him that she felt the same way.
When the minister finally pronounced them husband and wife, and said, “ye may now kiss the bride,” Ewan did not hesitate to take Isla in his arms, and their lips met in a tender kiss, sealing their union for all eternity.
The congregation erupted in joyous applause and cheers as the newlyweds turned to face their gathered friends and loved ones, their faces aglow with the radiance of true love.
And then, it was time for the wedding breakfast.
Isla’s heart was full of happiness as she clung to Ewan’s arm, looking out over all the people who had come to watch them celebrate their wedding. Truly, she could not imagine it was possible to be happier than she was at that moment.
As the happy coupled led the procession to the great hall, the atmosphere quickly grew merry, then raucous. Arm in arm, they entered the beautifully decorated hall, which was laid out for a splendid feast, with plenty of room for dancing in the center. Ewan escorted her up the center, to the top of the room and the laird’s table.
