“Father Michael,” Alex said. “Get on with the nuptials.” No more delays. Alex watched his beautiful bride with renewed interest. She’d shown grace and courage.
Alex had instructed the priest to keep the ceremony brief. There must be no misunderstandings. The vows would include her promise to be submissive. And in turn, he’d protect her,always.
“Lord Alexander Joseph MacKay, repeat after me. With the Almighty as our witness, and in front of these good people, I do take Keely Marie Oliphant as my wife, pledge my faith in body and spirit, promise to be loyal and kind, pledge my strength and goods in sickness and health, in whatever condition the Lord will place me, until in death we do part.”
Alex dinna hesitate. He’d have this woman—to tame like he would the wildest mare.
Keely held his gaze as she recited her vow.
“With the Almighty as our witness, I do take Alexander Joseph MacKay as my husband, pledge my faith in body and spirit, promise to honor him as laird and master, to remain obedient, and swear fealty to Clan MacKay. I pledge my life in sickness and health, in whatever condition the Lord will place me, until in death we do part.”
Alex slipped a delicate gold band on Keely’s finger, sealing their union.
After a short prayer, the priest tied their right hands together with a strip of MacKay tartan, then laid his hands on their heads. “May the Almighty keep and bless ye forever.”
The crowd cheered.
“Ye may kiss the bride, Laird Alex,” Father Michael announced.
Alex tugged Keely into his arms, not giving her time to think. He captured her mouth with his, and to his delight, her lips parted. Their tongues swirled together in urgent need. His grip tightened about her, and she leaned into him, kissing him back—threatening his tight control. Nay, the lass wouldna steal his sanity.
He pulled back, desperate to taste her again. “Aye, lass,” he muttered. “Tis a promise of what’s to come. What should have happened long ago. I will make ye a woman tonight, Keely. And if I’m blessed, maybe plant my first son inside ye.” She made his pikk as hard as a steel rod.
The musicians began to play again, and Alex steered his bride to the high table. “Drink and eat,” he suggested warmly. “Ye’ll need yer strength this eve, and every night in the foreseeable future.”
*
Nothing felt real.Even with her groom smiling at her—she still couldna wrap her mind around it. The man she had always loved, wept for, missed every day of her five-year absence, was her husband now. A dream come true, with one striking difference—he dinna love her. Hearing those words come out of his mouth broke her heart but dinna dissuade her in the least. She’d willingly taken him as her husband. That’s how it always should have been. His denial only made her more determined to win his heart back.
As much as he carried on about how she belonged to him, they truly belonged to each other. Alex raised his cup and toasted her beauty. The crowd followed suit, blessing their marriage.
“When will ye let my father know about our marriage.”
“I have already dispatched a messenger.”
That surprised her. “He willna be happy about it.”
“What is the worst thing that can happen? God and the law are on our side, lass. Though I will rue the day he shows up here.”
She sighed and rested her elbows on the table. Aye, her father and brothers would come after her once they found out. Laird Oliphant dinna like being made a fool of.
“Doona fash, Keely. I will deal with him.”
“I believe ye,” she said. “But it doesna make it any easier for me. He will see my time with the Sutherlands as a black mark on his name.”
Alex shushed her and kissed her cheek. “Think about it tomorrow. Tonight, we celebrate.”
“I will try.”
“Good,” he said. “Taste the lamb.”
After she ate the tenderest morsels of meat Alex had cut, the servants brought out platters of sweet bread, cheese, fresh fruit, and more wine. The best she’d ever tasted.
“Where did this wine come from?” she asked Alex.
“Italy.”
“How many times have ye visited that country?”
