Applause sounded as Laird Alex and Lady Helen entered the vast chamber. Father Michael waited at the far end of the room in front of the dais where the high table was located. Lady Keely and the MacKay captains were already seated.
Helen counted at least a hundred attendees in the great hall, more if she considered the crowd in the antechamber—most of them crofters.
Laird Alex patted her hand before he excused himself and walked slowly toward the high table, his people standing to honor him. Aye, the respect and love Laird Alex had won from his clan showed on their happy faces. She might even call it adoration, from men and women alike. It made her both delighted and melancholy, for Helen wished her father inspired that kind of devotion.
A bit nervous, Helen looked about. Unfortunately, there was no sign of Jamie. However, the nurses arrived holding the babes, and Petro appeared.
“Lady Helen.” He bowed. “The ceremony is informal but very important to the proud parents.” He gazed in the direction of Alex and Keely. “A court jester could not smile as brightly as they.”
Helen agreed. Keely and Alex were blessed beyond measure.
“The baptism will be held on the next sabbath, a private ceremony for the family.”
“Will I be carrying both bairns?” she asked. “Or will ye stand in for Jamie?”
Petro sighed and lowered his voice. “Alex gave me specific instructions. If Master Jamie refuses to do his duty by showing up for this celebration, then the honor of being the children’s godfather is no longer his. In that case, Laird Alex has asked me to be their godfather.”
Helen considered Petro. The Italian scholar served a very important role for the MacKays. On numerous occasions, Laird Alex had praised him. He seemed a suitable replacement for Jamie. Someone who could teach the children much about the world. “Congratulations on such an honor,” Helen sincerely offered.
“What honor is that?” a familiar voice asked.
Helen’s heart nearly stopped as she turned to find Jamie in the antechamber. He looked different, well rested. Clean shaven and with his shoulder-length hair pulled back in a queue, he appeared the part of a high-ranking Highland warrior. He, too, wore a newer black and blue MacKay tartan over a fresh linen shirt. But his handsome features were not enough to cool her temper. His sudden appearance dinna make up for what he had done to her or Alex and Keely.
“Master Jamie,” Petro said, looking shocked. “Laird Alex and Lady Keely should be informed of your presence.”
A boyish smile lit Jamie’s face. “And ruin a happy surprise, Petro?” Then he turned to Helen, that same grin threatening to shatter her defenses. “Lady Helen.” He bowed low. “Forgive my impudence. I overreacted after ourconversationthe other day…”
Why did he emphasize the wordconversationlike that? Twas the kisses that undid him, not their words. Afraid he might say too much in front of everyone, she cut him off. “There is no need to apologize, Master Jamie. Not to me.”
He winked. “I am a simple man.”
Even angry, it still warmed her heart to see him again, though she’d never admit it to Jamie. She shook her head. “Ye are nay a simple man.”
“Master Jamie? Lady Helen?” Petro interrupted. “It is time to take the babes to Father Michael. Our guests are growing restless.”
Helen held Jamie’s gaze. “No one thought ye would come,” she said. “Laird Alex was forced to name another man as godfather.”
The news made Jamie scowl. “Who?”
Helen gestured at Petro. “An appointment I am sure he dinna want,” she whispered.
“Well…”
“Master Jamie,” Petro said more forcefully, then signaled for the nurses to bring the bairns to them. “Helen, ye take Rebecca. Jamie, hold John.”
Once Helen lifted the pretty babe in her arms, nothing else mattered. The twins represented a new chance for Clan MacKay, a happy future.
“Walk side by side to Father Michael,” Petro instructed. “And once you reach him, he will pray and then bless the children. He will ask you both to take a vow of protection, swearing to look after the spiritual needs and welfare of John and Rebecca. Do you both accept these terms?”
Jamie stared long and hard at Helen. “No matter how many times I run away from ye, Helen of the Highlands, it seems the Almighty brings me back.”
Heat spiraled down her body. How could he say such a thing in the open? Who had overheard him? She nervously looked about. Petro seemed to be the only one listening, for musicians were playing inside the great hall—a fortunate distraction.
“We will make a formidable team,” Jamie added, his red eyebrows lifted in question. “Do ye agree?”
“A MacKay and a Sutherland?” she said. “Miracles can happen if the beneficiaries of God’s grace are worthy.”
Jamie threw his head back and laughed. “Then ye will be the only one blessed with a miracle, for I am a lowly Highland beast, Helen, with only one thing on my mind.”
