“My son, Ramsey Jaleel MacKay,” Jamie answered.
“Do ye swear before God and yer clan that he is yer bairn?”
“Aye.”
“Do ye promise to raise him in the church, to fear the Almighty, and love the Highlands?”
“Aye,” Jamie said.
Father Michael looked about the crowded hall. “And does the clan accept this child as one of their own? Promise to love and protect him if anything should befall his parents?”
“We do,” the throng replied in unison.
“Then I bless ye, Ramsey Jaleel MacKay.” Father Michael made the sign of the cross upon the babe’s forehead, chin, and each cheek and said, “An t-Athair, am Mac, agus an Spiorad Naomh.”
Jamie repeated his words. “In the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.”
Father Michael handed the child to Jamie, and he kissed his son over and over, fascinated by his big blue eyes and red hair.
“He is ever yer son,” Helen said, gripping one of Ramsey’s chubby hands.
“And ever yers, too.”
A while later, after the children were abovestairs, Jamie danced with his new wife—holding her close and desperate to take her to their bridal chamber. After the music ended, he admired the circlet of gold on her finger; the ring had belonged to his mother.
“If ye wish for another ring,” Jamie began.
“Nay.” Helen tenderly kissed his lips. “I will never take it off.”
“I’m a verra happy man, lass.”
They sat at the high table with Alex and Keely and feasted and drank, enjoying the laughter and music. And just when Jamie was about to carry Helen through the hall and up the stairs, Alex stood and called for silence.
“I thank ye all for attending this celebration. Master Jamie is my favored kinsman, once my heir, and the best captain any laird can ask for.”
The men banged their hands on the tabletops in agreement.
“I never thought I’d meet the lass who would win his heart. But…” Alex acknowledged Helen with a gracious smile. “Lady Helen is a rare woman.”
The guests clapped and raised their cups to Helen.
“As is customary,” Alex said, “the laird should present a gift to his highest-ranked captain on his wedding night. A harder task than ye might think, for my cousin doesna need silver or gold, or a house, sheep, or anything else a man might require to start a new life.”
“Did ye advise him on how to please his bride?” someone called from the lower tables.
Jamie laughed.
“With unanimous approval of the council and in the best interest of Clan MacKay, Jamie, ye have my blessing to form another branch of our clan. Ye’ve taken on a heavier burden than most men, but if the north is to be tamed and farmed, there is no better Highlander born for it.”
Sweat broke out on Jamie’s palms as he slowly stood, staring disbelievingly at his wife, then at his cousin. “Alex?”
“Aye.”
What should he say? He hadna expected this so soon.
“Are ye truly speechless?” Alex teased. “The lad who’s had something to say about everything since we were children?”
Sometimes words weren’t necessary. Jamie pulled his cousin into a hug, forever grateful for Alex making his da’s dream, and now his own dream, come true.
