Chapter Twenty-Two
Later that evening,Kai and Miran stood with Fraser and Mary, their children, Colin, Master Kinnear and his wife, and their son, Craig. The priest had arrived moments ago and required some warmed wine before he would perform the wedding vows.
Miran had been trying to get Kai alone, but he’d avoided it, for he knew what she was going to say. Mistress Mary must have spoken to Miran about how to conduct herself, even if they were betrothed.
Kai did not want to be robbed of the joys of intimacy with Miran. Every day he looked forward to loving her. He gazed at her then, desire building. How he loved her, all of her, from her stubbornness to her glorious, golden hair. Nay, it would not do.
Miran was wearing a flattering, blue wool gown and a silver chain about her neck. Her golden hair had been combed out and two braids, one on each side of her face, were dressed with blue ribbons. The fitted bodice accentuated her tiny waist and the heaviness of her breasts. She had the most elegant neck and delicate hands. And the sharpest tongue. He smiled.
“Kai,” she whispered through gritted teeth.
“Aye?” His head snapped up so he could meet her gaze.
“Why are ye looking at me in such a way?”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Do you want the truth?”
She rolled her eyes.
“I was thinking about how pretty you are, how often you make me smile.”
Then an idea hit him.Why should they wait to marry? Why suffer when there was a priest available now?A smile spread across his face. Which only served to make Miran nervous.
“Why are ye grinning like a guilty lad? What have ye done, Kai?”
He ignored her.
“Kai?”
He slipped his arm about her slender waist and guided her to the front of the room where the priest stood.
“Captain,” Father Donald said. “I am pleased ye are here to witness the marriage of Craig and Rossa. I have known both of them since they were born. Lady Miran.” He bowed his head.
“I have a special request, Father Donald,” Kai said.
“Anything I can help ye with, Kai?” Fraser asked.
“It depends on what the priest says,” Kai explained.
“What are ye about, Captain?” Miran shifted in his embrace.
“I would be happy to help ye,” the priest said.
“If it isn’t too much to ask,” Kai said to Fraser and Mary, “I would like to marry Miran tonight, alongside your daughter.”
Miran tugged on his sleeve. “Kai. What are ye doing?”
He finally turned to her. “What I should have done months ago. What I know we both want.”
“Ye want to marry me now? Here?” she asked.
“Will you let me?”
“Aye!”
“Tis an unusual request,” the priest said, “but if ye are certain Laird Jamie granted permission, then I have no reason to deny ye.”
“I think it’s a fine idea,” Mary said, beaming at Miran. “It will solve all of the problems we discussed earlier, aye?”
