Over the next several days, William stole kisses from Agnes whenever he could, but was careful not to let himself become too aroused as to risk their passion ruining their wedding night. It was to be perfect; he had left not one detail out in his letter to her father.
They’d made haste through Grant, Ross, and Munroe lands for obvious reasons, but the haste worked well in his favor as he would that much sooner claim her as his bride and spend his life pleasing her.
Now just a couple miles from her home, he was nervous for the first time in quite a long time. Not even when he had to address the clan for the first time or met the king and accepted his title could compare to this moment.
Soon they were trotting down the long pathway toward the tall tower with the sea in full view beyond. He could understand her belief in mythology having now seen this view firsthand. The castle was not overly large, but sat atop a cliff that seemed to hang out over the sea.
They passed over a bridge and through a stone archway to enter the inner courtyard. The outer visage was deceiving,for what lay inside was much larger than he had anticipated. Properly stocked, this castle would be safe haven for months if needed.
He dismounted first then helped Agnes to the ground. Before he could form another thought, a deep voice sounded behind him.
Agnes darted around him to leap into her father’s arms. He was a big man, almost as tall as he, but thicker around the middle and had a burly look about him. His hair was bright red, and he wore a thick beard, but the eyes were unmistakable. Icy blue, like his daughter.
“Father, I have so much to tell you.”
“Aye, daughter, I already know far more than you think.”
She leaned back from him and then looked at William. He wanted to keep some surprises to himself and so shrugged and said, “I know nothing of what your father speaks.”
He then came forward and grasped the man’s arm in greeting.
“Montrose, it has been far too long, and I am pleased to see you are well.”
“Aye, my lord. I thank you for your hospitality.”
“I haven’t given it yet,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes. He was going to make William squirm, and rightly so. He’d have done exactly the same if a similar circumstance had befallen his sister.
“Father!” Agnes said and swatted his arm.
“I have one question for you both first.”
William knew what the question was though Agnes didn’t appear so. Her cheeks were not yet flushed but they would be.
“Is my daughter intact?” His question was fair and plain and said without malice. He was a father doing his duty and expecting the respect that demanded.
“Aye, my lord. Your daughter has not been sullied or harmed in any way. Her virtue is perfectly intact.”
“So why the long list of requests including her hand?”
“Your daughter is a beautiful, eligible woman.”
“Aye, that she is.”
“And I am a suitable match.”
“That you are. And—”
He was going to make him say it before he’d even said it to her.
“And as my long list of requests should prove, I care for your daughter and want to spend the rest of my life making her happy.”
By now, Agnes’s cheeks were full-on flushed.
Her father nodded and stroked his beard then narrowed his eyes. After what seemed like an age, he said, “Very well, Montrose. Welcome to the family.”
What followed was a bear crushing hug that would have damaged a weaker man, but William was grateful for the man’s acceptance and blessing.
“Thank you for the honor of allowing me to wed your daughter, my lord.”
