“I love ye, Marian,” he repeated, smiling softly at her as though he had not just made the biggest confession ever.
EPILOGUE
Marian could hardly contain her pride.
She stood beside Lachlan at the front of the courtyard, waiting as the entire clan gathered around them in a loose circle.
Their presence no longer intimidated her. Instead, she blended in, moving among them like she was no different.
The courtyard had never been so alive with laughter, and that alone made it one of the happiest days of her life. Lilly and Finn’s wedding only made it sweeter.
It is perfect.
She looked around, her gaze moving slowly over every detail she’d helped shape. MacLeod banners hung from the outer walls in deep green and black, the fabric flapping in the wind. She had chosen the decorations carefully. Heather and pine, blending with the earth and the very nature of the Highlands.
This was not the kind of celebration her mother would have prepared or approved of. But it was true to the Highlands, and to her too.Suddenly, her gaze stumbled upon her cousin laughing her heart out. But the man behind her was what really intrigued her. “Who is that standing all alone at the edge of everyone?”
Lachlan glanced over, and then he snorted softly and replied teasingly, “Another Highland brute.” Marian smiled.
“Do all Highland brutes look perpetually offended by happiness?"
“Aye,” Lachlan replied, brushing his lips against her forehead. “Especially Cameron. If ye thought I was insufferable, ye should try livin’ with me cousin.”
Marian’s gaze lingered a moment longer on the dark-haired Highlander. The stranger’s eyes had sharpened even more at the sound of her cousin’s laughter in front of him. “No, thank you, my love,” she murmured lightly. “One MacLeod is more than enough for a lifetime.”
Lachlan caught it instantly. “How did you call me? he asked slowly, a faint smile in the corner of his mouth. “That must be a first”.Marian’s smile only widened as she deliberately glanced past him, clearly attempting to distract him.
“Oh, look!” she murmured lightly. “He even has an annoying Sassenach bothering him too.”
Lachlan laughed softly against her temple as she finally closed her eyes, surrendering to the warmth of his touch.
Oh, heavens… I cannot think properly when he does that.Where’s Lilly?
Her gaze then swept across the crowd as she searched for the jolly bride and groom. They had been far too eager to get married, insisting on a wedding within a fortnight with the entire clan present. And now, they were late to their own wedding.
Marian tilted her head, watching the clansfolk as she waited for them to arrive.
The men gathered over glasses of ale, cheering loudly about something she could not hear. The women discussed the party with excitement in their eyes, trying out some of the English treats that she’d insisted Mrs. MacBride prepare, despite the woman’s firm belief that oats would have been sufficient for every occasion in life. Children ran around the bustling courtyard, their loud laughter making the day all the more beautiful.
Marian turned to Lachlan. “My Laird.” She nudged him slightly while no one was looking. “What do you think of my first Highland gathering?”
Lachlan glanced down at her, his lips curling into a small smile. “’Tis a fine party, Lady Marian,” he replied, leaning in just enough so she could hear him over the noise.
Marian’s smile widened. “Thank you,” she said, though her tone suggested she would have accepted the praise without hesitation. “I had help from the bride and groom.”
Lachlan hummed, then looked around the courtyard. “Do ye ken where they are?”
Marian shook her head. “No. I thought you might.”
She shifted slightly on her feet, scanning the crowd again.
“Something must have delayed them,” she murmured. Then, something came to her mind. “Or perhaps Lilly has decided to elope instead.”
It wouldn’t surprise her if her maid did, but Lachlan did not seem to buy it.
“That would be a poor choice, with this many guests present,” he muttered.
Before she could respond, his attention shifted.
