For the first time in his life, the thought of marriage did not trouble him.In fact, he looked forward to it.Deep in his heart, he knew he was exactly where he was meant to be.
***
Chapter 16
Wedded
An hour later the commonroom was full.Cormac's men and Boyd's men both, standing room only, gathered to witness the wedding of the notorious Shadow.
Cormac stood at the front of the room and felt the change the moment Una appeared at the top of the stairs.
She had chosen a deep green gown and it was entirely the right choice.The color set off the warmth of her skin and the dark of her hair, pinned back at the sides and left to fall loose.The embroidery at the neckline and cuffs was extraordinary work, fine gold and blue flowers running the full length of both sleeves.He knew, with a certainty he could not account for, that the gown was her own handiwork, and it made him proud.She carried herself quietly as she always did.She simply walked toward him.
He had never seen anyone more beautiful in his life.
For her part, Una reached the bottom of the stairs and found Cormac waiting, and had to stop a moment to collect herself.He had dressed with care: a clean plaid and leather belt, a fine linen shirt, woolen socks and sturdy shoes, his hair tied back, clean-shaved, his sword in its sheath at his side.He stood straight and still and watched her come toward him with the full weight of his attention, and she thought, not for the first time, that he was a handsome man.
She reached his side.He took her hand.
"Ye look beautiful," he said quietly.
She looked up at him and decided, for now, to believe it.
Boyd stood to one side with his arms folded, watching.Something in his expression settled, and he gave a slow, private nod.
The priest began.
The vows were real.Cormac's voice did not waver on a single one.When it came to Una's turn she spoke clearly, which surprised her.
When it came time for the kiss, Cormac did not hesitate.Before Una could move his lips were on hers, gentle, steady, unhurried, and she returned it with an eagerness that surprised her.They were lost in it until the priest cleared his throat, and then the men began whistling and chuckling and someone stamped their boot on the floorboards.
Una blushed when Cormac stepped back.His smile was warm and reached his eyes.
The room erupted in cheers.
Seumas clapped Cormac on the back hard enough to stagger him, then immediately apologized to Una for the noise.
