“I want ye to have it,” he insisted. “Hilda will bring the other to the wedding.”
Emily held the pendant tightly, a lump of emotion forming in her throat as she understood the significance of his gift.
He was proposing to her not as the laird of the clan, but as a man who loved her with everything he had, even the most precious thing he had left of his mother.
“Thank ye, Adair, for making me so happy,” she said, her voice thick with emotion as she threw her arms around him.
He smelled delicious, and at that moment, she wanted nothing more than to stay in his arms forever.
No matter how small, weddings were trouble to plan. Her wedding, in particular, was even more complicated because her husband-to-be was impatient and wanted the festivities to be done quickly, while his councilmen demanded a proper wedding.
Their arguments had been endless, and oftentimes, Fergus had to fetch her to drag Adair out of council meetings.
While it was adorable to witness his impatience, it was interfering with her plans to knit pieces for the wedding. He wasn’t at all happy that she agreed with the council, but in the end, they had settled for spring.
She had asked Fergus to walk her down the aisle. The older man had refused at first, insisting that he was not her father and was not qualified to walk a lady down the aisle. But with a little persuasion and guilt-tripping here and there, he finally agreed.
He was happy doing it, looking very sharp, well-dressed, and groomed. Isla served as her maid of honor, doing her duty diligently with Elize’s assistance.
It was the most beautiful day of her life, walking arm in arm with Fergus to reach her groom where he stood at the altar, his eyes filled with admiration and love.
She had never felt more beautiful than she did at that moment.
“Ye look verra bonny today, me love,” Adair whispered when she stood beside him.
“Ye look very good too,” she whispered back, admiring the knotted cravat she had given him as a gift.
“All thanks to ye,” he said with a smile. Then he leaned in to whisper conspiratorially, “I see Alec has a jacket of his own, though he doesnae seem to appreciate it at all. Grumpy as always.”
“Daenae tell me ye are jealous,” she teased, her eyes fixed on the priest. “He is family, after all.”
“Hmmph,” he murmured.
She had to fight back a triumphant smile. It was very fun to tease Adair, and soon she would have the authority to do it forever.
She could not think of anything better.
EPILOGUE
The wedding festivities kicked off immediately with a vigor that both surprised and pleased Emily. Men and women twirled on the makeshift dance floor as the minstrels serenaded the room with a lively jig that had her knee bouncing.
She spotted Elize sitting at one corner, looking agitated and deep in conversation with… Callum?
Yes, it was Callum her sister was arguing with. The two of them had had more reasons to argue once the wedding preparations began, and while it was a source of entertainment for Emily and most of the castle, Elize was often furious.
She thought Callum pigheaded and stubborn, which were adjectives Emily had often used to describe her as well. They would make a good match if the two would just open their eyes.
Oh nay. I have started behaving like a matron.
Emily used to find it funny when mamas played matchmakers at every chance they got, but now here she was, newly married and doing the same thing.
She chuckled softly and cast a glance at Adair, who had a small smile on his face as he watched his people. He turned to her with a raised brow, and she blushed, lowering her eyes.
She couldn’t believe that just a few months ago, she had been feeling trapped in a rundown orphanage, wondering what the future held for her. Now she had a husband. And it wasn’t just any husband. He was the son of the man who had saved her life twelve years ago.
She didn’t know whether to call it luck or fate, but she was content with how it had all played out and wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Why are ye smiling, wife?” Adair asked from beside her.
