Page 151 of Tales of Highland Loyalty

There was a pause. All the people watching fell quiet as a general air of expectation to do something seemed to gather. As she stood there, Nora felt her chest tighten.

"The ring," murmured the priest, standing imposingly before them.

Nora looked to William. William looked to Alasdair, who had just appeared beside them.

For a moment, panic shot across William's face, and Nora felt herself pang. Then, Alasdair produced something from his sporran. With a lopsided grin, he passed the yellow-gold ring toward him.

Nora looked up at William's tentative face. Gently, he pressed the small golden band over her finger. It fit delicately, but it did not stop William's shaking hands.

"An' I do declare ye, man an' wife," said the priest.

Nora's heart quickened. Just like that, they were married! A gust went up from the crowd, cheering like the wind. Tightly, William embraced her, then they kissed, first fast, then long and slow. Taking her in his hands, he brought her close, resting her head against his chest. The smoothness of his contours held her snug against his skin.

He kissed her again on the cheek, then once more on the lips. This time, the embrace grew deeper, sending a thrill all through her body. Nora's insides churned madly as a slow ache took her down below. Everything burned intently.

William's blue eyes caught her gaze.

"Ye're mine noo," he said softly, as Nora just grinned.

"Nay, ye're mine, sonny," she joshed, as the noise from the street rang in their ears.

William placed something in her hands. Opening her palm, she found a small clan brooch similar to the one Sorcha had given her, only with the Duncan motif.

The silver was old and worn but still shone. Feeling it in her hands, Nora sensed its weight. And at the center was a deep red garnet that sparkled in the light. Excitedly, Nora clasped it on, stroking William's face. Then she placed it carefully alongside the Douglas badge.

"I love ye, Nora," murmured William, but it was so loud around her that she almost did not hear. Still, the sense of his hand on her wrist was enough to make it true. This was real. She was actually married!

The next minute, confusion. William threw his coins to the crowd, sending the children skittering after the silver. At the fore, Fionnula, Nora's bridesmaid, and her brother, Fergal, a red-haired lad of about thirteen, dived into the melee.

Watching them, Nora gazed wistfully. "That wee lad has so much o' ye in him!" she declared, as the flame-haired youngster plundered the crowd for the coins. She smiled suddenly at the thought of little William.

William nodded. "Aye, he's a wee barra after mah own heart," he said, as the lad emerged victorious with a wedge of pennies.

Nora squeezed his arm, her own entwined within it. The dancing had already started, even before they had made it back to the castle. Around them, the streets erupted in music, with pipers starting behind them and townsfolk jigging.

"Och, they're starting wi'out us!" William exclaimed, as the commotion kept roaring. It was madness; all Nora could do was laugh.

Fionnula and Fergal started dancing, their young faces twirling gaily to the pipes. Soon there was no stopping. Whether they liked it or not, they would be pulled into the dance. William took her hand, leading her into the jig. It was meant to start in the great hall, but the excitement had taken over. Now the dancing was in the streets.

The crowd was squashing, jostling so hard she could barely move. But still, Nora commenced dancing. With William pulling her to his side, they twisted and danced until her breath was gone. With the crowd abating as guests streamed into the hall, Nora held on to William's hand.

"I cannae keep up," she panted.

They had been dancing since they left the church. Now, nearing the castle, she was spent. But taking her hand, William lifted her gently.

Giving her waist a squeeze, he grinned.

"Ye'll need yer strength, lass, for later—an' the bonny bairns we will have!"

* * *

His lips teased hers, starting at her ear and sliding slowly down. From the threshold to the chamber, William started as he meant to carry on, kissing her hard.

Nora's senses were on fire. They had been ever since she had set foot in the church. William's eyes radiated desire. He was hot. Taking her hand, he pressed her against the wall. They were entwined, his body sweating lightly on the hot June night.

His palms pressed against hers, and she sensed his body heat. Although still fully clothed, her senses missed nothing of his, and suddenly, there was a panicking of tension.

She must have him, and by the look of him, his eyes said the same. But still, William cajoled her slowly with a passion that must have been eating him. Slowly, he slipped his plaid down, just slightly enough to show his chest. His yellow leine was long since gone, although Nora did not know when.