Page 153 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"Good. Look at you, how beautiful and happy." Tilly blinked through the tears. "When I saw the great hall decorated for a wedding, I thought... oh, my dear lass is getting her fondest wish."

"Indeed." Elsea laughed.

"What of your mother? She will be sad to miss your wedding."

Elsea nodded. "I thought about asking the chief to send guards after her, but the weather is too bad for her to travel this far north now."

"'Tis true. The wind is ice cold."

"And I think I've waited long enough to marry Chief Brodie."

"I agree." Tilly beamed.

"Will you stay here with me and remain my lady's maid?"

"Of course, lass. I would be devastated if you did nay wish it. I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too."

"In hopes of a wedding taking place, I packed a trunk of your best clothes. His lairdship was nay happy about it, but he had it loaded onto a pack horse."

"Oh, I thank you. I need those."

"Is the wedding today?"

"Aye, at gloaming." A thrill raced through Elsea.

During the next two hours, the lady's maids styled Elsea's hair in the most creative and intricate braided style she had ever seen. She told them it wasn't necessary, but they were enjoying it so much she let them have their fun.

Since Elsea didn't have a specific wedding gown, Cat and Dani helped her choose the most appropriate one, and the one that looked best on her. It was her own gown that Tilly had brought. The pale blue silk shimmered in the candlelight.

"'Tis almost time," Cat whispered, her eyes alight. A tap sounded at the door, and she opened it.

Agatha entered, smiling and carrying a bouquet of pink roses.

Elsea gasped, recognizing them from the parterre garden below. "Oh, how beautiful."

"They're from the quatre saisons autumn damask roses I brought from England when I married Brodie's father many years ago." Agatha's eyes misted.

"Oh, how special. I thank you." Elsea hugged her.

White heather and ivy stems completed the bouquet. The lush rose scent called to her, and she brought the flowers to her nose. "They smell amazing."

"I still think your mother will be furious at us for not inviting her," Agatha said. "But I ken 'twould be dangerous for her to travel here all the way from Loch Lomond at this time of year."

Elsea nodded. "I'll send her a missive. She always liked Brodie and will be glad we've wed."

After Cat and Dani exited, Will arrived at her door. He took one look at her, smiled, and shook his head. He hugged her and stepped back. "There's nay need for me to ask if this is truly what you want, sister. 'Tis clear on your face. You're beaming just as you did when Brodie first placed that betrothal ring on your finger."

She blinked back tears and nodded. "He's the only man for me."

"I must apologize for trying to betroth you to the earl against your wishes."

"It all worked out, and I forgive you."

"Well, I ken you wish Da was here to escort you down the aisle, and I do too."

Her tears only increased.