Page 58 of The Highlander’s Unexpected Wife

Mister Macintyre is here. Miss Lennox, of course, and Lady Caroline.”

Three of the five he’d invited. “I may need you to stand in as a witness, Seton.”

The butler bowed. “I would be honored, my lord.”

Cameron nodded, then faced Will. “Will, would you stay for the wedding as a witness?”

“I am no’ dressed for so fine an occasion, sir.”

“You are dressed fine. I do not want any complications later.”

He and Alison would sign the marriage registry, but Hamilton was being too quiet for Cameron’s liking. He’d fully expected the man to show up on his doorstep in the middle of the night. Thus far, nothing. Cameron wasn’t taking any chances.

***

When Alison stood before the parson, her hands clasping Cameron’s, and listened to the parson read, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony,” she trembled.

When Cameron slipped the ruby wedding ring onto her finger, the cool band felt out of place against the warmth of his fingers.

When the parson said, “I pronounce that they be man and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen,” her knees buckled.

Cameron hugged her to his side, lending her his strength. He led her to the open registry. As the parson watched, she signed first, then Cameron signed. Without warning, he kissed her—hard—then hugged her so tightly the breath whooshed from her lungs.

They faced their few guests. Lady Caroline, a friend of Cameron’s, wished her well. A large man who Cameron introduced as Will Johnson bowed and offered his congratulations. Mister McIntyre bowed over her hands and murmured his happiness for them both. Mrs. Cummings cried into her hanky and said she had never been prouder as she embraced Alison in a warm hug. Even Erin shed a few tears, and Alison’s heart squeezed at the loneliness she saw in her friend’s eyes. She wouldn’t let Erin be lonely.

They adjourned to the dining room. Alison linked her arm with Erin’s.

“You are married,” Erin whispered. “Does not seem real, does it?”

Only it was real. She was officially Viscountess Weston. She was well aware of her husband, who followed a few paces behind. She could feel his gaze upon her as she walked.

In the dining room, Cameron sat at the head of the table, Alison sat to his right, and Erin took the seat next to her. Delicious aromas wafted through the room, but she was too nervous to eat. She commanded the butterflies in her stomach into submission, but they ignored her.

The table was laden with enough food to feed five times the number of seated guests. She dared not look at Cameron for fear she would blush. She kept her attention on her plate, Erin and the other guests. Still, she could feel his glances. Did last night live as vividly in his memory as it did hers? His warm hands caressing her flesh had made her feel treasured. His body on top of hers had promised security…protection. She still couldn’t believe that she was his wife.

Hard bootfalls approached from the hallway.

“I am sorry, sir, but I must insist that you leave,” Seton’s voice held an edge that Alison hadn’t heard in the short time she’d been at Welbourne Hall.

Everyone went silent. Alison cast a sideways glance at Cameron. He sipped his wine as if he hadn’t a care in the world. The bootfalls drew closer and, an instant later, the door burst open. Her cousin burst into the room, Seton close behind.

“I am sorry, my lord,” Seton said. “Mister Hamilton refused to leave.”

Henry’s eyes locked onto Cameron. “I am here to take my cousin home.”

Cameron set his wine glass on the table. “You are just in time, Hamilton.”

Henry blinked in surprise.

“Have a seat.” Cameron forked potatoes into his mouth and nodded at an empty seat at the far end of the table.

Henry stared, clearly taken aback by Cameron’s genial manner. He looked at Alison. “Come, Alison. It is time you return home.”

Alison opened her mouth to reply, but Cameron said, “Perhaps she can visit, but not today.”

Henry’s face reddened. “You have nothing to say about the matter. As her guardian, I can take her from this place.”

“Why would you want to do that?” Cameron asked. “We are having such a pleasant wedding breakfast.”