Page 4 of Scottish Rose: Coira

“Excuse me, Chieftain,” said the priest, pushing his way to the front of the crowd. “It is gettin’ late, and I have another weddin’ early in the mornin’. Can we proceed with the ceremony now that the groom has finally arrived?”

“Aye. Everyone gather around,” said Storm. “It’s time for a weddin’.”

“I’ve never heard of a – a wedding in a tavern,” complained Lance. He blinked quite a few times and his words sounded a little slurred. It made Coira wonder if the Mountain Magic had affected him, but he was trying to act like it didn’t.

“This is where I got betrothed to my wife, Wren.” Storm called his wife to his side, putting his arm around her. “Isna that right, Wren? This place is special to us.”

“I suppose it is, in a way,” said Wren. “Coira, please, come join Sir Lance. It is time.”

“Effie,” said Coira, turning back to her sister. “I canna do this.” Panic filled her, and she felt as if she would swoon.

“Ye’ve got to, Coira.” Effie rubbed Coira’s back. “Come, let’s join them.” Effie led her forward, stopping next to Sir Lance.

“So . . . you are my – my . . .” Lance seemed to stop and think, not able to find the word he was looking for.

“She’s yer bride,” said Effie, pushing her forward.

“I’m sorry I’m not dressed for the occasion,” said Lance, brushing some dirt from his tunic.

“Aye, why are ye all dirty?” asked Aidan.

“And what took ye so long to get here?” added Ian, looking out for Coira as if she were his sister.

Lance took a step backward, trying to focus on the MadMen. “I’d be happy to tell you where I was. I was attaining a new castle for my bride.”

“Really,” said Storm. “Did ye lay siege to the castle?”

“Nay.” Lance shook his head. “I inherited it. We were cleaning it and getting it ready for my new wife.”

“See that,” whispered Effie. “He has secured a castle for yer weddin’.”

“Which castle?” asked Onyx curiously.

“Where is it?” Aidan chimed in.

“How big?” rattled off Ian.

“My laird, can we go ahead with the ceremony and talk about this later?” the priest asked Storm.

“Of course. Go ahead.” Storm nodded.

Coira’s head spun. Being in such a frenzy that this was happening to her, she barely remembered saying her vows. But before she knew it, the priest pronounced them married and Lance pulled her into his arms and slobbered a big kiss on her, nearly missing her mouth. Then he took his hand and slapped her on the rear in a playful manner.

Coira jumped back in surprise.

“Such a pretty wife.” Lance winked at her next. He smelled and tasted like Mountain Magic and was acting like a cur. She was sure now he was well in his cups from chugging down the whisky earlier.

“He’s soused,” Coira told her sister, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. Zara came to join them.

“It’ll be fine,” said Effie, trying to calm her. “It is just the whisky makin’ him seem so . . . so . . .”

“Obnoxious?” asked Zara, eying the man up and down. “I don’t like this at all. Coira needs someone to watch out for her when she leaves with him.”

“Yes, I do,” said Coira, looking at Effie.

“Sister, ye ken I canna come with ye,” protested Effie. “I have a husband and children and a bairn on the way.” She touched her stomach.

“I suppose no’.” Coira hung her head.