Page 96 of Highland Flame

Chapter Twenty-Six

Hermitage Castle, three days later

Yvaine nervously gripped the flowers in her hands so tightly that her whole body shook.

“Quit bein’ so nervous,” said Davita with a smile, fixing the veil on Yvaine’s head. “Gettin’ married is the best thing that ever happened to me, and it’ll be a joy for ye as well, I am sure.”

“I ken ye’re right,” said Yvaine, about ready to walk down the aisle. “However, remember, I’ve been married before and it was the worst experience I ever had.”

“That’s different. Ye’re marryin’ into the MacKeefe family now. Cam is a wonderful man, and ye dinna have a thing to worry about.”

“I am sure that’s true. I love him, and canna wait to be his wife.”

“Have ye decided yet if ye’re goin’ to keep yer shop in town?” asked Davita.

“Cam told me I should, but I want to be rid of anythin’ that reminds me of Dun. I am goin’ to make candles for the MacKeefe Clan now. We will be livin’ mostly in the Highlands, but just like ye, staying at Hermitage Castle at times as well.”

“I am so happy that we will still be friends, and now also family.” Davita gave her a big hug.

“Mathair, can I throw the flowers on the floor now?” asked Avianca, standing there with a basket of petals in her hands.

“Yes, sweetheart. It’s time,” Yvaine told her, running a hand over the girl’s head, and sending her down the aisle in front of her. “I’ll never get tired of hearin’ her call me Mathair,” she whispered to Davita, as Davita followed the little girl.

“Yvaine, are ye ready?” Her brother, Keithen, stood there, waiting to take her down the aisle.

“I am more than ready, Brathair,” she told him, wanting more than anything to become Cam MacKeefe’s wife.

Cam waited withGavin up at the dais in the great hall of Hermitage Castle. Today was a sunny day and the light shined in through the windows, brightening up the entire hall. The women had decorated the place with sprigs of heather and colorful ribbons. People from the town were there to celebrate with the clan. Gillies sat up in the front dressed in his monk’s robe, smiling from ear to ear.

Cam’s heart melted when he saw his daughter throwing flower petals in the air, and then jumping up, trying to catch them. Davita quickly grabbed her hand, and brought her over to Gillies before joining the wedding party. Keithen walked Yvaine up the aisle since her father was no longer alive. He gave her a quick kiss and then sat down in the front row with his brother.

Their vows went quickly, and before Cam knew it, he was married to Yvaine. Everyone was clapping and cheering.

“Kiss her,” someone who sounded a lot like Nash shouted out for everyone to hear.

“Can I kiss ye, Yvaine?” he asked, feeling nervous for the first time to kiss a girl in front of people.

“Of course, Husband,” she said, reaching over and kissing him. The kiss lingered and he heard Red talking to Violet in the background.

“He always was a guid kisser,” she said. “But I never got one with that much passion.”

“Congratulations,” said Storm, shaking Cam’s hand.

He was followed by the rest of the clan as they greeted Cam and Yvaine, one at a time.

“I will decide on a sentence for either North or Nash tomorrow,” said Old Callum when he came to congratulate them. “Tonight, we’re all drinkin’ Mountain Magic.”

The minstrels started up a lively tune, and everyone started dancing.

“May I have this dance?” Cam asked Yvaine. They twirled around the floor, laughing, especially when Avianca decided she wanted to dance with them.

“Ye have to wait, honey,” said Yvaine, causing the little girl to pout.

“Why wait?” asked Cam, scooping up his daughter. “We can all dance together since we’re a family now.” He made Avianca laugh as the three of them danced together as a group.

“Cam?” came a voice from behind him. Cam turned around and froze. There stood his father with a small box in his hand.

“What are ye doin’ here?” asked Cam, not sure how he felt about this.