Page 82 of Highlander’s Evil Side

Epilogue

Beitris

Scottish Highlands

August 20, 1432

Beitris grasped Fraser’s hand. She couldn’t stop glancing at him while her father gave his speech amongst the clans. He looked so handsome with his hair tied low at his nape, his jaw freshly shaved. His blue eyes slid to her, and her breath hitched at the feel of his hand tightening in hers. She was wedded to this man. They had their entire lives to be together, to love each other. She didn’t think it ever would be possible to find someone she loved so much, but she did. All her dreams had been met, perhaps even heightened, and she wondered what other adventures lay ahead for them.

Fraser craned his head towards her, a mischievous grin playing at his lips. “I cannot wait for all this to end and have ye alone again in my arms.”

Beitris’s face heated, and she released a shuddering breath as his hand slipped from hers to lightly touch her knee. His gaze glazed over, and she wondered what lurked within Fraser’s mind, wondering what he had in store for their wedding night.

“And so,” her father’s voice boomed, wrenching her attentions back to Laird Gordon and away from Fraser.

She wiggled uncomfortably in her chair, wishing for the celebrations to end so she could be alone with her husband. Her father turned toward them, holding a goblet in his hand. His gaze twinkled with fatherly love and adoration. Beitris tilted her head, wondering if there were tears in her father’s eyes as he stared at her.

“I wish ye all the best, Laird MacClery,” her father continued on. “I pray for a good life, filled with laughter and children to dote upon.”

Several men and women in the room raised their goblets, and Fraser and Beitris followed suit, holding their glasses in the air. Beitris glanced at Fraser, meeting his gaze and smiling brightly. She didn’t think she could ever be any happier than this.

“And may ye find love with my daughter, Beitris.” Laird Gordon inhaled deeply. His jaw clenched, and Beitris worried at any moment her father would burst into a fit of tears. Instead, he smiled and gave a curt nod. “To the Laird and Lady MacClery. May they find joy to the ends of their days.”

“To the Laird and Lady MacClery,” the crowd murmured, clinking their glasses against each other before taking a long drink.

“With that well and done,” Fraser whispered in her ear. “I suppose we can be on our way.”

Beitris giggled as Fraser took her hand, guiding her away from their wedding table and through the throng of congregating people.

“Congratulations, my lady,” said one lady as Beitris passed by.

Beitris smiled wildly, giving the woman a curt nod. She recognized her but didn’t know from where. The crowd was too thick as if they had all surfaced to bid them good eve before their wedding night.

“Congratulations, my dear,” said Helga while taking Beitris’s hand warmly.

“Thank ye,” Beitris breathed. Her face hurt from smiling so much. She didn’t think it would ever end. The door was no closer than it had been before.

“Ah, there ye are,” came a low voice she recognized.

Beitris turned around, her gaze brightening as it landed on Hendry and Peigi stepping towards her.

“I was hoping to catch ye before ye run off,” said Hendry with a knowing look. “I wanted to give ye congratulations.”

“Hendry,” said Fraser while taking Laird Dunbar’s hand and giving it a firm shake. “Good of ye to join.”

“And the children?” Beitris asked while frowning and looking around.

“Probably driving Cook mad,” Peigi laughed. “They love to eat, particularly sweets.”

Beitris chuckled. “Then they’re most definitely driving Cook mad as we speak.”

“Ye should visit us soon,” said Peigi while taking Beitris’s hand. “Last time, we didn’t get to speak much. Only when ye have the time, of course.”

Beitris nodded. “Aye, we would love to. Wouldn’t we, Fraser?”

Fraser sidled close to her, his fingers lacing with hers and providing her with all the support and warmth she could ever ask for. “Aye, what a wonderful idea. We should make plans at once.”

“When things are stable,” Beitris quickly added.