Page 125 of Under the Laird’s Promise

"I love ye too. More than anything."

They stood like that for a long moment, just breathing together, grounding each other. Then Tavish pulled back slightly, his expression shifting into something harder.

"There's something ye need tae ken."

Her stomach clenched. "What?"

"Scouts returned while we were tending the wounded. Sinclair forces have been spotted less than a day's ride from here. A larger force than what attacked the villages. They're coming, Maighread. Soon."

Ice flooded her veins. "How many?"

"At least a hundred men. Maybe more."

"When will they arrive?"

"Tomorrow. Day after at the latest." His jaw tightened. "There's nae time left fer wedding preparations. We need tae focus on defense. Fortify the walls, position archers, prepare fer siege. Every moment counts."

Maighread stared at him, her mind racing. Tomorrow. Sinclair would be there tomorrow. And her father might not live much longer. If they waited to marry until after the battle, if something happened to either of them…

"Nay," she said firmly.

Tavish frowned. "What?"

"I said nay. I willnae go tae war unmarried."

"Maighread—"

"We marry today. Now. Before Sinclair arrives, before anything else can happen." Her voice strengthened. "I willnae risk losing ye without being yer wife. I willnae risk me faither dying before he sees us wed. And I willnae give Keir any opportunity tae use our unmarried state against us."

"There's nay time fer a proper ceremony."

"I dinnae need proper. I just need ye, me, and vows spoken before witnesses." She gripped his shirt. "Please. We can manage both. Marry me now, then we prepare fer war taegether as husband and wife."

Tavish studied her face, reading the determination there. Then slowly, he nodded.

"Aye. Alright. Today."

Relief flooded through her. "Thank ye."

"I'll speak tae the priest. Get Greg and a few others. We'll make it happen within the hour."

"I'll get Kathleen and find something suitable tae wear."

He caught her hand, bringing it to his lips. "I'd marry ye in that filthy robe if that's all we had."

"Well, ye willnae have tae. Give me an hour."

"One hour. Then ye're mine."

"I've been yers since the moment ye saved me on that road."

His eyes blazed. He kissed her again, quick and fierce, then released her and strode away toward the chapel. Maighread watched him go, her heart pounding, then turned and ran toward her chamber.

She found Kathleen in the corridor, directing servants. "I need yer help. Now."

Kathleen took one look at her face and nodded. "What's happening?"

"I'm getting married. In an hour."