Page 43

He stood now beside his brother in the Tannochbrae chapel, waiting for sounds of the piper who would announce Avelina’s arrival.

“You are truly getting married today,” Kieran said beside him. “I’d not believe it were I not standing here beside you.”

“I know you do not agree, but I cannae explain it, Kieran. ‘Tis the right decision.”

“I dinnae agree or disagree. ‘Tis your decision, Brother, and I stand by you as you make it.”

Niall put his hand on his brother’s shoulder. Kieran placed his own over Niall’s.

“You are the best brother a man could have,” he said sincerely.

“As are you, Niall. I would say this,” he added, dropping his hand. “I’ve not seen you smile so often as you have since meeting Lady Avelina.”

He listened but still heard no pipers. There were few in the chapel with them since most stood outside waiting for the bride to arrive. But he could not see her until she entered the building, so Niall and Kieran stood, alone, together.

“I told her of the healer,” he said, the words coming to him at the very moment he said them.

As expected, his brother seemed surprised. Niall never spoke of it with good reason.

“And still, she is marrying you,” Kieran teased. His brother had always thought Niall berated himself too often about it.

“‘Twas cruel,” he said, remembering.

“You were a boy,” Kieran said. “And now a man about to become a husband.”

A husband.

The sound, distinct but distant, was one that filled Niall with both joy and sorrow. Joy for he knew this decision to be the right one. Sorrow for not being wed with his parents and relatives in attendance. His mother would be especially disappointed, but neither could he traipse about the countryside having taken Avelina’s virginity and not rectify the fact. Besides, he would not be apart from her for even one more night.

“She’s coming,” his brother stated what they both knew well. The pipers’ joyful melody became louder and louder, the crowd that gathered—one who knew neither he nor the bride—began to cheer. Here in the Highlands, a wedding was cause for celebration no matter the couple.

Niall waited for what seemed like a full day until, finally, the chapel began to fill. When the door finally fully cleared, he stared at it.

And then she appeared. Alone, as her brother had refused to attend their wedding.

A simple, deep blue gown, ironic as blue symbolized purity, and he knew better than anyone in attendance what had occurred between him and Avelina two nights ago. He’d thought of little else since, but now was not the time to lust after his wife. They had to make it through the ceremony and wedding feast first.

With her hair piled atop her head, Niall had never in his life seen anything more beautiful than his intended walking toward him.

When she reached up to the altar, Niall took her hand and pulled Lina to his side. Perhaps too close since the priest, now before them, gave him a look that said as much, but Niall did not care. He listened to the words the priest spoke, remembered how to use his tongue as they exchanged wedding bands and vows, and somehow, Niall managed to get to the part where he could kiss his bride.

He kissed her, indeed. So long that the priest cleared his throat, those in attendance cheered, and Avelina actually pulled away, likely embarrassed by the extension of the kiss. But he cared only to keep his new bride as close to him as possible, never releasing her elbow at his side even when surrounded by well-wishers outside the chapel.

“We are married,” she whispered to him. “Well and truly wed.”

“Indeed, we are,” he said, kissing her on the cheek, enduring jests for his displays of affection because of it. “And if I will be tormented for a quick kiss on the cheek,” he said to her, “then I will do so for more than a peck.”

Taking his wife’s face in his hands, Niall kissed her thoroughly, prompting more cheers.

“I’d not have taken you for a man of affection in front of so many.” Avelina waved her arm to indicate the crowd.

He leaned toward her ear. “I’d not have taken you to be a screamer in bed, my lady wife, but here we are.”

Her mouth opened wide in surprise. “I did not scream,” she said only for his ears.

“But you will,” he promised.

Lina’s mouth still open, Niall laid the pad of his finger on her lips to close it, winking at her. If this exchange were any indication, he would enjoy being a husband to Lina.