Page 100 of An Enchanted Spring

He thought he could make her fall in love with him.

Her face, though she tried to shield it, showed otherwise.

When I go back…

He tried to catch her eye, but she was having none of it. She steadfastly watched the priest and kept her hands folded tightly in front of her.

The priest cleared his throat, then gave Aidan a pointed look.

“Oh. Aye,” Aidan said quickly.

The priest turned to Emma, who gave a soft “Aye,” then he blessed them. A moment later they were announced as man and wife, and Aidan gave Emma a chaste kiss on her lips.

Which were ice cold.

Afterward, they faced the people in the chapel, and Laird Monaghan appeared pleased. Shane and Brigit were giving each other heated looks.

At least one thing was going according to plan, Aidan thought wryly.

Aidan and Emma led them out of the chapel toward the great hall, where the wedding feast waited.

“Are you all right, Emma?” he heard Bri whisper as they strolled across the courtyard. The chapel began to empty, and clansmen began cheering.

“Later,” Emma whispered back, then pasted on a false smile.

Reilly joined them at the raised dais and clapped a hand on Aidan’s back. He said, in Gaelic so that Emma would not understand, “Why does she look so miserable?”

Aidan glanced at Emma, who was in deep discussion with Brianagh. “I informed her before the ceremony that this marriage is in name only, and that she was free of it once she returned to the future.”

Nick smacked him on the head. Clansmen cheered, but Aidan glared at him.

“You are a horse’s arse,” Nioclas said succinctly.

“My exact sentiments,” Reilly agreed.

“Why?” Aidan demanded. “She wants to leave. And before we left, I ensured the lass has a life when she leaves here. She’s free and clear to live her life on her own terms. In the future.”

Without me.

Reilly grabbed a hunk of bread from a tray as a kitchen maid passed by. “Och, you are the biggest kind of dolt.”

“There is truth in his words,” Nioclas agreed.

“Look at her,” Reilly demanded. “Does she look like a lass who’s relieved? Or like one who’s had her heart broken?”

Aidan rolled his eyes, but he felt his stomach churn. “Lay off, O’Malley.”

“Did you ask her if she would be willing to stay here with you?” Nioclas asked.

“I didn’t have to,” Aidan admitted grimly. “She said she wished to return.”

“By herself?” Reilly asked skeptically.

“I see naught but confusion and perhaps a goodly amount of sadness,” Nioclas replied in a low voice. “Perhaps you should ask her directly if she wishes to stay with you, here.”

“She made her wishes known already. She wants to return to her time.”

Nioclas sighed heavily. “Good luck to you, brother. You have, perhaps, more work to do than time available in which to fix it.”

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