Page 70 of Kilted Seduction
“Thora.” He stood before her, his eyes clear, though there were pain lines around them.
One look into his eyes, and the words came pouring out of her, like water from a dam. “I’m so sorry. I didnae… when first I gave ye a false name, I didnae ken what it would mean fer us later. If I’d kent, I never would have deceived ye, even if it meant facing yer scorn and mistrust. I would have…”
“Ye were right. I didnae believe in yer visions. I’d never have heeded ye, nor agreed tae the geas ye asked fer, had I kent ye were MacLeod. I would have let me pride and me stubbornness blind me, and it would have cost me me clan.” Aedan shook his head. “I was wrong, and I’m the one who should be asking forgiveness.”
He took her hand, and Thora struggled to remember how to breathe. “I was hurt, and angered, aye. But me heart kens the truth, that ye’ve never told me a lie beyond yer name. ‘Twas nae fair nor kind o’ me tae send ye away without even giving ye a chance tae speak, or me temper a chance to cool.”
Aedan stepped closer. “Thora MacLeod, I’m a fool and an ill-tempered bastard at times, but even so… I love ye true and were me knee nae threatening tae put me in the dirt as it is, I’d bend it tae show ye. As it stands, I’ve only two questions fer ye. Will ye stay, and will ye allow me tae make one o’ the names ye’ve worn falsely intae one o’ truth - as me Lady Cameron?”
Her heart felt like it might burst. Tears filled her eyes at Aedan’s expression, open, raw and vulnerable. She looked to her brother,and Domhnall nodded, fer she had explained in detail all – almost all - that had happened since her departure from home.
She turned back to Aedan. “Two questions, but they only need one answer.” She leaned up and kissed him lightly on the mouth. “Aye.”
“Then welcome home Lady Cameron, and ken that ye and yer kinfolk are forevermore welcome allies and family tae Clan Cameron.”
EPILOGUE
Two Months Later…
The snow was heavy on the ground, but the inside of Castle Cameron was warm. Aedan Cameron stood in his quarters, looking into the glass of his mirror as he adjusted his tartan once more.
“Ye’re fine.” Mac laughed and stopped his hand. “Stop fussing.”
“I want tae be perfect.”
“Now, there’s a goal ye will never achieve. And Thora wouldnae want ye if ye were.” Mac laughed. “Besides, nay one else is.”
That much was true, Aedan had to admit. He wasn’t perfect, Mac wasn’t perfect, and the members of Clan MacLeod, though unique individuals, were certainly far from angelic. Their Gifts were amazing, but after learning more about them, Aedan was just as glad he’d never had to bear the blessing… or the curse ofthem. He certainly didn’t envy Domhnall, who had to watch his strength with every movement, or Magnus, who had to guard his mind from stray thoughts. Or Kai who felt guilty every time he influenced someone’s emotions. Of all of them, the only gift that seemed more blessing than curse was Thora’s twin sister Enya’s, who had the gift of healing, and even that came with a price.
No, he was happy as he was, as Aedan Cameron. And now, with his clan on the mend from Lachlan Ross’s trickery and his new allies, he was beginning to feel at peace with himself.
Domhnall and Magnus had taken the time, more than once over the past two months, to talk to him regarding his uncertainties. He understood now, better than he ever had, that his father’s death had not been his fault, and that being a laird wasn’t about being able to control everything, but about doing your best to keep everything as balanced as it could be and to work for the good of the clan. Mistakes were human, Domhnall had told him, and a laird was entitled to make them just like anyone else. He was simply responsible for fixing them afterward.
“Come on. Stop brooding. Ye’ve a wedding tae get tae.” Mac tugged at his arm.
“I wasnae brooding. I was merely thinkin’ o’ our new allies.”
“They’re an interesting group, aye. But right now, ye’re meant tae be making them yer kinfolk.” Mac took his arm and all but marched him toward the door.
In light of the weather, they were using the indoor chapel for the ceremony, decorated with ivy and holly and the first winter snowdrops. The guests had already arrived, as had the priest, and Aedan swallowed nervously as he took his place across from Magnus, with Mac at his side. Magnus, Kai and Mac would be standing as witnesses for them, while Domhnall served as the father of the bride, and the rest of Thora’s clan mingled with Aedan’s council as guests. Magnus, who had married Ciara MacDougal last winter, and became their laird, so clan MacDougal was present too. There were also people from clan MacDonald, Enya’s husband Cillian’s clan. They were all Cameron’s allies now, and Aedan couldn’t be more grateful for the way they had all accepted his without hesitation.
The bagpipes began to play, and Aedan turned to the door, his heart pounding in anticipation. Moments later, Thora appeared, and he almost forgot to breathe.
She was radiant, her dark hair falling in a gentle wave down her back, her pale skin seeming to glow against the satiny fabric of her dress - white as snow, decorated with ivy embroidery and holly berries. Her eyes shone like stars, and it took a moment of dizziness for Aedan to recall how to breathe.
Domhnall led her up the aisle, and Aedan forced himself to turn and face the priest as the man began the ceremony. “Who comes tae be wed, and who brings this couple tae the altar?”
“I, Domhnall MacLeod, dae bring me sister Thora MacLeod here taeday tae be wed tae this man.”
“I, Mac Sinclair, dae bring me braither in arms, me laird, me dear friend, Laird Aedan Cameron, here taeday tae be wed tae this lass.”
Domhnall placed Thora’s hand in his, and Aedan swallowed hard. She looked so beautiful, and he wanted nothing more than to sweep her off her feet and carry her somewhere private to show her how she entranced him.
But they had a ceremony to finish. Even so, Aedan smiled and offered her a wink and was rewarded with a slight blush.
The priest continued speaking, but Aedan was too busy drinking in Thora’s beauty to pay as much attention as she should have. He barely registered the moment it was time to say his vows, and he actually fumbled when he slid the ring onto her finger.
Then, the final blessing was spoken, and the priest intoned the words Aedan had been waiting to hear. “Ye may now kiss the bride.”
