Page 73 of Bride of the Wicked Laird
The sobs had turned into hiccups. “What fool I have made of meself!?” Her voice was muffled against his chest. Her head was spinning.
He chuckled softly, holding her tight against him. “I’ve nae plans tae wed some suitable laird’s daughter I dinnae love. ’TisyeI wish tae wed, Davina. Only ye. Ye are the darling of me heart. I’ve loved ye ever since I fished ye out of the sea like a poor, drowned rat.”
Her heart stuttered. She looked up at him, her gaze capturing his face in the moonlight. His jaw was set, and his eyes looked into hers with a steady gaze.
“Me? ‘Tis me, ye wish tae wed?”
“Aye.” He smiled, causing a crinkling about his eyes. “If ye agree, we will be joined in the handfasting ceremony this very night. I’ll nay wait fer the Council’s approval, fer I wish tae make ye mine at once, so that I may keep ye safe from the MacKinnon.”
Her heart was beating faster than she’d have though possible and a delicious warmth was spreading through every part of her. A laugh bubbled up, replacing the sobs, the tears, the snuffles and the hiccups. Sorrow bloomed into an overwhelming joy.
“Yes! Yes, Everard. I dae!”
Allowing herself a few moments to savor the realization of what she’d agreed to. She would be his and he would be hers. Thewords lingered on her tongue before she whispered, “Aye, I’ll join wi’ ye. We will handfast together.”
Without waiting another second, he scooped her into his arms, a wide smile splitting his face. “Aileen and Maxwell are waiting fer us in the solar. Both of them hoping ye’d agree. They will be the witnesses we need tae make our troth legal in the eyes of the law and all of Scotland.” He bent his head and planted a soft kiss on her lips. “When the Council are ready tae give their blessing, we’ll have a grand marriage ceremony in the chapel wi’ a priest and all the clan ta hear our vows.”
They stood side-by-side at the fireside, Aileen and Maxwell before them as the solemn witnesses required by law.
“The handfast binds ye in a union that is only made legal if yer love is true.” Maxwell turned to his brother. “Laird Everard of the MacNeils, d’ye love the Lady Davina MacKinnon?”
Everard nodded, turning to Davina. “I dae most truly love me Lady Davina MacKinnon.”
It was impossible for Davina to curb her smile. Her body was ringing with happiness as Maxwell turned to her, “Dae ye, Davina MacKinnon, love this man, Everard, Laird of the MacNeils?
She turned her beaming, sunshine-smile to Everard. “I dae.”
Aileen stepped forward with two long strips of fabric. One of the these was wool, woven in the plaid green, yellow, and red of the MacNeil clan, the other was a plain swatch of forest-green linen matching Davina’s gown. “We searched, but nowhere was there the plaid of the MacKinnons,” she whispered. “But the green will bring ye good health, prosperity, luck, beauty, peace, home, and children.”
Davina ran the cloth over her hand. “’Tis everything I could wish fer.”
Maxwell took charge. “Join yer hands please.”
They grasped hands and Aileen wound the linen strip about their joined wrists. She handed the MacNeil plaid to Maxwell, who loosely bound their wrists with it, but did not tie the two lengths together.
“Ye must make yer vows tae each other now, before the tying of the knot.”
Everard spoke first, his blue eyes gazing into Davina’s eyes.
“I place me hands in yers. These hands will always be yers, tae hold ye in times of joy and comfort ye in sorrow.” He offered a tiny smile as he spoke. “These hands will always strive tae protect ye and our children and keep ye safe from harm. These hands of mine will love ye wi’ passion and cherish ye through the years. These hands will always be reaching fer yers.”
Then, her heart brimming with love, Davina spoke. “These hands of mine will always be there tae soothe away yer cares, yer pain and hurts and give ye strength when ye need it. These hands will hold yer children wi’ tenderness. These hands of mine will love ye wi’ passion and cherish ye through the years. These hands will always be reaching fer yers.”
Aileen dabbed a tear from her eyes as Maxwell stepped forward and tied the two strips of fabric in a sturdy knot.
“This knot signifies that yer lives and spirits are forever united by yer love and the vows ye have made.” Maxwell spoke with deep sincerity. “Me congratulations t’ye both.”
Everard dipped his head. “I thank ye fer yer help braither, and ye, Aileen.” He looked up, his eyes sparkling. “This means everything tae me. Today at the Council meeting I despaired, now me happiness is without limit.”
He lifted their two bound hands, loosening them from the bond, and slipped his hand through the tie. Davina followed suit. Everard took the knotted length in his hands and held it high.
“We shall always keep this close, the knot that binds us forever.”
As their lips joined in a kiss that slowly turned from chaste to desire, he whispered into her mouth. “Ye’re mine and I am yers.”
Maxwell intervened. “Before ye allow yer passion tae take ye in its grip, I’ve asked Mistress Mildred tae provide us somerefreshments so we may wish the couple good health and happiness.”
With a laugh, Everard tucked his arm around Davina, just as Mildred entered with two of the scullery maids, followed by Ailis.
