Page 48 of Highlander's Secret Heiress
As the bridal couple, Alyth and Lachlan were obliged to dance the first dance together. After that, however, Alyth sought out her father, who was sitting talking to his steward.
“Would you like to dance with me, Da?” she asked. The Laird looked delighted. “Of course I would, my lovely daughter!” he answered, and they made their way onto the floor. Alyth had wanted to have a discussion with her father, but the music made it impossible. However, afterwards, when it stopped, she said: “Da, I have something I need to say to you, Something I should have said earlier.”
Laird MacAdams looked at his daughter quizzically. “What is that, Alyth?” he asked.
“I need to ask for your forgiveness,” she answered. “I have said some very cruel things to you. I told you that you were not my father, that you were dead to me, that you were a coward. I am truly sorry.”
Laird MacAdams took her hands in his. “I deserved every one of those words,” he said sadly. “To think I was going to let you marry a fiend like Robertson! There is no need to be sorry, Alyth. You have married a very good man and I predict that you will be very happy indeed.”
He stood up, then pulled Alyth to her feet, smiled at her fondly and hugged her tightly. “Now go and be with him.”
Alyth kissed her father’s cheek. “Thank you, Da,” she said, then with one last smile she disappeared into the great hall again.
Laird MacAdams stood looking after his daughter for a moment, feeling happier than he had for a long time.
“I think we should go,” Alyth whispered a few hours later.
Lachlan nodded and gave her a mischievous smile. “Have you eaten enough?” he asked. “You will need all your strength. I think it will be a long night!”
Alyth gave him a playful punch on the shoulder and giggled. “I hope so!” she said.
Lachlan looked down at her, and then—because he simply could not help himself—he said softly, “You are adorable,” and kissed her tenderly.
A cheer went up from the guests around them, then Maisie came up to them and said, “Your room is ready if you are.” She gave them both a fond smile, but there were tears in her eyes.
“Are you all right, Maisie?” Alyth asked anxiously.
“Aye,” she replied. “I am just so happy for ye.”
“I am ready,” Lachlan said, looking inquiringly at Alyth. She smiled and squeezed his hand, which was an answer enough.
They turned towards their guests to say farewell, and Alyth was overjoyed to see Davina holding her Granda’s hand. Both were smiling at them, and Davina blew them a kiss, which they returned, before Lachlan announced, “Thank you all for coming to celebrate our wedding with us. My wife and I appreciate it very much. Now, enjoy your evening!”
They made their way upstairs to the sound of applause and cheering behind them, and Alyth sighed with relief. She was desperate to be alone with her husband.
When they arrived at their bedchamber, Lachlan swept Alyth into his arms and opened the door with his shoulder before crossing the room and setting her down beside the bed and looking deeply into her eyes.
“How are you feeling, Lady Carrick?” he asked her, smiling.
“I feel as if I could fly,” she answered, as she ran her hands over his chestnut hair, revelling in its silkiness. “Alyth Carrick. I love my new name. Thank you for giving it to me, Lachlan.”
“I will give you anything you want, forever, Alyth,” he answered. “Everything I have is yours. I love you with all my heart and soul.”
“As I love you,” Alyth replied, smiling at him tenderly as she stroked his face.
“Would you like some wine?” Lachlan asked, his eyes twinkling. He knew the answer to his question already.
Alyth smiled wickedly. “I would rather taste something else first,” she replied, her eyes full of mischief.
“I am so glad you said that,” Lachlan said, laughing and breathing a sigh of relief.
He kissed her hungrily until they both fell backwards onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, then reached underneath the skirt of her dress. He caressed the inside of Alyth’s thigh until he came to the barrier of her underwear, and growled softly in frustration.
“I thought you might have done without these,” he grumbled.
“Blame Maisie.” Alyth sighed. “She insisted.”
“I insist you take them off,” he said in mock anger.
