Page 15 of To Wed a Witch
When had he started caring about Sìne's happiness beyond its effect on their arrangement?When had her well-being become as important as his clan's survival?
The questions plagued him as they continued toward MacKay Keep.In the past, women had been pleasant diversions and nothing more.His old housekeeper Ada used to tease him about his tactlessness with the fairer sex, claiming he had all the romantic sensibility of a stone.
But Sìne was different.She was brave and intelligent, fierce in defense of her child yet gentle in her care.She'd faced the world's condemnation alone and emerged stronger for it, building a life of quiet dignity despite the rumors that followed her.
Now she was trusting him with the most precious thing in her world...her daughter.
The weight of that trust settled in Bhaltair’s gut.He would not fail her.Whatever it took, he would make sure both mother and child were safe, protected, cared for.He would give Aidyn his name and raise her as his own, and perhaps in time...he would see Sìne's belly swollen and ripe with his babes.
No!Damn it.Bhaltair shook his head firmly, spurring his horse to a faster pace.He could not afford such soft sentiments.His clan depended on this marriage, on the gold and resources Sìne would bring.He could not allow himself to become distracted by notions of family and love.What was he thinking?
But even as he told himself these things, he couldn't forget the way Aidyn had reached for him with complete trust, or the tears of gratitude in Sìne's eyes when he'd promised to take them both.
For the first time in years, Bhaltair found himself looking forward to something more than duty and responsibility.If he had to name it, he'd say for the first time since taking over the lairdship he felt something akin tohope.
The thought was dangerous, and he tried to bury it deep.But it refused to stay buried.
***
Chapter 4 - The Wedding
The morning of thewedding had arrived.Sìne stood before the polished silver looking-glass in her chamber, barely recognizing the woman who stared back at her.Gone was the mud-covered, wild-haired creature who had burst into the hall just days before.In her place stood a scrubbed-within-an-inch-of-her-life, respectable bride.
Her gown had belonged to her late mother.It was made of deep blue wool with embroidery along the bodice and sleeves.Paisley had worked miracles with her hair, weaving it into an elaborate braid crowned with heather.While she wore the MacKayarisaidh, she realized that after today, she would wear the Ferguson colors instead.
"Ye look beautiful, mistress," Paisley said softly, adjusting the fall of Sìne's sleeves."Like a proper lady."
Sìne's hands trembled as she smoothed the rich fabric."I feel so nervous I can scarcely breathe."
"There's nothing to be nervous about," Paisley shook her head firmly."Ye just hold yer head up high and remember that any man would be lucky to have ye."
A soft gurgle from the corner made both women turn.Aidyn sat in her small woven basket, freshly bathed and dressed in her finest garment.Her dark curls had been brushed until they shone, and her bright eyes took in everything with curiosity.
"She kens something important is happening today," Sìne murmured, lifting her daughter from the basket.Aidyn immediately patted Sìne's face with her chubby little hands and began babbling happily.
"That she does.And she'll be the bonniest babe at any wedding this side of Alba," Paisley declared proudly.
