Page 29 of To Wed a Witch
"Good," he replied.
Dugald's eyes gleamed."It'll be good to see full bellies and warm hearths again, my laird."
"That it will."Bhaltair dipped his quill in ink and began crossing debts off his ledger with firm strokes.Each mark felt like lifting a stone from his shoulders."I think 'tis time we had a small celebration in honor of my new bride.Perhaps tonight we could prepare something special?It does not need to be elaborate, but I think 'tis time we formally welcomed my wife and bairn into the fold."
Ada replied, "Aye, 'tis a good idea, my laird.I'll see that the cooks put on a special meal and something for the wee lass as well."
"Thank ye, Ada.I appreciate it.I may not say it often, but ye have been a great help to me since I took over the lairdship.Ye even put up with my bellowing, and for that I'm grateful."
"Och, dinnae mention it.Ye remind me of my own sons.All bluster and no bite!"
Bhaltair chuckled at that statement.
Ada cleared her throat and continued, "My laird, if I may?Lady Sìne being a healer and all, she'll likely be needing her own cottage for tending the sick.There's the old grain cottage that's been sitting empty since Nan passed two winters back."
"Of course, I'll see that it's cleaned and stocked with whatever supplies she might need.And Ada, in time my wife will need to familiarize herself with the running of the keep.I'd appreciate yer guidance with that."
Ada's face brightened considerably."I'd be more than happy to help!Truth be told, I'm getting too old to manage everything myself.These old bones aren't what they used to be..."She trailed off, looking pleased.
After Ada left, Bhaltair asked Dugald and Murphy to stay a while.
"Laird?"Dugald asked.
"I never said it before, but I wish to thank ye both."
"What for?"Murphy asked.
"For coming up with the harebrained scheme to marry Sìne MacKay."
The men looked slightly embarrassed.
"Och, 'twas nothing but a notion," Dugald replied.
"Aye, I ken it.I may have not appreciated yer methods in the past...but yer loyalty to me and the clan is second to none."
Murphy grinned."Seems like ye got yerself a bonnie wife and bairn in the bargain."
"That I did, and I'm grateful for once that ye all saw fit to interfere with my personal life."
"Dinnae mention it, laird.We're just glad she did not turn out to be a shrew!"Dugald replied as they chortled over that statement.
When they left, Bhaltair allowed himself a moment of quiet satisfaction.The dark cloud that had hung over Clan Ferguson for months was finally lifting, all thanks to the woman who'd brought sunshine back into their lives.
***
THAT EVENING, THE GREATHall blazed with more torches than had been lit in months.The long tables held platters of roasted meat, fresh bread, and vegetables and freshly brewed mead that hadn't been seen at Ferguson Keep for some time.The air rang with laughter and conversation as clan members filled benches that had sat too empty for too long.
At the head table upon the dais, Bhaltair rose and raised his cup, waiting for the hall to quiet.He held Aidyn in one arm, her tiny fist curled against his chest.The sight of their fierce laird cradling the infant with such obvious tenderness had caused more than a few knowing smiles among the clan.
"My friends, my kin," Bhaltair's voice carried easily across the hall, "tonight we celebrate not just new members of my family, but new hope for our future."
Beside him, Sìne ducked her head, her cheeks flushing under the attention of dozens of eyes.She wore her wedding gown that brought out her eyes, her hair braided with small wildflowers the clan's children had gathered for her.
"Lady Sìne," Bhaltair continued, his free hand finding hers, "and wee Aidyn have brought more than just their presence to Ferguson Keep.They've brought renewed prosperity, renewed strength, and," his voice softened as he gazed down at his wife, "renewed joy to these halls."
"To Lady Sìne and Aidyn!"called out Murphy from the middle of the hall, raising his cup high.
"To Lady Sìne and Aidyn!"the hall echoed back, benches scraping as everyone rose to toast their new lady.
