Page 108 of Captured By the Cruel Highlander
Adam bowed low as Emily watched her friend assess her new husband. If Adam needed to impress anyone, it would be Ceana. She had not exactly been thrilled when Emily had told her the circumstances of their union.
“Well, ye are as enormous as she said,” Ceana stated frankly, and Adam raised his eyebrows in surprise.
Emily snorted. “They are all enormous.”
“Nay, ye are just wee,” Adam replied affectionately.
“How is yer faither?” Emily asked, turning to her friend and seeing her smile fade.
“About the same. The healer is doin’ everythin’ he can, but I dinnae think he will recover.”
Emily hugged her again, squeezing her tightly. “Come and sit with us at the high table. I have much to discuss with ye, and I havenae had the chance.”
They moved through the crowd, with Adam behind them, as Ceana turned back to him enthusiastically. “Ye must both come and visit the distillery whenever ye can—ye are always welcome.”
“Ye dinnae need to ask me twice,” Adam said, and they all went to take their seats as the little band of players struck up a lively tune.
As the food was served and more wine was poured, Emily looked around her, feeling deeply content. She had never been so happy or settled, and it was all thanks to her husband.
She glanced at Adam, only to find him already watching her.
“Is this a better weddin’ feast than the first one?” he asked.
“Aye, much better. Me faither and braither are here, and ye are actually happy to have me at yer side.”
She said it lightly, but a shadow flashed across Adam’s face.
“I was happy to have ye at me side before. I was just a stupid fool nae to recognize it sooner.”
Emily squeezed his hand beneath the table. “At least ye recognize yearea fool. I dinnae need to point it out to ye quite so much.”
Adam snorted as he grabbed his glass and saluted Doughall from across the room. Laird MacGordon’s voice rang out as he finished his wine and asked for another bottle. He was in a jovial mood—or as jovial as he ever got.
“Has there been any word from Laura?” Emily asked Adam.
“Aye,” he replied. “She has finally written to tell us where she is. I am attemptin’ to stop me maither from leavin’ this instant to go and bring her back. She is doin’ well, or so she says. She sends her best wishes, having heard I am married, and she wants to meet ye as soon as she can.”
“I would love to meet her,” Emily said happily. “Does she look like Freya?”
Adam considered that. “Perhaps a little wilder, if that can be believed. Laura isnae someone ye would ever find in a library. She prefers climbing trees and mountains.”
“She sounds wonderful. I cannae wait for her to visit.”
“Neither can I. She’ll love ye. I think Freya prefers ye to me anyhow. I doubt Laura will be any different,” he finished wearily.
Emily grinned.
As the supper continued, there was much merriment to be found in the room, and everyone was in the highest of spirits. Adam laughed and joked with the clan members who came to wish him well, and Emily had never seen him so relaxed.
She spent an hour happily sitting with her father and Bruce, reminiscing about their lives before she had become Lady MacNiall. Her father was doing well.
The specter of James Stewart had been banished forever, and they were all glad of it.
As the festivities wound down and the guests began to disperse or return to their rooms, Emily found she was one of the few people left in the dining hall.
As she turned, looking for Adam, she saw Theo coming toward her. He bowed to her with the same warm smile he always had.
“M’Lady,” he said respectfully. “Laird MacNiall has asked me to escort ye outside.”
