Page 13 of Love’s Charity

Thomas snorted and elbowed Father Henry. “Best keep up, Father. Sounds to me like them vows are being said right now.”

The holy man jumped as if someone had jabbed him with a sharp stick. He tossed the letter to the table and started fumbling with the prayer book, thumbing through the pages to find his place. “Dearly beloved—”

Evander cut him off with a shake of his head as he held Marianna’s hands with both of his. “We dinna need all that nattering, Father.” He gave her a smile that made her melt. “Do we, Mejjy, love?”

“Nay, my dear one.” She locked her gaze with his. “I, Marianna Jennett Kennedy, do take Evander Shaw Cameron to be my husband until they lower me into my grave. I vow to tend him, love him, nag him, and vex him, whether we be sick, healthy, rich or poor. I love this man. And may God help him, bless him, and keep him because of it.”

Thomas hissed out laughing snorts like a kettle boiling on the fire. Beulah swatted his shoulder, then nudged Father Henry.

The priest jumped again, cleared his throat, and scowled at Evander. “And do ye—”

“I, Evander Shaw Cameron, do take Marianna Jennett Kennedy to be my wife for now and forevermore. I swear to protect her, provide for her, and never forsake her no matter how much she vexes me, whether in sickness or health, richer or poorer, ’til time is no more.”

Father Henry tossed up his hands. “I give up. I now pronounce ye husband and wife in the eyes of Scotland, the Church, and God Almighty. Let no man dare put asunder what God hath joined.”

“Amen and Merry Christmas!” shouted a chorus of youthful voices from the loft. “Is the goose ready yet? We’re hungry!”

“I suppose we kiss now, aye?” Marianna teased.

“Aye, my love,” he said, drawing her into his arms and tipping back her head. “The first of many kisses to come.”

---