Page 46 of Sighs of the Highland Wind
Maxwell began to pace around the room, putting off the moment when he had to make his way into the castle chapel. He did not know why he was so frightened. He had been deliriously happy when Kenna had accepted his proposal of marriage, so why was he so afraid now?
You are a complete eejit, Max Forbes!he thought viciously.Anybody would think she was an ugly old hag and you were a cripple. Get on with it!
With that, he marched outside and strode over to the chapel, then went down to stand beside the minister, fidgeting and shifting from foot to foot. His heart was hammering.
Suddenly he saw everyone’s head swivel around to look at the back of the church, and when he turned, he saw Kenna coming toward him, looking like the queen out of a fairy story. Her cheeks were pink, and there was a slight smile on her face that gave her a girlish, mischievous air. He could not help but smile back. She looked so desirable that he wondered how he was going to get through the whole day without grabbing his wife and pulling her upstairs so that he could have his wicked way with her.
Flora was walking with her, her arm around her daughter’s waist. When she let go of her, she gave Maxwell a look that was full of warning.Don’t harm my lass,it said. She put her daughter’s hand in Maxwell’s, and Kenna looked up at him trustingly.
“Ready?” he whispered.
“Yes. Are you?” Her voice was trembling slightly.
“Since the first minute I saw you, love,” he replied, smiling.
The minister, Reverend Keir, spoke then. He addressed the congregation and asked if there was anyone who objected to the marriage. There was a slight commotion at the back of the church, and they both looked back in alarm, hearts thudding, but it was only another guest settling into his seat. Maxwell glared at him.
Breathing sighs of relief, they turned back to the minister again, and soon the service was in progress. It took only a short time, and when Maxwell placed the ring on her finger, Kenna beamed, feeling as though she would burst with happiness.
Even though it was not part of the service and wildly outrageous, Maxwell pulled Kenna into his arms and kissed her soundly. She responded with enthusiasm, and a collective gasp erupted from the congregation, but it turned into a ripple of laughter, then applause.
With a whoop, Maxwell swept Kenna into his arms and carried her out of the chapel, then headed for the great hall, where a great log fire burned in the huge fireplace. The enormous room was bathed in warmth and the light of hundreds of candles. A sumptuous feast was laid out, and two special chairs had been reserved at the very center of the long table for the bridal couple.
Kenna thought she must be dreaming. She had often served at grand banquets but had never been a guest, and especially not a guest of honor at one. Suddenly a chair was being pulled out for her, a napkin was being laid on her lap, and a glass of wine was poured for her. She felt dizzy with confusion and delight.
Seeing her bemused expression, Maxwell put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed her, then kissed her cheek.
“Don’t be afraid, Kenna Forbes. You are among friends, and you are very, very welcome. I will never let anything bad happen to you. Do you believe me?”
Kenna looked up into his silver-grey eyes and saw her future. Here was her life, her home, her happiness, all wrapped up in this one lovely man. She believed him, she trusted him, and she loved him.
“Yes, my love, I do.” She smiled, then said mischievously, “Who is this Kenna Forbes you speak of? Have I met her?”
Entering into the spirit of the jest, Maxwell narrowed his eyes and rubbed his chin in contemplation.
“You know, I think I have heard of her,” he said at last. “I heard that she was very beautiful and betrothed to the son of a powerful laird.”
“Do you not mean married?” Kenna asked, giggling.
Maxwell slapped his forehead with the heel of his hand.
“Of course! She is my wife!”
They both burst into a fit of laughter and kissed again. Maxwell realized that he had never felt such joy and wonder. After all the trials they had come through to arrive at this moment, he was still incredulous that this lovely woman loved an imperfect man like him. Surely she could have done better for herself?
Just then, they were interrupted by Lindsey, who bent to kiss them both.
“Congratulations, wee brother!” Her voice was full of joy as she kissed Maxwell and turned to Kenna. “Welcome to the family, Mistress Forbes. I am so glad to have a sister at last!”
“I am too.” There were tears in Kenna’s eyes as she hugged Lindsey, then James. “Are you looking forward to being a father again?” she asked.
“Indeed I am,” he replied, gazing at his wife fondly. “It has been five years since the twins, and they are longing for a brother.” He bent to kiss Kenna’s hand. “Welcome, Kenna Forbes. I neverthought I would see the day when this one married!” He pointed at Maxwell, who gave a mock growl.
“I must eat!” Lindsey declared dramatically. “We are ravenous!”
She patted her bump and laughed, then was swept away by her husband.
“Still madly in love,” Maxwell remarked, smiling. “I never thought anyone would satisfy my sister.”
