Page 102 of Desiring the Highland Laird
“I did. Do you like it?”
She gave a wistful sigh. “It’s perfect.” She moved into the room and closed the door behind her. It was then that Evie realized she had material draped over her arm. “I brought ye something.”
She brought the material toward the bed and laid it out. The gown was a rich garnet color with long sleeves that had buttons from elbow to wrist and a round neckline trimmed in gold. It was a beautiful gown.
“I thought ye should have something special to wear. It was his mother’s,” she said.
Evie fingered the material, then glanced up at Roslyn. “It’s so beautiful. Thank you.”
“Yer going to be the lady of Dundale. Ye should look the part.”
Evie froze, her breath catching. The weight of it hit her like a cold gust of wind—she would be the laird’s wife, the lady of the castle. A strange mix of excitement and fear fluttered in her chest. Her mind raced, trying to grasp what that truly meant. What duties would fall on her shoulders? The enormity of it pressed down on her, making her pulse quicken.
“Are ye all right, lass? Ye look a wee bit pale.”
“I don’t know anything about being the wife of a laird.”
Roslyn wrapped an arm around her shoulders and hugged her close. “Ye will do a wonderful job.”
A sliver of hope settled in her heart. Roslyn would guide her through whatever responsibilities came with being Callum’s wife. That brought a small sense of comfort.
“I hope so.”
“To be sure. Now, let’s get ye dressed. Yer laird awaits, my lady!”
*
Minutes later, afterhelping her dress, Roslyn escorted her to the chapel, which was an outer building on the other side of the keep. It was a small stone building with a few windows and inside, rows of wooden pews. She was uncertain how the ceremony would go—after all, she suspected there would be no formal walk down the aisle or wedding march.
When they arrived at the chapel, Dougal waited for her, which was a surprise.
“I’m to walk ye down the aisle, my lady.” He bowed low to her, then offered his arm.
She cut a glance at Roslyn, who grinned and then slipped ahead of them into the chapel to take her seat. Evie placed her hand on his arm.
“The laird is a lucky lad,” he said.
She flushed as they started down the aisle toward the altar. Surprise flickered through her to see most of the castle had turned out for their impromptu wedding. She thought she spied Angus Sinclair among the guests. Malcolm and Jamie were absent. She knew they’d left to recruit reinforcements for the upcoming conflict.
Callum stood at the front with the officiant. He wore a clean tunic, breeches, and his plaid draped over one shoulder. His boots were well worn but polished. He stood with the bishop waiting for her to join him at the altar. Her heart fluttered like a whispered promise as she walked toward him.
Callum’s deep blue eyes sparkled with admiration and love as he looked at her. She gave him a faint smile. Together, they turned to face the bishop.
“We gather here today to witness and celebrate the sacred union of Callum and Evangeline. By the rites of handfasting, they shall be bound together in love and commitment. Callum, do ye come here of yer own free will to bind yerself in love and loyalty to Evangeline?”
His gaze never left hers when he answered. “I do.”
“Evangeline, do ye come here of yer own free will to bind yourself in love and loyalty to Callum?”
Her heart pounded so hard she was sure everyone in the room heard it. “I do.”
“Join hands and face one another.”
When they did, the bishop placed a long thick cord over their joined hands, then bound them together in a loose infinity symbol.
“Your hands and your hearts are now bound together as one. These are the hands that will love ye and cherish ye throughout yer lifetimes.
“Callum, repeat after me. I, Callum, take thee, Evangline, to be my wedded wife. I vow to love and cherish thee, to honor and protect thee, in times of joy and sorrow, for as long as we both shall live. With this cord, I bind my life to thine,” the bishop said.
