Page 67 of Trapped By the Wicked Highlander
As the music began to play, Cassandra emerged, her heart racing as she walked toward Hunter. Her gown was simple yet elegant, woven with threads of gold and deep green, the colors of her clan, and a veil of sheer fabric draped over her face. The soft sound of her footsteps was drowned by the gentle whispers of the wind through the trees. As she approached, Hunter’s breath caught in his throat, his heart swelling with love and pride as he gazed upon the woman who would soon be his wife.
The ceremony began with the traditional handfasting, an ancient Scottish custom where the couple’s hands were bound together with a ribbon, signifying their union. Hunter’s large, calloused hands enveloped Cassandra’s delicate ones as the priest spoke the sacred words, a vow of loyalty and devotion.
“With these bonds, unite these two souls together in matimony.”
The crowd stood in hushed reverence as the priest invoked the blessing of the gods and spirits.
“I call for the couple’s love to be strong and unyielding. With each knot tied, the bond between Hunter and Cassandra is bound and sealed.”
The final knot was tied, and the priest declared them –
“I declare these two husband and wife by the power vested in me.”
Hunter leaned down to kiss Cassandra, the crowd erupting in cheers and applause. The kiss was long, filled with a promise of a future built on love, trust, and a shared life together. As they parted, Hunter’s hand found Cassandra’s, and they turned to face their guests, their hearts beating as one.
After the ceremony, the celebrations began in earnest. The great hall was filled with laughter and music, the long tables laden with roasted meats, fresh bread, cheeses, and the finest wines. The McDougal and McAllister clans mingled, their alliance cemented by the marriage, while Ruben Miller stood nearby, speaking with some of the older members of the clan. The atmosphere was joyous, filled with the warmth of unity and friendship, and Cassandra couldn’t help but smile as she looked around at the people who had come together to witness their love.
As the feast continued, Cassandra found herself drawn away from the crowd by a gentle voice calling her name. Turning, she saw Jessica, approaching with a smile on her face. Cassandra had grown to admire her during their time together at McDougal Castle. The two had become close over the months leading up to the wedding, and now, Jessica was offering Cassandra a comforting, sisterly embrace.
"Ye look radiant, Cassandra," Jessica said, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "I cannae believe this day has finally come." She took Cassandra’s hand and led her to a quiet corner of thecourtyard, away from the noise of the celebration. “I just wanted to say, ye’ve become like a sister to me. I’ve never seen Hunter so happy, and I ken he’s a lucky man to have ye."
Cassandra’s eyes softened, touched by Jessica’s words.
"I’m lucky to have him as well," Cassandra replied, her voice thick with emotion. "I’ve never known a love like this, and I’m grateful for every moment."
Jessica smiled, her eyes glistening with tears. “Ye deserve this happiness, Cassandra. I’ve seen the way Hunter looks at ye, and I ken he’d do anythin’ to protect ye. It’s a bond that’s unbreakable.” She hugged Cassandra tightly, a bond of sisterhood forming between them in that simple gesture.
The words hung in the air, and Cassandra felt a deep sense of belonging in that moment. She had come to this castle as a healer, a woman with a past full of heartache, but now she was part of something much bigger. She was part of Hunter’s world, his family, and it was a place where she could finally be herself. The love between her and Hunter was more than just a union of two people; it was the joining of two clans, two hearts, and an unspoken promise of loyalty and devotion.
As they stood there, Cassandra could hear the laughter and music from the hall, the sounds of celebration echoing through the courtyard. The joy of the day wrapped around her like a warm blanket, and she knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together. She looked up at Jessica, her new cousinby marriage, and smiled. “Thank ye, Jessica. I’ll always be here for ye.”
Jessica squeezed her hand, nodding with a grin. “And I’ll always be here for ye, Cassandra. We’re family now.”
In the distance, Hunter’s voice rang out, calling for Cassandra to join him. The time had come for their first dance as husband and wife, and Cassandra’s heart fluttered at the thought of being in his arms again. With one last hug, Cassandra turned to join him, the weight of the day’s emotions still settling in her chest. As she walked toward him, she knew that this was where she was meant to be—by his side, now and always.
As the evening wore on, Hunter found himself in a quiet corner of the great hall, away from the bustling celebration. The flickering firelight cast shadows on the stone walls, and the noise of laughter and music seemed distant now. He was joined by Daniel, who had been by his side through thick and thin. Daniel watched the revelry around them with a knowing smile.
“Ye ken, Hunter,” Daniel began, his tone light but serious, “I always thought ye’d be a hard man to find love, given how ye carry the weight of this clan. But now, look at ye—ye’ve found someone who can make ye smile like ye’ve never smiled before. See, ye can have love, after all.”
Hunter turned to face him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He had spent so many years focusing on the responsibility ofhis clan, the weight of being laird, that he’d never fully allowed himself to entertain the idea of love. But now, standing with Cassandra as his wife, everything had changed.
“Aye, I suppose ye’re right,” Hunter said quietly. “I never thought I’d have a chance at it, but I cannae imagine me life without her now. She’s... she's me everythin’.”
Daniel clapped him on the shoulder, his smile widening. “Aye, lad, I thought as much. Ye’ve finally let yer heart lead ye. It’ll make ye a stronger laird, too, I reckon.”
Hunter nodded, feeling a shift deep within him. The weight of leadership no longer felt so heavy when shared with Cassandra. The thought of her, of their future together, filled him with a warmth that gave him the strength to face whatever challenges might come.
Meanwhile, across the hall, Cassandra stood with Holly, as the two watched the guests celebrating. As they chatted, Holly smiled at Cassandra, her voice full of affection.
“Ye’ve settled into this life well, Cassandra. I’m so glad to see ye so happy.” Holly’s tone was warm and genuine, her eyes sparkling with excitement for her. “Ye’ve become a part of McDougal. I’m just glad ye’ll be around McAllister here and there.”
Cassandra smiled. “Thank ye, Holly. I never expected all this… all this warmth. It’s more than I ever thought I’d have.”
Holly’s eyes softened. “Well, they're stuck with ye now, lass, so ye best get used to it,” she teased, giving Cassandra a playful wink. “And as for Hunter—ye’ve made him the happiest man in all of Scotland.”
Cassandra chuckled, her heart swelling with joy at the thought of Hunter. “I hope so,” she said softly. “I’ll do me best to make him happy.”
As the conversation continued, Cassandra’s gaze shifted across the room, landing on Elena. The little girl skipped toward her with a smile on her face.
