Page 36 of Highland Yule
Chapter Twelve
Though tempted to pace, Colmac stood in front of the fire with Tiernan and tried not to stare at the landing above. Would Rona be wearing the ring? Or had she decided against it? He could barely think straight not knowing.
Tiernan’s amused gaze flickered from the landing to Colmac. “Ye arenae really with me, are ye?”
“Och, my apologies.” He sipped his whisky and shook his head. “I eagerly await an answer.” He flinched at the MacLomain chieftain. “To something I probably should have spoken to ye about first.”
“’Tis all right, friend.” Tiernan clapped him on the shoulder and grinned. “Yer lass knows she has my approval.”
“If only that were enough.” Colmac turned his attention to the fire. “There are no certainties in this.” He shook his head. “I might lose her before I have a chance to love her.”
“Love is a risk, is it not?” Tiernan looked to the landing again. “A risk that is yers to face.”
His heart stopped the moment he turned and locked eyes on Rona. She looked stunning in the red dress with her hair swept back. He swallowed, afraid to look at her hand, but she drew his attention that way by resting it over the other.
“She’s wearing it,” he whispered, hardly believing his eyes. “Thank the good Lord.” He glanced from Tiernan to Rona, grinning. “She’s actually wearing it!”
Despite his limp, Colmac bounded up the stairs, slowing just shy of her. He looked from the ring to Rona's lovely face, as Brighid peeked out from behind, her eyes merry. “Does this mean...”
When he trailed off, almost afraid to ask, a smile blossomed on Rona’s face. “Aye, Colmac, I will marry ye.”
“By the bloody rood,” he whooped, closing the distance. He swirled her once at the top of the stairs, cupped her cheeks, and kissed her soundly.
Brighid eventually cleared her throat, and Rona smiled against his lips. She pulled away, her gaze so soft and dewy, he was tempted to bring her to bed now then marry her later.
“Not to interrupt a good time,” Brighid grinned, “but I think the ceremony begins soon.”
Adlin had entered with a clergyman, and the boisterous crowd was quieting.
“Aye, ‘tis!” Colmac pulled Rona after him. “We dinnae want to miss this.”
She laughed. “I think they will wait for us to get down the stairs.”
Mayhap, but he refused to take any chances. He was finally marrying his lass and would see it done straight away. They joined several other couples in front of the clergyman and received their swaths of plaid. Adlin winked at them in passing and nodded with approval.
“Yer former chieftain is verra gifted with foresight, aye?” He wrapped their wrists with a plaid strip that happened to consist of MacLauchlin colors.
