Page 37 of Highland Yule
“Aye,” she mused. “Adlin’s always had a way about him.”
The clergyman had just started speaking when Aaron called out. “Och, wait for us!”
Rona’s eyes widened when Brighid and Aaron joined them. Her aunt smiled and winked. “As it happens, whilst I was giving ye advice, ye were doing the same for me, niece.”
Rona smiled as well. “I couldnae be happier for ye both.” She looked back and forth between them. “Truly.”
“Aye.” Aaron pulled a blushing Brighid close. “’Tis long past time.”
“Aye.” Brighid’s eyes sparkled when she looked at him. “We just needed to stop bickering for a moment to see what was right in front of us.”
“I always knew,” he assured. “’Twas ye who took a wee bit longer to see.”
“Och, nay.” Brighid’s brows whipped together, and she pulled back in astonishment. “I always knew ‘twas ye who couldnae see.”
He reeled her close again, clearly enjoying their banter. “So ye think.”
“Aye, Idothink,” she flirted, batting her lashes. “And as long as ye realize what I think is the truth of things then—”
“Auntie!” Rona whispered.
Brighid’s gaze went to her. “What?”
Rona grinned. “’Tis time to get married already.”
Indeed, the clergyman had begun the ceremony.
Colmac faced Rona, truly amazed this day had arrived. One he had long given up on. Their gazes stayed with each other, as he said his vows first. “I, Colmac MacLauchlin take thee Rona MacLomain to be my wife as the law of the Holy Kirk says, and thereto I pledge my troth.”
Her gaze turned moist, and she said hers in return. “I, Rona MacLomain take thee Colmac MacLauchlin to be my husband as the law of the Holy Kirk says, and thereto I pledge my troth.”
Once all the couples had exchanged their vows, the clergyman said his final words and they were at last bonded as man and wife. Wasting no time, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply, barely aware of the boisterous celebration resuming around them.
Until Adlin’s voice rose above all and the great hall quieted down once more.
“Whether they usually reside in the castle or not,” his eyes grazed over Colmac and Rona, “everyone who married this eve has been provided their own cottage for the night. After all,” he winked at the couples, “everyone knows the elves will be creating a ruckus so ‘tis best ye stay cozy by a fire to keep them at bay.”
“Och, I think they’ll be getting a wee bit more than cozy,” someone called out, invoking a round of chuckles.
“Ye’ll know which cottage is yers by what hangs on the door,” Adlin continued. “Now hurry along my fine folk. As Hogmanay dictates, expect a knock on yer door at midnight.” He grinned at the children. “Then later ‘tis time for the wee bairns to open their gifts, aye?”
“Aye,” they cried out.
After they congratulated Brighid and Aaron, with embraces all around, Colmac made swift work of retrieving their cloaks, scooped Rona up and strode out of the castle.
“Ye’re impatient,” she chastised, grinning.
“Verra,” he agreed. She would be too if she knew what was coming. The pleasure he intended to give her again and again. All night long if he had his way.
“There,” she exclaimed, pointing at a cottage through the driving snow. “It has our plaid tied to the front door.”
He smiled when he spied MacLauchlin colors.
By the time they made it in, laughing all the while, they were covered in snow. He lowered her and pulled her against him, barely noticing the crackling fire or pine and holly spread about festively.
All he could see was her.
“I cannae tell ye how many times I imagined this moment.” He cupped her cheek. “How I longed to make ye mine.”
