Page 42 of In the Hands of a Highland Bandit

“Do ye consent tae be married tae Greta?” he asked, looking at Finn.

“Aye,” Finn answered, his gaze locked on her.

Paddy looked at Greta. “Do ye consent tae be married tae Finn?” he asked.

“Aye,” Greta answered firmly.

“Make yer vows,” Paddy said, sounding as though he was giving orders to a regiment of soldiers. He nodded to Finn.

“Greta,” he began nervously, “I promise tae love ye, protect ye, be faithful only tae ye, an’ tae be the best father I can be tae our children. Will ye have me, darlin’?”

Greta beamed at him. “Aye, my love, an’ I promise tae love ye, keep myself only for you, bear ye as many children as I can, an’ raise them tae be good an’ decent people. Will ye have me?”

“I will!” Finn cried, loudly enough for the entire village to hear.

“Then I pronounce ye married!” Paddy’s old face creased into a joyous smile.

Both of them took a step backward so that the knot tightened and shrank to a tiny knob in the middle of the cloth. It was now tight and solid, signifying the strength of their love.

The tiny congregation applauded as they kissed with unashamed passion in front of them, then they all came forward to offer their congratulations.

“Well, Greta Crawford, how does it feel tae be married?” Finn asked, running his hands over her thick golden curls.

She laughed. “I will tell ye later,” she whispered.

Just then, Clodagh interrupted them. “Will ye come an’ eat?” she asked. “We all brought a wee somethin’, not much, but ye will need yer strength.” She winked, and they both laughed. Greta, blushing, laid her head on Finn’s shoulder as he slipped an arm around her waist.

“Ye know that ye must do everythin’ I say now,” he declared. “Like a good wife should.”

“Then I am goin’ tae be a very bad wife!” Greta replied, laughing, “because I will only obey ye when it suits me.”

He frowned at her fiercely. “Oh, aye?” he growled.

“Aye!” she answered, and he laughed. “Ye are just a big softy. I can see that I will be wipin’ my feet on ye soon!”

* * *

The meal, as Clodagh had told them, was simple. Fresh bread, cheese, local meats, and vegetables were on the table, as well as dried fruits with honey, nuts, and thick cream from their own cows. Home-brewed ale was drunk when they toasted Finn and Greta’s marriage.

It was Paddy who stood up and held up his glass. “To Greta and Finn! Here’s tae a long an’ happy life together! Sláinte!”

“Sláinte!” came the answering toast.

Finn kissed his wife softly and stood up. “Thank ye all for the lovely feast, but now…” He helped Greta to her feet. “Now it is time for my wife and I tae celebrate alone.”

A chorus of ribald comments followed this announcement, but as they left, Clodagh came up to Greta and whispered in her ear, “Don't listen tae them, Greta. Enjoy yerself.” Then she kissed her on the cheek and closed the door behind them as they left.

“I have a surprise for ye,” Finn told her as he took her hand, and they began to walk along the path toward the village.

“Really?” Greta was intrigued.

“Aye.” Finn said nothing more, obviously drawing out the suspense for as long as he could.

“Are ye goin’ tae tell me?” she asked, sighing. “Or do I have tae beat it out o’ ye?” To demonstrate, she gave him a hefty punch on the arm, but he only laughed.

“We are goin’ tae stay in Eamonn’s Tavern in the village,” he replied. “It is Eamonn’s wedding present tae us.”

“That is wonderful!” Greta cried as they emerged into the village square. She was so excited that she could hardly contain herself when Finn suddenly swept her off her feet and into his arms. She began to laugh joyfully, to the amusement of the passing villagers who already had doubts about the sanity of these strange Scottish people!

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