by B. J. Scott
“Arya is not going anywhere. Her place is here in Oban. If she’ll have me,” Garrett announced.
Connor frowned. “Are you asking for my sister’s hand?”
“Aye. I’ve been waiting for what seems like an eternity for her to agree to marry me.” Garrett cupped her elbow and spun her around to face him. “What say you Arya—” He hesitated and scratched his head. “I’m not sure if I am supposed to say Fraser or MacEachan.”
“Whatever she decides,” Connor replied.
“I guess it really willna matter if she accepts my proposal.” Garrett clasped Arya’s hands. “I canna think of any woman whose stubbornness, sharp tongue, temerity, and audacity can drive me as crazy as you do.”
Arya stared back at him. “Then why on earth would you want to see us wed?” Was this his idea of convincing her? She tried to pull free of his grasp, but he held firm.
Garrett chuckled, then continued. “As strange as this might sound, I also adore those things about you, Arya. And while you possess the unbridled spirit of a warrior, you also have the heart of a saint. The way you put everyone else’s needs before your own never ceases to amaze me. Look at the way you cared for your mother. And how you selflessly risked your life to rescue the lost bairns at Fraser Castle.” He brought her hands to his lips and kissed her fingertips. “And that only begins to express how I feel about you.”
Arya gazed into eyes filled with passion and sincerity, a lump of emotion rising in her throat.
“Marry me, Arya, and make me the happiest man in Scotland. That is if your brother grants his blessing.” Garrett looked at Connor. “As you know, I dinna have much in the way of possessions, but with hard work, I believe that I can make a good home for us here in Oban. If love means anything to you, we will be rich in that.”
Connor nodded. “You have my blessing, but it is Arya you must sway.”
“Do you think you are man enough to handle her?” Bryce asked Garrett, then laughed.
“No one will ever handle Arya, or tame her. But I am not so sure I want to anymore. Why try to change something that is already perfect in my eyes?” He stroked his knuckles across her cheek. “If you’ll agree to marry me, I can promise to be your friend as well as your lover. I will provide for you and our bairns. But above all, I will never forget you are my equal in every way.” He drew his sword and handed it to her, then dropped to one knee and bowed his head. “Agree to my request, or strike me dead, because a life without you, would not be worth living.”
Arya blinked several times, truly touched by his words and actions. She let go of the blade and grasped is hand, hauling him to his feet.
“Heaven knows our life together willna be dull, nor will we always agree.” Arya smiled. “But since we were bairns, you have been there for me, no matter what I said or did. I always knew I could count on you to have my back and to support me. Even when you thought me wrong. Very few men, if any, would accept me the way do. Not only for who I am, but also for what I believe is true and just.”
“So are you saying aye?” Garrett asked, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
Arya laughed. “You are also very impatient, Garrett. But I must confess, not only do you stir the flames of passion in me, but I like and respect you more than any man I have ever known. My father was right when he said we were suited for each other and my mother,” Arya paused to cross herself, “knew all along this was a good match. I am so grateful for all you did for her when I had to flee from the Campbell’s wrath. You are a man of honor and your word. Aye, Garrett, I will marry you.
Garrett swept her off her feet and whirled her around in a circle, before laying claim to her lips.
“It is settled then,” Connor said, smiling. “But only under one condition.”
Garrett’s brow furrowed. “What would that be?”
“That you agree to have your wedding at Fraser Castle. And Arya stays with us until you have a suitable place for the two of you to live in Oban. I dinna expect that will take long if you want it badly enough.”
Garrett looked to Arya for her approval.
She nodded and smiled. “I think it’s a lovely idea. I would like very much to see Cailin and Fallon again and to meet Edina. She brought her hand up to her mouth and yawned. “But I am very tired and would like to go to bed.” She grinned at Garrett. “Perhaps you would like to sit with me for a while. We could talk.”
Bryce stepped between them. “He’ll stay outside with the rest of us tonight. There will be plenty of time for . . . Chatting, after you’ve wed.”
Chapter 23
“The gown is too snug,” Arya protested. “I can scarcely draw breath.”
“Nonsense, it fits fine, and you look beautiful,” Cailin said. “Now hold still while I take another wee tuck in the back.”
“If you make it any smaller, I willna be able to walk.”
“As long as you can dance, who cares about walking? After you and Garrett wed, you will be floating on air and forget all about the discomfort.” Cailin twirled in a circle with her arms outstretched. “It has been so long since our last ceilidh, I canna wait.”
“I dinna know how to dance.” Arya glanced at the floor.
Cailin caressed Arya’s shoulder. “But every young woman knows how. Did no one teach you?”
“My mam wanted to show me, but I saw no purpose in learning how. You dinna have to dance in the forest to fell a deer, or do a jig on rocks by the stream to catch a fish. Your horse doesna care if you can follow the music, nor does a good deerhound.”
Cailin laughed. “It is not difficult. Just close your eyes, listen to the music, and your feet will do the rest.”
“In these shoes, I will be lucky if I dinna trip and fall flat on my face.” Arya lifted her gown, her matching satin slippers peeking out at the hem.
Fallon entered the chamber, carrying a bouquet of fresh heather in one hand and a floral headpiece in the other. “Oh, my. I have never seen a comelier bride. That gown suits you perfectly.”
“You see, I told you it was just right. Garrett will be beside himself when he sees you.” Cailin took once last tuck in the gown.
“The guests have arrived. And speaking of Garrett, you shouldna keep him waiting much longer. The poor man is as restless as a fox in a snare.” Fallon placed the floral headpiece on Arya’s head, then smiled. “The bluebells bring out the color of your eyes.”
Andrew pounded on the door, then burst into the room before receiving permission. “Da wants to know what is keeping you. The priest is waiting, and he must leave soon to officiate at another ceremony. Oh, and Uncle Alasdair and his family just arrived.”
“Tell your father we’ll be down in a minute.” Cailin fussed with the back of Arya’s gown, then stood back and scanned her soon-to-be sister-by-marriage from head to toe. “You look like a princess.”
“That is what I feared. Garrett will take one look at me in this, think I have lost my bloody mind, not to mention my sense of dignity. How can I insist he respect me as his equal when I dress in such a way?”
“You’d be surprised how much attention and cooperation a gown like this can get you from a man. And I mean in a very good way.” Cailin wiggled a brow. “Trust me, Arya. Garrett willna think you have lost your mind. But he will lose his, and be fawning all over you like a lovesick hound.”
“I wish my mother were here.” Arya lowered her gaze and crossed herself.
“Your mam may not be here in body, but she will be in spirit,” Fallon said. “She wanted you to marry Garrett. And she hoped you’d to get to know your brothers. You have granted both her wishes.” She slid her arms around Arya’s shoulders and hugged her. “I am sure your mother and father, both of them, will be smiling down on you this day and for many years to come.”
“If anyone knows about such things, it is Fall
on. What she said is true. Your mother will be with you here.” Cailin touched Arya’s chest, then tapped her brow. “She will always be in your heart and your mind.”
“Thank you both. I could never have gotten ready without you.” Arya said. “I never had sisters or brothers. I now have both and am truly blessed.”
Cailin scrubbed away a stray tear, then fanned her face with her hand. “You must stop this at once, or you will have me crying like a babe. Today will be the happiest day of your life. Your betrothed is waiting. Let’s get you married.”
A woman carrying a tiny infant knocked at the door and was immediately greeted with squeals of delight from Cailin and Fallon. “May I come in?”
“By all means.” Cailin stepped aside. “Arya, this is Edina, Alasdair’s wife.”
Edina handed Fallon her baby, then embraced Arya and kissed her cheek. “I am so happy to finally meet you. Alasdair told me so much about you, but his description doesna do you justice.”
Arya returned the hug, then took a step back. “He spoke about you and your sons with great pride. I’m told this one is a lass.” Arya peeked inside the swaddling and grinned. “She has her father’s ginger hair.”
Edina brought a hand to her mouth, then chuckled. “Aye and his temper too.”
“Odd, I never found Alasdair to be ill-tempered. If anything, he was always very laid back when we were together.”
The babe started to screech, and Edina took her from Fallon. “Then you must not have seen him when he is hungry. Which my husband is all the time. I best take this little one and feed her. I will meet you below.”
“Is Alasdair with his brothers?” Cailin asked.
“Aye. He and Connor were arguing over who will be the one to give Arya away.” Edina headed to the door. “Maybe one of you should check on them. I’d hate to see a brawl take place on such a special day.”
“We are going down now.” Cailin held the door for Arya. “Are you ready?
“As prepared as I will ever be,” Arya said, then followed her new sisters down the hall.
“Damnation!” Arya stumbled, then grabbed the fabric of Garrett’s tunic for support. “I will never be good at dancing. I’ve stepped on your toes again.”
“Dinna fash, ma gaol, I am no better at the task.” Garrett glanced at his feet, then shook his head. “Perhaps we could sit this one out. I have far more pressing things on my mind.” He laughed and swept Arya into his arms, then carried her toward the door.
“Where are you taking me?”
“To our chamber of course.” Garrett wiggled a brow. He couldn’t wait to be alone with his bride.
“My brothers and their wives went to so much trouble to make our wedding day special. It would be rude and ungrateful to run off without at least thanking them first. What would everyone think if we leave so early?” Arya buried her face in his tunic.”
“People will think I am taking my new bride to her wedding bed, where I plan to make her my wife in more than just name.”
Garrett playfully kissed the tip of her nose, her cheek, then captured her mouth.
“Everyone is watching us,” she giggled.
“Let them watch. You know, I’ve never heard you giggle before and must say, I find the lighthearted sound surprisingly endearing.” Garrett nipped at her earlobe. “Almost as much as I’ve enjoyed seeing you dressed in this beautiful gown.”
“Dinna get used to it. This is a one-time thing. Tomorrow I don my trews and tunic,” She laughed.
“Then I will cherish the moment. When you entered the great hall before the ceremony, you took his breath way. I’ve pinched himself more than once to make sure what I experienced today was real. I canna believe we are finally husband and wife.” He lowered his head and kissed her soundly.
Connor coughed. “There are far more comfortable places to do that. Your chamber, perhaps?”
Garrett broke the kiss and glanced at Connor. “We were just about to find you and thank you for all you’ve done for us. Arya worried you might think us ungrateful for leaving too soon.” He set her down, then wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
“I am surprised you stayed as long as you did. I couldna wait to get Cailin alone.” Connor slapped Garrett on the back. “No one will think it odd. In fact, it is expected. But before you leave, there is something I wish to give to Arya.” He handed her a linen-wrapped bundle. “Consider it a late wedding present.”
Arya stared down at Connor’s gift, then carefully unwrapped it. “I have no idea what it could be,” she said, then hesitated and glanced up at her brother. “A dirk?”
“Aye, but not any ordinary weapon.” He pulled one from his sheath and showed it to her. His was identical to the one he’d given Arya, except his had five emeralds surrounding a ruby imbedded in the handle, and hers had six emeralds.
“It is the finest one I have ever seen, but I dinna understand its significance as a wedding gift.”
“Our father was known throughout the Highlands for his skill at crafting fine weapons. He spent hours honing the blades, and they were highly prized by those lucky enough to purchase them. But the ones he made for me and my brothers were like no others. He referred to them as blades of honor. In addition to the intricate carvings on the handles, he added a ruby representing himself and an emerald for each of his five sons.” Connor returned his dirk to its sheath.
“This one as six emeralds,” Arya pointed out.
“Aye. Our mother was with child when she was killed, and our father was making this for the new babe. But sadly, he never got to present it. He had it finished, all but the gems. So it stands to reason, had the babe been born, this one would have had six emeralds in honor of his sixth bairn.”
“It is a lovely sentiment, but what has this to do with me?” Arya turned the weapon in her hand, impressed by the fine craftsmanship.
“The babe this was intended for may not have been born, but you were, Arya. You are his sixth bairn and he would want you to have this,” Connor said, his voice strained with emotion. “Since he was not able to finish it, we asked a friend who is equally skilled in the art to add the gems. Bryce, Alasdair, and I carry ours with us at all times and will pass them on to our oldest sons when the time is right. The ones he made for the brothers no longer with us—” He crossed himself. “—went with them to their graves.”
“I’m speechless,” Arya said, tears welling her eyes.
“And that doesna happen often,” Garrett said with a smile, then kissed her cheek.
Arya clutched the dirk to her chest. “Thank you. I am honored and will cherish it always.”
Connor cleared his throat and wiped a tear from his eye. “Now that has been taken care of, be off with you. It is time you were alone. This ceilidh will go on for hours, if not days.”
Garrett scooped Arya into his arms, then raced out the door, ignoring the outburst of bawdy comments from their guests, then took the stairs to the second floor of the castle, two at a time.
When they arrived at the door to their chamber, he pushed it open using his elbow, then carried her inside. He set her down by the bed and took a step back. “You do look stunning.”
She blushed, then glanced away. “I look foolish, not at all like myself. But Cailin and Fallon insisted I wear a proper gown.” She placed the dirk on the table beside the bed, then smoothed her hands down the front of her dress.
“Well, I am glad they did. But I must confess, I canna wait to get you out of it and into bed.”
“Then why are you waiting?” She flashed him a seductive smile, turned around, and swept her hair aside. “It fastens in the back.
Garrett fumbled with the laces. But after two attempts and a few choice curses, he managed to untie the bow. He slid the gown over Arya’s shoulders, before letting it drop to the floor in a pool of fabri
c at her feet.
To his surprise and delight, she wore nothing beneath her wedding dress. How fortuitous, he thought as he marveled at her slender figure. The creamy, porcelain-like skin on her back glistened in the firelight, looking almost too fragile to touch. His gaze traveled down her spine to a tiny sculpted waist, a firm round bottom, and long shapely legs that went on forever.
When she turned to face him, his breath stalled and he gasped for air. Tonight was not the first time he’d seen her naked, nor was it the first time they’d make love. The intimacy they shared during the storm was amazing. But somehow this was different. In the cave she’d offered herself to him freely, but with no ties. She could walk away and never look back if it suited her fancy. But this time, they’d make love as husband and wife. She had finally given herself to him body and soul, bound in matrimony before God and her family. And while he yearned to throw her on the bed and pound into her with reckless abandon until he found his pleasure and staked his claim, he wanted their joining to be wonderful for her too, something she’d never forget.
“You are the most ravishing creature on earth, and I want you more than my next breath. You have already been my lover. Are you ready to become my wife?” Garrett closed the gap between them and tugged her against his chest. Flesh against flesh, so close, he could feel her heart beating in unison with his own.
Arya nodded her approval, but after he gently laid her on the bed, she rolled on top of him straddling his hips. She peered down at him, grinning, then wriggled her bottom on his lap.
Garrett groaned aloud. “You are torturing me. What evil plan do you have in mind?”
Arya reached between them and wrapped her fingers around his his pulsing arousal, then lightly slid them up and down until he moaned with pleasure and grabbed her wrist.
