A Highlander's Gypsy (Highland Temptations Book 2)
Page 19
“They’ve heard what a brave, true woman ye are,” William had explained when she’d expressed surprise at this. “They know ye to be good, as I do. How could they want anything but the best for us?”
She could imagine them wanting anything but the best, though she’d held her tongue. He still did not quite understand the difficulties she’d endured and he never would—certainly, he might sympathize and even wish evil upon the heads of the men and woman who’d been unjust, but he would never truly understand how she would always question the intentions of those around her.
In time, this might very well change. She prayed it would.
“I believe the time has come.” Davina kissed Shana on both cheeks. “Ye look radiant. The most beautiful bride. William might need Rufus and Richard to keep him on his feet when he sees ye.”
“If either of them is in any condition to do so, after the way they enjoyed themselves last night.” How any of the men had managed to rouse themselves that morning was beyond her understanding. She’d heard them laughing and shouting into the wee hours of the morning.
“It might surprise ye just how well a Highlander can hold his drink,” Davina winked just before turning away to open the bedchamber door.
This was it. The moment she’d waited for all the long weeks since William asked her to be his wife. She’d accepted in a heartbeat, the question not really a question at all. Naturally, she would marry him. She would have no other as long as she lived whether he wanted her or not.
Lucky for them both, he did.
Davina led the way down the corridor and down the stairs, with Shana taking pains not to trip over her gown. She’d never worn anything so fine and wondered whether she was worthy of it. A lass who’d lived until recently in a tent, always moving from one place to another, barely surviving at times.
Here she was, in the keep of a great castle, about to wed a brave, fine man while wearing silk.
The great hall was lit with candles and torches, a sumptuous feast already laid out on the long tables running along both sides of the room. Space had been cleared in the center for the dancing which would take place later.
And for the ceremony, which would take place now.
Each member of the guard stood in wait, along with the women of the house and many of the tenants. The room was stuffed to all but overflowing, and the sight of so many smiles was more dazzling than the sun. They accepted her. They were glad for her.
Part of her still wished to run and hide from them.
She searched for William. She needed him. He drove her fear away, he always had.
There he was, at the end of the room, stepping forward with Richard and Rufus behind him. He could have broken her heart, he was so grand. Tall, strapping, hair neatly tied back, wearing a new kilt and tunic. She was proud of him, proud to know he was hers.
But what of her? Was she worthy of him? Of this?
The look of pure joy which spread over his handsome face told her what she needed to know. He found her worthy of her finery. In his eyes, she was worthy of all of this grandness and much more.
Shana Invermore took the final steps toward her soon-to-be husband. When she placed her hand in his, she left the past behind in favor of the future.
Shana Blackheath would never know a day without love, safety, friendship.
That was as good a place to begin a new life as any.
I hope you enjoyed A Highlander’s Gypsy!
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Copyright © 2018 by Aileen Adams
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