Celtic Mist: The Calm Before the Storm (Battle Raven Series) (35 page)

Cassie leaned over from the chair she was sitting in and took Lara’s hand. “It’s about time.”

Lara gave her the best glare she could. “As I was saying. I am getting married.”

Teagan started to bombard her with questions. “How did you meet? How did he propose? When is the wedding? Will he ask dad? Does Kedryn like him?”

Lara held up her hand. “One thing at a time.”

Starting at the beginning Lara told them about the night Aodhan

came through her door. She described the people she had met, what the other realm was like and the battle where she got her scar.

“Wash has a twin?” Teagan said

“Yes.” Lara said and looked to her mother.

“You had to make a choice didn’t you.” Clara said as she shifted in her chair.

Lara stood and walked over to the window. “I made the right choice.” she looked to Orla who gave her a knowing grin.

Clara looked to Orla who was quietly sitting taking in the conversation. “I feel that we have been neglecting our guests. Is there anything you or Kiara need?”

Orla waived a hand at her. “I understand completely and I am perfectly content.”

Kiara shifted in her chair. “As am I. I am very happy to witness what a loving family Kedryn has.” she blushed at the mention of him and the curious stares Clara and Teagan gave her. She gave Lara a help me look. “How about you finish your tale?”

Lara grinned at her. “Of course. You will love the maze part.”

Continuing on she told them about heading to Quenith. When she got to the part about the maze tears of laughter and joy were running down all their faces. They heard a door shut and footsteps. Glen, Shane and Eion walked into the room. They saw the faces of the women and stopped.

Lara heard Kiara giggle at the sight of Eion. He had on jeans a black beanie and his face was smeared with black. Glen walked up to Lara and dropped two bags at her feet and grinned.

“I believe there is too much estrogen in this room. Where is dad and Kedryn?”

“In the den. You might want to clean your faces off.” Clara said

Glen wiped his hand over his face smearing the black. “That would probably be a good idea.”

Clara watched them leave and let out a yawn. “We all should get some rest. As much as I would love to hear the rest of the story.”

Cassie stretched. “I would like to get out of this dress anyway. We will head home and come over for breakfast in the morning?” she looked hopefully at Clara.

“Of course.” Clara said standing she gave Cassie a hug.

Teagan stood. “I will head home and how about Orla taking the

guest room and Kiara can sleep in my old room. Lara you can either come with me or take the guest house.”

“If I come with you we will not get any sleep. If we were staying longer I would.” Lara said and gave her sister an apologetic look.

“You are right. We will talk tomorrow.” Teagan said.

The men walked in and looked around. Duke walked up to Clara and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Do we have the sleeping arrangements set?”

“I believe so. We are all filled up here. Shane, what do you think of taking Kedryn, Aodhan and Eion to your house? You have a couple of spare rooms.”

“Sure.” Shane said

Lara walked up to Aodhan and gave him a kiss. “Don’t let him keep you up all night with questions.” she turned to Shane. “Did you hear me? I want everyone wide awake tomorrow.”

Shane gave her a disappointed look. “You always spoil the fun.”

Lara let out a huge yawn. “Yes. Time for bed.” she walked around to each of them and gave out hugs.

Clara walked up to Orla and Kiara. “Come with me ladies. I’m sure I can find something for you to change into.”

As Kedryn was following Shane out he turned to Lara. “Good night.”

“You could stay in the guest house too. I bet your car bed is still in the second room.”

“I don’t think I’ll fit. Love you. Good dreams, sweet dreams.”

“Good night. Love you. Good dreams, sweet dreams to you too.” Lara said and walked out past the large gazebo to the guest house.

When she closed the door behind her Lara looked around and crossed her arms. Nothing had been changed. When she found out she was pregnant with Kedryn she had panicked. Her lease was up on her condo with Alec and she wasn’t sure what to do. He made it clear to her he wanted nothing to do with her or the baby. Her father immediately pulled some strings and contracted some men to build a guest house. It was done within two months. Complete with a small kitchen area, bath, living room and one and a half bedrooms.

Lara walked into the bedroom and sat down pulling off her boots. She pulled a pillow close thankful to be with her family again and hit the pillow. Her thoughts were confused with wanting to stay but knowing she had to leave. Falling back onto the bed she fell asleep having dreams of the sisters, battles and love.

In the morning Lara woke up to find herself wrapped around not a pillow but Aodhan. He grinned at her and she pulled him even closer.

“You must have gotten here early.”

“It is not that early. Your mother already had breakfast started when we arrived. I laid down on your bed to wake you. When you wrapped yourself around me I didn’t want to move.”

Lara reluctantly sat up and rubbed her eyes. Aodhan pulled her back and pushed some strands of hair out of her face as he kissed her cheek.

“We shouldn’t keep them waiting. I will take a bath after breakfast.” she said.

Aodhan sat up and held a hand out to her. They found everyone sitting at the dining room table talking. All grew quiet and looked at Lara and Aodhan as they took a seat.

“I hope you two don’t mind but we have all agreed that since we are all here I believe we should have a second wedding.” her father said.

“Before we leave?” Lara looked to Cassie “Are you sure? We just celebrated your wedding I do not want to impede on it.”

“Nonsense. I believe that is a wonderful idea. It is a gift that you

are here. Besides our anniversary date will be when my parents are here to see us married.” Cassie said.

“If you really do have to go back, from what I gather, it will be three years until you can come back through. Or a year at the least with the other portal.” Glen said.

Lara looked at Aodhan who raised an eyebrow at her. “What do you think of this?”

Aodhan stood and walked around behind her. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “I believe it is an honor to be married to you here with your family.”

Clara clapped her hands. “It is settled. After everyone is finished eating we can start with the plans. First a dress and Aodhan’s suit.”

“I have a dress.” Lara said and looked to Eion. “I need your help.”

Eion who gave her a puzzled look. “My help? With a dress?”

“I do not want Aodhan to see. Would you please translocate us to the portal?”

“Us?” Eion asked.

“I would like mom to come with to help. I can get ready there and you can bring us back.”

“Where are these things?” Eion asked

“In Badb’s room in the castle.” Lara said.

“Castle?” Clara set her fork down.

“Teagan laughed. “I suppose you shouldn’t sound that surprised. Especially after everything.”

Clara looked Aodhan over. “Dear, your suit should fit Aodhan. I think that Glen’s would be to long on him. Everything is still set up. All we need is a cake.”

“When I return my suit Cassie and I can pick up a cake.” Glen said.

“Ice cream cake.” Lara said

“As you wish.” Cassie said and laughed at the look Lara gave her.

After they were done eating Clara gave Duke a kiss and walked up to Eion giving him a concerned look. He put an arm around her shoulders.

“You will be perfectly safe with me, my lady.” Eion said and looked to Duke.

Duke gave Clara a devious grin. “Just don’t fall for the charming Druid while you are away.”

Clara rolled her eyes at Duke and turned to Lara. “Are you ready?” she turned to Orla. “Would you like to join us?”

“I will make sure the boys don’t get into any trouble. I believe it is a mother and daughter task.” Orla said.

Teagan walked up and put an arm around Orla. “I think between the both of us everything will be perfect.”

Lara grinned at them and remembered something. “I will be right back.” she turned and walked out of the house and shortly returned with the dagger and a bag.

“Can’t forget the key.” she said and held up the bag. “And necessities.”

Lara put her arms around Eion and Clara and looked back at her family. In a bright flash they disappeared and reappeared before the portal. She heard Clara let out a breath and felt her sway.

“Are you well?” Eion asked giving her a concerned look. He carefully led her to the corridor and released his magic lighting the torches.

Clara straightened up and looked around. “I think so.”

Lara took her mothers hand and led her through the torch lit corridor.

“This is simply amazing and It smells like lavender.” Clara said as she looked over a flaming pillars.

Lara led them to Badb’s room and took out her dagger and opened the armoire. Her mother let out a gasp and pulled out the dress.

“It is lovely!” she said and handed it to Lara.

“I would like a bath first. If you think what you have seen so far wait until you see the baths. It may be a while before we can have another spa day.” Lara said.

“I am always up for a relaxing bath. I wish Teagan was here to join us but she is the only one there that knows where everything is.” Clara said brushing a strand of hair away from Lara’s face.

“And someone has to keep the boys in line.” Lara said.

“I will explore while you ladies prepare.” Eion said and headed off down the corridor.

Lara looked through the dresser drawers and found a robe. She picked up the bag she brought and walked into Nemain’s room and found another robe. She led her mother down the corridor to the baths. Clara stood still taking in everything as Lara rummaged through her pack and pulled out some oils and bars. She brought black orchid scent for her and lavender for her mother.

“Are you sure these waters are ok?” Clara asked as she examined the statues.

“Already tested them out.” Lara said

“I would not be surprised if you dove right in when you first saw the Springs.” Clara said as she took the lavender oil and sniffed it.

“Practically.” Lara said as she gave her mom the bath salts.

They bathed and wore the robes back to Badb’s room. Lara sat at the vanity and put on make up while her mother put up her hair. Clara twisted Lara’s hair up in ringlets and let pieces of it fall around her face using the bobbie pins Lara had in her bag. It was time for the dress.

Lara stood still while her mother buttoned the dress in back and then brought out the shoes for her to put on. Clara fastened the diamond necklace around her neck and then put on the earrings. She walked over to the vanity and looked into the mirror. The small diamonds sewn into the dress shimmered in the light.

“You look beautiful.” Clara said as she wiped away a tear.

“It is missing something.” Lara said.

“The veil. Stay right there. I don’t want you messing your hair or

wrinkling the dress. I will go find Eion.”

Clara and Eion came through the door and he let out a low whistle. “Aodhan’s eyes are going to pop out of his head. You look exquisite my lady.”

“Eion is going to take me back to get my veil.” Clara said.

“We should be back shortly.” Eion said and they disappeared.

Lara stood in front of the mirror afraid to ruin anything. What seemed like an eternity was really only a couple of minutes. Eion and Teagan appeared.

Lara smiled at Teagan then frowned. “Where is mother?”

Teagan let out a laugh. “You know mother. She was rearranging some things before I left and told me to come without her.” Teagan said and set her purse and veil down on the bed. “You look gorgeous. Let me help you with this and I have some things for you.” Teagan picked up her purse and started pulling items out of it placing them on the bed.

Lara looked at the bed and smiled. “You and mother never cease to amaze me.”

“It’s easy when everything has been planned already.“

Lara gave her a confused look. “Planned?”

“With Glen & Cassie’s wedding silly.” Teagan said as she took account of everything on the bed. “Something old, Great grandmother’s hair pins. Something borrowed, the veil, Something blue. This is the Orla’s kerchief. The last would be a silver sixpence in her shoe."

Lara took off one of her shoes and placed the sixpence in it. And looked for a place to put the kerchief. Teagan shrugged and stuffed it down the front of her bodice.

“Hey!” Lara said laughing. She looked down “I suppose that will work.”

Teagan held up the veil and fastened it to Lara’s hair with emerald hair pins. “I heard about the baths. We will have to plan a spa day later on.”