Fraser 03 - Highland Homecoming (24 page)

“I willna allow it and my daughter willna accept. Damn it, man, are you daft? You have known about this arrangement for over sennight. How can you burst in now and make an announcement such as this?”

“Alasdair saved Edina’s life. The least you can do is hear him out, Father. Once he has said his piece, you may have a change of heart,” Jayden said.

“What he has tae say will make no difference. Robert the Bruce has sanctioned this union, and while he may be the son of my dearest friend, and there was a time when he would have been considered a suitable husband, he isna now.” He faced Alasdair. “You have naught tae offer my daughter, no land or title. She must enter intae a marriage that will benefit the clan. Uniting the Sinclair and Sutherland clans will also make a stronger Scotland.”

“He could have taken over as laird of Clan Fraser had he chosen tae do so. It is his birthright and Connor offered tae step down. But Alasdair refused tae accept—” Jayden began, but was cut off.

“That is exactly why his isna the man tae marry your sister,” Laird Sinclair snapped.

“Alasdair is a guid man and a brave warrior. He could see the Fraser clan was thriving under Connor’s leadership and wouldna put his own desires ahead of the clan’s best interests. That in itself is a testament to the kind of man he is,” Jayden continued. “He has also accepted my request tae oversee the western portion of Sinclair land once he and Edina were wed. Provided you give your consent, Da.”

“Why would he do that?” Laird Sinclair inquired.

“I need a strong leader to protect the outer reaches of our holdings and canna think of a finer man tae do it. He may not be wealthy, but has earned a goodly sum of coin as reward for his service for the King and country. He also has Robert’s blessing and sanction if you and Duncan are in agreement.”

Alasdair moved forward, handed Laird Sinclair the missive from the Bruce, then stepped back.”

After reading the note, Laird Sinclair scrubbed his hand over his chin. “And you are willing to remain in the north of Scotland and help Jayden?” he asked.

“Aye. I have always been drawn tae this part of the country. I feel verra much at home here and would like to remain,” Alasdair replied.

Laird Sinclair turned to Edina and Duncan. “This does put a new light on things. If you are willing tae release Edina from the betrothal and Edina is prepared tae—”

“Oh, aye, I will marry him, Father.” She raced to Alasdair’s side. “I prayed you would come back for me.”

Alasdair hauled her against his chest, dropped his head, and pressed his lips to hers. “I’ve been a fool, can you ever forgive me?” he asked when he finally broke the kiss.

“Aye, you have been a fool, but we have a lifetime for you tae make it up tae me.” She smiled and nipped at his lower lip. “I love you, Alasdair.”

Strong arms engulfed her. “And I love you, Edina. I have since the day I first laid eyes upon you. I would be verra happy if you would consent tae be my wife.” He didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, he captured her mouth with a kiss that curled her toes and made her swoon. An act of boldness that could very well cost him his head.

Laird Sinclair coughed to clear his throat. “This is verra touching, but there is still the matter of her betrothal tae Duncan.”

“He has a point.” Alasdair raised his head. “What say you, Duncan?”

Duncan didn’t answer. He stood in the corner talking to Oceana cradling her in his arms.

“I think that answers your question.” Jayden slapped Alasdair on the back. “Welcome tae Clan Sinclair, brother.”

“When do you plan tae marry my daughter?” Laird Sinclair asked.

Alasdair smiled and tugged Edina to his side. He had never thought about marriage in the past, but now that he had made up his mind to take Edina as his bride, he did not want to wait. “Father Cullen is here now, and you have already planned a feast and ceildh. If your daughter is agreeable, I say we do it right away. Mayhap Duncan and Oceana can exchange their vows as well. What say you, Edina?”

Edina glanced up at him, her eyes filled with passion. “I think it a fine idea. That is, if Duncan has a mind tae marry Oceana without her father’s consent.”

“Do you think your da would approve?” Duncan asked.

“My father will be verra pleased. I’m certain of it,” Oceana replied. “He dinna want me tae enter the priory and he has always liked you, Duncan. He, too, thought we would marry someday and was disappointed when he learned about the arrangement made between you and Edina.”

“What about the babe?” Duncan slid his hand over her belly and smiled. “Were your mam and da verra upset when they learned you carried my bairn? I am surprised your father doesna want tae see me drawn and quartered.”

“He might if he knew. But my parents dinna know I am with child.” Oceana lowered her chin and stared at the ground. “I was ashamed tae tell them I had surrendered my innocence out of wedlock.”

“Then we must rectify that right away.” Duncan cupped her chin and raised it until their eyes met. “This is my babe, Oceana, and I mean to do right by you and the bairn. We will work things out. Together.” He leaned in and brushed her lips with a kiss. “Will have me as your husband?”

“Aye, Duncan. I would be proud tae be your wife.” Oceana threw her arms around Duncan’s neck and kissed his cheek.

“It is settled. Alasdair and Edina will be wed and so will Duncan and Oceana,” Laird Sinclair announced, then turned to Father Cullen. “Will you perform the services?”

“I am anxious to become your wife, but what about your brothers, Alasdair? Do you not wish them tae be present?” Edina whispered.

Alasdair brushed her cheek with his fingertips, then kissed the tip of her nose. “My brothers will be verra happy about our union and they promised tae visit us, along with their wives and children afore the snow flies. We can plan a feast when they come, but I dinna want to wait.” He looked to Father Cullen. “I’m told you have a funeral to preside over in the next glen, best you start.”

Father Cullen nodded and took his place atop the dais. He motioned with a wave of his hand. “Would the couples please stand afore me and pledge their intent?”

“Aye.” Alasdair ushered Edina to a spot before the priest and Duncan did the same with Oceana.

“Now if there are no more objections, changes, or interruptions, I will begin,” Father Cullen said as he glanced around the great hall. When no one spoke up, he began to read a scripture from his bible on the sanctity of marriage.

Alasdair listened intently as the priest prattled on in a mix of Latin and Gaelic, outlined the responsibilities of marriage, and listed the duties of a husband.

“Do you, Alasdair Fraser, of the Clan Fraser, agree tae take Edina as your wife?” the priest asked.

“Aye,” Alasdair responded, but his eyes were fixed on Edina’s beautiful face.

“Will you protect her and provide for her, will you honor and . . .?”

As Father Cullen continued, Alasdair looked down at their hands, bound together with strips of plaid representing both their clans and smiled.

As he recited his vows, Alasdair could not believe his good fortune, or how close he’d come to losing the only woman he had ever truly loved. Now that he was here, he couldn’t imagine his life without her by his side and he offered a silent prayer of gratitude to the Almighty for blessing him with Edina. He’d never planned to marry, but he could not think of a more perfect bride.

Father Cullen turned the page and began to read aloud the duties of a wife. “Do you, Edina Sinclair, of the Clan Sinclair promise tae honor you husband as I have just described?”

“Aye, I do,” she answered promptly.

Alasdair found himself lost in her beautiful hazel eyes. He’d never noticed the flecks of green and gold until now, making them look even more magical. When Edina smiled up at him, his heart missed a beat. If she had this kind of power over him while they were standing before a crowd of people, he could not begin to imagine the heat and passion their joining would create. The very thought made him dizzy with desire.

“You may kiss your bride,” Father Cullen announced and tapped Alasdair on the shoulder, causing him to jump. “Kiss your bride, lad,” he repeated and untied the plaids joining their wrists.

As Alasdair lowered his head and pressed his lips to Edina’s, the room erupted in cheers. “Aye, Sinclair!” those in attendance shouted.

“Congratulations, brother.” Jayden linked arms with Alasdair, then thumped him on the back. “Take guid care of my sister or you will answer tae me.” He turned and hugged Edina. “I am verra happy for you.”

Laird Sinclair joined them. “Welcome tae Clan Sinclair, Alasdair. I know you will do your da proud.” He turned and raised his sword. “All present are invited tae join us for a feast and the grandest ceildh this clan has ever seen.”

After hearing Duncan and Oceana’s vows, the priest turned to Laird Sinclair. “If you have no more need of my services, I will take my leave.”

“Will you not stay long enough tae toast the bride and groom?” Laird Sinclair asked. “Cook has prepared a feast and there will be music and dancing after the meal.”

“I thank you for the invitation, but I must be off. I will be back this way in a fortnight on my way tae Inverness. I would welcome a hot meal and soft bed at that time if you are so inclined to offer,” Father Cullen said.

“You are always welcomed, Father.” Edina took his hand. “Thank you for a lovely ceremony.”

“You are most welcome, my dear.” The priest patted her hand in return. “I must say it got a wee bit confusing for a while, but the outcome was worth it. God bless you both and may you have many bairns.”

“The feast grows cold and the musicians anxious. Let’s not keep either waiting any longer.” Laird Sinclair placed one hand on Alasdair’s shoulder and the other on the small of Edina’s back, urging them forward.

As they approached the dais, Oceana and Duncan crossed the room and joined them.

“Thank you for everything, Laird Sinclair. Oceana and I will now take our leave.” Duncan bowed and took Edina’s hand and kissed the back of it. “I owe you so much, I dinna know where to begin.”

“As do I,” Oceana added and hugged Edina. “If not for you, Duncan and I would never be together. Thank you.”

“I am just glad things worked out the way they did.” Edina snuggled against Alasdair’s side. “Must you leave so soon?”

“Aye. We have a long journey ahead of us and I dinna want to rush. Oceana needs tae go easy in her delicate condition.” Duncan slid his hand over his wife’s swollen belly. “I dinna want to put off facing Oceana’s parents any longer than necessary.”

“Godspeed and safe journey.” Alasdair held out his hand and Duncan grasped his wrist. “I wish the two of you much happiness.”

“I have tae admit that I dinna like you verra much when we first met, Fraser. But I can now see why Edina loves you so. You are a guid man and I know you will make her happy.” Duncan turned to Oceana. “Best we be on our way, wife. Enjoy the ceildh,” he concluded and ushered his bride out of the room.

Alasdair hugged Edina and kissed her brow. “If you dinna mind, I would like tae make our attendance at the festivities brief as well. I dinna want tae offend your da, but I want tae be alone with you. I canna wait tae—”

Edina pressed two fingers to his lips, then replaced them with a quick kiss. “I am anxious tae be alone with you as well,” she whispered in his ear then pulled the lobe between her teeth.

He was shocked at her boldness, but it caused his blood to heat. He snaked his arms around her waist and kissed her soundly. His groin stirred as their bodies molded together like they were made for each other.

Laird Sinclair coughed to clear his throat. “There will be plenty of time for that after the feast.” He slapped Alasdair on the back. “Come, lad, it is time tae eat. You need to keep up your strength for the night ahead.”

“I’m not hungry. At least not for food,” he murmured in Edina’s ear, his words causing her to blush.

She poked him in the side and giggled. “My father is right. There will be plenty of time for that later.”

They joined Jayden at the dais, and watched as platter after platter of roast meat, fruit, cheese, breads and vegetables were placed on the table before them.

Jayden tore off a leg of lamb and began to chew on it, juices running down his chin. “Cook has outdone himself. Dig in.” He picked up a tankard of ale and downed the contents.

Edina nibbled on a bit of fruit and cheese, while Alasdair absently chased some turnip and venison around his trencher with a knife.

“What is wrong with you, brother? You usually have a hardy appetite,” Jayden asked as he pushed a tray of meat in Alasdair’s direction, then helped himself to some bread and honey.

“I have other things on my mind,” Alasdair replied hoarsely when Edina’s thigh brushed against his. “In fact, if you would excuse us, Edina and I would like tae take our leave.” He stood and held out his hand in her direction. “Will you join me, wife?”

“Aye, husband,” Edina replied and rose to her feet.

“Where are you going?” her father asked. “It is still early and the festivities have yet tae start.”

Edina faced father. “Everything is lovely, Da, but Alasdair and I would like tae—”

Laird Sinclair lifted his hand and grinned. “Say no more. I was once young and with any luck, you will make me a grandfather afore spring. If you can manage tae produce a lad that would make me verra happy.”

Alasdair took Edina’s hand and kissed her palm. “Are you ready tae retire?”

“Aye.” She nodded and her cheeks flushed red when Alasdair scooped her up in his arms and carried her across the great hall.

She buried her face in his tunic when the guests began to chant and make bawdy comments. “You can put me down,” she said as they exited the room.

“I dinna wish to set your feet on the floor until we reach our chamber,” he replied on a ragged sigh and kissed her neck.

He took the stairs leading to the above floor two at a time, then marched with purpose down the hall, pausing only long enough to open the door to her solar.

Once inside, he set her down beside the hearth, then took her in his arms. “You are so beautiful, Edina. I wish tae truly make you my wife.”

He’d waited so long to lay with her flesh-to-flesh, to taste her fragrant skin, to feel the rub of her silken thighs, and to hear her sharp intake of breath as he entered her for the first time. Then, he planned to revile in her whimpers of pleasure as he buried himself to the hilt in her hot, moist sheath, bringing her to the height of ecstasy until neither could take any more. Only then would he be truly satisfied.