flew out of her mind. In fact, Aedan kept her occupied for the remainder of the day with little thought other than themselves.
Lammas came and went and so, too, did the day of Gwen’s wedding. Scotland had pulled out all the stops to ensure the day dawned without a cloud in the sky, and no sign of forthcoming weather. Abigail was certain her future sister-in-law’s life would follow a clear and sunny disposition, as well.
The morning had passed in a rush of bathing, eating, laughing, and joy over her friend’s forthcoming nuptials with Braxton. Gwen’s chamber servant had fixed the bride’s hair in plaits with an assortment of ribbons and flowers threaded throughout.
The gown was tartan in the family colors of red and blue. With long sleeves and a low square neckline, the dress reminded Abby of the sort she’d seen in princess books, but without the silk. There was no veil, only a train that fell from the lower back and made from one solid color of emerald green. Gwen looked beautiful and from the smile she offered to Braxton when she came to stand beside him for the ceremony, she was a woman in love, filled with hope for the future.
The wedding took place in the castle church. It was a simple building made of stone, with slate tiles covered with green moss. Graves sat scattered about its exterior in a chaotic order, not lined up in an orderly fashion, as they were in her time. Abby looked about, trying to see if she could spot where Aedan’s parents lay, but couldn’t find them. Inside the building was a simple room with a large stained glass window at one end and an altar made of stone, not marble.
Abby sat in the front pew. The coarse wooden seat could use a cushion or two and Abby shifted about, trying to find a comfortable position. She gave up when the church started to fill with guests and the groom himself.
Light sprinkled in through the stained glass window, casting colored shadows on the aisle. The church doors opened and Gwen, on the arm of her brother, walked toward Braxton. Abby took in Aedan and could clearly read his face. He was like an open book that screamed pride and love. Abby smiled at them, her eyes welling up with tears and she quickly searched for a handkerchief.
The service was to-the-point and quick, the priest not taking the opportunity for a lengthy scripture because the church was full of congregants. It seemed no sooner were promises made and the exchange of rings performed, along with the handfasting, that it was over.
Abby took Aedan’s hand and smiled up at him as the priest announced the husband may kiss his bride. He squeezed hers in return and lifted it to his lips, placing a kiss against her palm. Abby’s heart beat out a fluttering tattoo at the heavy lidded gaze he assailed upon her. Just a look or touch and she was lost.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Abby looked back toward the happy couple. Weddings had always made her emotional, even if she’d been a plus one and hadn’t even known the couple, she’d never failed to cry, and it seemed that today was no different.
Gwen and Braxton kissed and the guests cheered, standing and clapping to mark the end of the ceremony. A piper, standing to the side of the church, started a lively tune and led the newly married couple outside. Aedan stood, pulling her beside him to follow them. “That was so beautiful. I’m so glad I was here to see it.” She stood on the steps of the church and watched as the newly handfasted couple made their way toward the castle, the tenant farmers, clansmen, servants alike, shouting out congratulations as they made their way along the grassy path.
“Aye, it was. Gwen will be happy, which in turn makes me so. I’m glad for her.”
Abby nodded. “Braxton loves her dearly, but I’m sure you’ll miss her. How far is his estate?”
Aedan frowned in thought. “His land borders mine to the south. Two days by horseback. I’m sure we’ll see her often.”
“So not too far then.” Abby didn’t know if she should bring up the fact that his other sister was not present, but her absence was odd. “Why isn’t Jinny here today? Gwen mentioned it a few weeks ago that you’d sent word for her to return.”
He made a growling sound, and Abby thought maybe she should’ve kept