Rosetti’s beaming but tired face gave me a strong notion that the woman had been behind the lovely decorations. I gave her a nod of thanks, just as the pipes and fiddle began to play. Turning, my heart thumped into my throat. Escorted by Eòran, Veronica entered the clearing to the sounds of gasps and exclamations of her beauty.
I could do nothing but stare. Her hair hung in loose waves down her back, topped by a crown of white and yellow pansies. The ivory gown she wore was a simple medieval style that hugged her body as if it had been made for her—and perhaps it had. She glided forward and I took in every detail, determined never to forget this moment. The neckline was wide and ended in a point, beveled sleeves draped over her hands, and a delicate silver chain sat low on her hips, the length of it trailing down the center of her skirt.
She smiled and I sucked in a gulp of air, realizing I’d forgotten to breathe. Sofia and Gabriela followed behind, holding the train of their queen’s dress off the ground. Vee turned to face me and I nearly lost myself in her incandescent eyes.
The sound of a throat clearing forced my gaze to Eòran. The big guard, who’d become a father figure to my queen and protected her with a doggedness that forced him to distrust even me, had tears welling in his eyes. He couldn’t speak, but as he met my gaze and gave a solemn bow, he didn’t have to—he was giving his consent. Veronica must have shared our conversation with him. “Thank you, sir. I vow to protect her heart wi’ my life.”
Reverend Guthrie signaled and the music rose to a crescendo, then cut off. “Yer Majesty. M’Laird. Are ye ready to begin?”
As Eòran joined the crowd, I stepped closer to my intended and grinned with every bit of love I felt coursing through my veins. “Aye!”
The passion of my response provoked catcalls, cheers, and laughter from the people around us—our people. I pumped my fist in triumph, and the unmistakable voice of Fergus yelled, “Pipe down, lad, or the lady may change her mind!”
Veronica leaned around me and responded, “Why, Fergus Lockhart, are you jealous? Just wait until I tell Fiona!”
The crowd roared and I smiled proudly. “A proper Scotswoman, she is.”
She arched a flirtatious brow as a gentle breeze blew her hair back from her face. Something low in my gut tightened and my pulse pounded in my ears. I leaned in close, her scent of honeyed berries filling my senses as I cupped her cheek and ran my thumb over her full lips.
When the pastor cleared his throat, I jerked my hand down and stepped back, hardly able to believe I’d lost my head and almost kissed her in front of the holy man and five hundred spectators. “Pardon me, Reverend.”
He gave a solemn nod, but his eyes twinkled. “Laird, please take your betrothed’s hands. Right ta right and left ta left.”
“You’re wearing your ring,” Vee whispered.
“Aye, my brother kept it safe for me.” I guided Vee to cross her arms and she placed her hands in mine, forming the traditional infinity symbol. “Are ye sure ye’re ready for this?”
“I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life.”
Her smile ignited tiny explosions in my heart and I squeezed her hands as the Pastor began the ceremony, projecting his voice for all to hear. “Just as the Protector brought the two o’ you together and will form everlastin’ ties between you, we bind your hands in a symbol o’ your commitment to one another.” He took the multicolored ribbons from his pocket, tied in a knot at one end, and looped them around our hands. “These cords represent the Calling, a sacred bond that draws two hearts together through time and space. A divine union, tha’ once accepted, intertwines the two souls throughout their lives.”
He wound the cords again, completing a figure eight. “Ye may now state yer intentions.”
I hadn’t prepared what I would say, but smiling into my love’s eyes, the words came easily. “Verranica, you are the holder o’ my heart. The stealer o’ my breath. The light shining in the darkest corners of my soul.” Her gaze softened, and for a moment I was struck speechless by gratitude for this magnificent creature who knew my worst and loved me still.
“Ye are my perfect match. The one I was born to stand beside. And I