that Christ brought from heaven,” Brodie began. “Mayst thou love me. As the sun follows its course, mayst thou follow me. As light to the eye, as bread to the hungry, as joy to the heart, may thy presence be with me, oh one that I love, till death comes to part us asunder.”
Brodie made his solemn vow, and he knew within the depths of his heart that he meant each word. They had made no declarations of love, and they both knew the word was part of the ancient vows, but he fervently hoped that one day Laurel would reciprocate his feelings.
Laurel gazed into Brodie’s eyes and saw nothing but earnestness. She smiled shyly as she composed herself. “I promise to trust you and to be honest with you. I promise to listen to you, respect you, and support you. I promise to laugh and play with you and grow and bend with you. I promise to cherish every day we have together. I promise to do all of this through whatever life brings us until the end of my days.”
With their hands still joined beneath the plaid, they stepped together and covered one another’s heart as their kiss sealed their timeless pledge. Laurel infused all the love and devotion she could into her kiss, wishing Brodie might one day feel for her what she was certain she felt for him. She longed for him to love her as much as she knew she loved him.
“Mo bhean,” Brodie whispered. My wife.
“An duine agam,” Laurel said with pride. My husband.
The couple stood together as the Campbell and Ross men cheered and applauded, barely aware that anything existed besides them. The men scattered as the couple returned to kissing. Brodie made her shiver when he whispered what he intended to do to make her his wife in word and deed. The sun was setting by the time they returned to the keep. Laurel led Brodie through a servants’ side door and along a servants’ passageway until they reached Brodie’s chamber. There would be another round of scandal by morning, but Brodie taking Laurel to his chamber would be better than anyone finding Brodie in Laurel’s room again. When they entered Brodie’s chamber, he locked the door and watched his bride look around.
Seventeen
As Brodie turned the key in the lock, some of Laurel’s confidence faded as she looked at the bed where they would consummate their marriage. She shivered when his hands rested lightly on her shoulders. He stepped forward, engulfing her in his embrace, cocooning her in comfort. She leaned back against Brodie and closed her eyes.
“I know we’ve both been eager, but I also understand this must be intimidating for you. We have all night and beyond to explore. There is no need to rush the moment,” Brodie reassured. Laurel nodded, her hands coming to rest on the forearms wrapped around her chest. Not having to look at Brodie made it easier for Laurel to share her feelings.
“I know what’s supposed to happen. But I don’t know how to do it. I don’t know how to—a woman should make sure—is a wife supposed to?” Laurel felt like a fool. She couldn’t form a complete sentence, too nervous and embarrassed to admit her uncertainty, even though she feared Brodie would think her hen-wit.
“I know you don’t know how, Laurel. I don’t expect you to. You aren’t a tavern wench whose next meal depends on her making sure her customer is pleased. And plenty of people believe a wife shouldn’t enjoy being bedded. None of that matters. The only thing that matters is what we choose to do together. I told you, there is no hurry.”
Laurel released a choked laugh. “That’s part of the problem.” She drew in a shaky breath and turned toward Brodie. “I don’t want to wait. I want everything—all of it—now, but I don’t know what that is or how to do it.”
Brodie tugged at the laces of Laurel’s gown, the gleam in his eyes seductive and predatory. “Patience is a virtue, Laurie. But that is not what I intend to teach you tonight.”
As Brodie continued to unfasten her gown, Laurel removed Brodie’s brooch at his shoulder, catching the yards of wool. With one hand easing a sleeve from her shoulder, Brodie removed his belt with the other. Removing his scabbard forced him to release Laurel, but she used the opportunity to kick off her riding boots and roll down her stockings from beneath her skirts and chemise.
Brodie