by Dobsyn, Aury
Alex commanded silence once again.
“Most of ye ken Nicholas of the Mackenzie Clan, and all of ye have heard of his heroic deed in rescuing Lady Eleanor and Sir James. Although born English, he has the heart of a Highlander, and I will challenge any man who says otherwise. He has requested to speak this eve, and I ask ye to honor him as ye honor me, for he deserves that and more.”
Rising to his feet, Nicholas thanked Laird Mackenzie then said, “’Tis a great honor to stand before ye, the three most powerful clans in Scotland, and celebrate such a victorious day. I’ve been asked to share with ye news from two of the finest people I have ever had the privilege to meet, Sir James and Lady Eleanor.” He started to walk towards the center of the dais.
“For his honorable service to the King of England, Sir James is awarded with the Montgomery title, lands, and estates.” The crowd roared their approval of his announcement.
Standing before Ella, Nicholas took her hand and helped her to rise. “I am returning to England to claim my bride with heartfelt approval from King Henry, Laird Mackenzie, and Laird Macleod.”
Turning to face her, Nicholas said, “Lady Ella, with yer blessing ‘tis my deepest wish to marry yer aunt, Lady Eleanor.”
Stunned for the briefest moment, Ella then threw her arms around Nicholas. The thunderous cheers of the numerous clansmen filled the air.
“She stole my heart, lass,” Nicholas confessed. “And, I will always be good-”
Ella interrupted with tears in her eyes. “Aye, I know ye will treat her like gold and-” She halted abruptly, and then acknowledged, “My aunt may. . . is unable-”
Nicholas cut in with, “Aye, I ken, but dinna care. There are many children needing good homes with loving parents. We will nae be without bairns, and would like to make yer second child our heir. Eleanor wishes it and I whole heartily agree.”
She hugged him again and cried, “Thank ye for saving their lives. I canna ever. . .”
“Ye can repay me with yer blessing,” he whispered as he stroked her hair.
Laughing at such an outrageous comment, Ella knew she would forever be in his debt, but she would have a lifetime to thank him for this noble deed.
Nicholas held her for a moment as he shook Gavin’s hand. He then gave her into the care of her husband.
Seated once again, all eyes went to Laird Mackenzie.
“My friends, we are here today to rejoice in the victory against our English enemy, but more importantly to honor my youngest child and only daughter, Bella.”
The mass of well-wishers came to their feet with cries of joy and jubilation for the spirited girl they thought forever lost to them.
Ella blushed crimson feeling the numerous eyes upon her, but thankfully, they drifted back to her father as he continued.
“I will tell ye a story, my friends, of a man with three motherless sons, who believed he possessed all he would ever need. That is until he met the love of his life, and was further blessed when she gave him the miracle of a daughter.”
Ella’s eyes became misty as she took hold of Gavin’s hand and listened to her father.
“He was in this verra hall with Cormac Fraser, while his beloved wife labored above stairs to bring forth new life. A life that was, and still is, a reflection of our eternal love.”
Alex softly chuckled as he continued, “After fathering three strong lads, this man arrogantly believed that only males sprung from his seed. I thank God to this day that I was wrong.”
Gavin pulled Ella onto his lap, and then pushed her chair away as Alex continued.
“Laird Fraser did all he could to keep me from rushing to my wife’s side when her cries of pain were heard within the hall.” Chuckling, he added, “’Tis unfortunate, but I-”
“Knocked me out is what he did,” Cormac yelled out with an abundance of laughter by all three clans following.
“Aye, my friend, and I thank ye for standing by me that day. Yet, I canna regret my rash action. I was able to hold my wife, and see what most men are nae allowed to witness . . . the birth of their child.”
His eyes locked with his daughter briefly before he continued, “As a hardened warrior, one who is fearless in battle, naught could prepare me for the sheer terror I felt when the midwife told me I had a daughter. Emma was a glorious sight as she fussed over the precious bundle. And when she asked me if I wanted to hold my wee daughter. . .”
Alex shook his head as he admitted, “I regret my first reaction was craven cowardice of the highest order. My hesitation to take the wee bairn into my arms deeply hurt my wife. I explained that I dinna want to harm the delicate perfection of my daughter.”
Warm smiles and soft giggles greeted his statement. “Aye, just like ye, my loving and understanding wife burst out laughing, too.”
“After Emma convinced me that I would nae injure such a fragile angel, I took hold of my daughter for the first time. Mere words could ne’er do justice to what I felt at that moment. The sheer magnitude of love I felt for the priceless treasure in my arms hit me like a lightning bolt. Emma and I agreed to name her after my mother, Isabel, who was a legendary woman in her own right. But, it was I who dubbed her Bella, my Bella.”
Silent for a moment, he then imparted, “There is something to be said about having sons afore a daughter. Sons naturally become protective and possessive of the young, spirited imp that trails after them. Through her eyes, they are the most trusted heroes in her life, and in turn, she adores and imitates them. There was a marked and unique difference when it came to my sons and daughter. As the lass grew, a time when we expected for her to engage in more . . . uh . . . feminine pursuits, our Bella strayed from the norm. Like her mother, she refused to allow her sex to hinder her interests. Her brothers took the role of mentor very seriously when they instructed her in riding, swimming, hunting, tracking and aye, fighting.”
Alex laughed along with others in the hall, then added, “Whether it be wrestling, sword play, or using the bow, my lass became quite adept in the skills she was taught. Like mother, like daughter, we always said. As some of ye may remember, Emma was also quite skilled in some of the more masculine arts.”
Ella whispered to Gavin, “Mama was verra accomplished with daggers among other things.”
“That dinna surprise me, little one. Nae one bit,” he said as he kissed the back of her neck and gave his attention back to Alex.
“Aye, my Emma could ride like the wind, throw a dagger with speed and accuracy, but her passion was healing, which she taught her daughter. Our Bella’s zeal to learn the healing arts matched the innate gift she inherited from her mother. Emma’s pride was limitless when Bella learned how to cure those in need, and read and write in multiple languages. Watching the pair together was like seeing the sunrise and set each day. Nae matter how often ye saw it, it’s pure beauty took yer breath away.”
Emotion choked Alex as he concluded, “Eight years ago, I learned that death comes in many guises and dinna always deliver a mortal wound. If it had nae been for the love of my sons, Eva, and her family, as well as the continuous support of my clan, I would have welcomed death.”
“Yet, as God’s intent, I learned that I am blessed beyond measure, gifted with three strong and honorable sons by an amazing woman. My first wife taught me how to love, and receive love in return. It was the pain of losing her that made me vow ne’er to wed again. A few years later, by some generous miracle, I was graced with my heart’s true love, and a beautiful daughter who is the spirited replica of her mother. God bestowed on me ten years with my soul mate, and the knowledge that I will reunite with her in His kingdom when my time here ends. A man canna ask for more.”
“Yet, in spite of all I have been given, the good Lord decided to lavish upon me once again.” Tears sprung in Alex’s eyes when he said, “God must surly love me, for he has returned my angel, my pride and joy, my sweet Bella.”
Ella flew into her father’s arms as the horde of onlookers surged to their feet with deafe
ning cheers.
Alex held his youngest child to his heart, and when the roar of the crowd abated, a devilish grin crossed his features. Loudly, and for all to hear, he said, “The greatest mystery in life for a father is whether or not there is a man alive who is good enough for his daughter.”
Gavin stood and smiled before asking, “Do ye still ponder this enigma, old man?”
“Aye, son, I do. But dinna fash, I’ll be letting ye ken soon enough.”
Alex gave his daughter into the waiting arms of her husband. Turning to face the three clans within his hall, he announced, “I, Alex Mackenzie, would like to announce the betrothal of my daughter, Isabel, to Laird Gavin Macleod.”
Cheers and applause greeted his statement, while Ella giggled, “Father. . . I . . . uh . . . I assure ye that Gavin and I are . .that we . . are verra much wed.”
Those at the high table burst out laughing when Alex gave his daughter a reproachful look and admonished, “I dinna think so, honey.”
“But . . .” Her words trailed off when her father turned his gaze and attention to Gavin’s men.
“Osgood, ye are an honest fellow. Pray tell me, did ye witness yer laird marry my lass?”
The highly amused redheaded warrior stood, wiping away the joyous tears in his eyes, then clearly stated, “Nae, Sir, I dinna witness such a momentous occasion.”
“Edric,” Alex began, “Ye are a good man that I trust will speak the truth. Did ye witness the vows between yer Laird and my Bella?”
“Nae, Sir. It saddens my heart to declare that I was nae present for the marriage proclaimed by Laird Mackenzie.”
“Paen, Tavish, ye are Laird Mackenzie’s brothers, his own flesh and blood. Surly if such an event took place, ye were witness to it.”
Both brothers stood, and Paen stated, “Nae, Laird Mackenzie, and I have my doubts that said vows were actually spoken. Ye must realize that ye, the father of the bride, would have to give his approval of such a union.
“Papa, ye jest with us!” Ella exclaimed with a giggle.
Alex turned to his stunning daughter and said with no amusement in his voice, “Nae, my wee angel, in this I dinna jest. I have waited many years to fulfill this dream of giving my only daughter into marriage. After I came to ken Gavin, Laird of the Mackenzie Clan, I decided that there was nae finer man for my daughter. Ye were only ten summers, but yer mother and I agreed to betroth ye to Gavin when we returned from England. Although that dinna happen, I believed fate intervened. As I see it, ye were destined for one another.”
Ella and Gavin wed a fortnight later, but not in the church where her parents had married. Instead, they spoke their vow within the special place her parents had fallen in love, because the bride wanted to wed the man she loved near the mother who would forever live in her heart.
As tradition, Alex Mackenzie placed his daughter’s hand atop Gavin’s hand. With radiant joy sparkling in his eyes, he then watched his baby marry the man he had chosen for her eight years ago.
After sealing their vows with a kiss, Gavin whispered, “Ye are my happiness, little one, my heart’s true love.”
“Ye are my life, and throughout eternity our hearts and souls will be united as one.”
Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER
“Dinna ye ever leave,” Gavin said in mock anger to Guy, his wife’s brother.
With mirth in his eyes and a chuckle on his lips, Guy replied sarcastically, “I see the time we have spent in each other’s company has been as special for ye as it has been for me.”
“Bae, ye, yer brothers, yer father, and my sister have been the bane of my existence this past year,” Gavin snorted.
The mid morning sun amidst a cloudless sky bathed Doran castle as Gavin and Guy stood atop the stone stairs of the keep, looking out beyond the bailey to the stable yard. Both men continued to banter as they watched the familiar scene of Ella working with the horses, while Thea and Colban tended to their laird’s four and a half month old son.
“Ye have the look of a man whose dreams came true,” Guy said as he glanced at Gavin.
“Aye,” he said with a broad smile. “It warms my heart to see my wife and son hale and hardy, especially after enduring a year of hell.”
Chuckling, Guy asked, “A year of hell? Ye canna honestly believe that.”
“Och, ye have nae idea.”
“In spite of occasional morning sickness, my sister was healthy throughout her pregnancy, and remained active up until her time to deliver.”
“Aye, trying to get yer sister to rest was like trying to halt the tides of the ocean. Lady Eleanor insistence that regular physical activity is good for the babe only incited my ire.”
“Aye, I heard ye fought with her often after I left, arguing that she miscalculated when Bella conceived.”
“My wife dinna show until her fifth month, and even then, she carried verra small. The only change in her body was to her belly.”
“Much to the envy of all women, I would assume.”
“Och, before her ninth month, Lady Eleanor informed me that if Ella dinna birth the babe soon it would grow too large for her to birth at all. My wife is naturally small, with hips more narrow than the average. Lady Eleanor gave Ella herbs to induce labor pains. My fear for my wife was so great; it outweighed my want of an heir.”
“Aye, I heard ye refuse to leave yer wife while she labored through the night.”
Smiling at Guy, he explained, “'Tis my belief that a man should stay by his wife’s side, and see the pain she endures while bringing yer bairn into the world.”
“Most men would say birthing is women’s business, but I agree with ye and my father that a husband should be present. That is unless he is nae up to the challenge. Keir passed out when Eva birthed Gabriel.”
Gavin chuckled, “Aye, at least he managed nae to swoon when his daughter was born.” He would never forget how touched his wife had been that Eva and Keir named their daughter after her and her mother.
As they made their way to the stables, Guy asked, “My father said yer difficulties dinna end when yer son was born?”
“Yer sister is as stubborn as a mule. She insisted on resuming her duties three sennights after our son’s birth. I refused and demanded she wait the full six until her body recovered.”
“So when did she resume her duties?
“Three sennights,” he admitted grudgingly.
Trying to contain his mirth, Guy asked, “How is that possible without the help of a wet nurse.”
“I have been married to yer sister for a year now, but still she finds ways to amaze me. With the help of my mother, Thea, Rachel, and even my blackguard and the villagers, Ella is more than capable. In the mornings, she takes my son to the stables where Thea fights off Colban and Leif to tend to my son. In the afternoon, while Ella and Rachel see to the villagers, the women as well as the men of my clan pass my son around like a jug of ale. My son adores the attention my people lavish upon him, and by twilight he is so exhausted he sleeps through the night.”
“There is much wisdom in this, I think,” Guy said as he clapped Gavin on that back. “Are ye honestly dismayed by my sister’s actions?”
They arrived at the stables to find another newly made crib, crafted by Iain. Although beautiful, it stood empty, due to his two dim-witted brothers. Gavin heaved an aggravated sigh, watching Paen and Tavish toss his bairn back and forth to one another. Jumping up and down between them, Thea frantically tried to reclaim the giggling babe.
Gavin strolled over and took his son from the two twits, and then turned back to Guy. With pride, he stated, “Nae, quite the opposite in fact. Her methods will secure the love and respect between my son and his clan. At almost five months of age, Alexander Bowen Macleod has already come to ken them, recognizes their voices, and puts trust in the people he will one day rule as laird.”
Ella came to Gavin’s side and nuzzled her son’s cheek until he squealed with joy. She then kissed her husband.
�
�I was wondering when ye would remember me, wife,” he teased.
“I would remember ye much sooner if ye would stop referring to Alex as yer son instead of our son. I do recall I helped a wee bit in making him, nae to mention carrying and delivering him.”
Gavin covered her mouth with a passionate kiss, while someone pulled his son from his arms. He looked up and saw Guy shaking his head as he held little Alex.
“Och, ravish yer wife in private, man. Dinna ye see there are bairns around? Look at Thea, she is overwhelmed with shock.”
Thea, now on Paen’s shoulders, giggled at the very familiar sight of her laird and his wife.
Gavin said to Guy, “I would most heartily welcome a private moment to ravish my wife.”
Ella playfully slapped his arm, then hugged and kissed her brother. As she reclaimed her child, she said to the babe, “Are ye ready to go swimming with Mama and Papa?”
Guy asked, “Ye are taking the mite swimming?”
Gavin wrapped his arm around Ella and said, “'Tis the only way I can be alone with my wife and son.”
Laughter rang through the stable yard as Gavin asked his wife, “Are ye ready, my love?”
“Aye,” she said with gleeful anticipation.
Ella stared at her husband, the man who refused to give up on her or their love. He bestowed a glorious new life upon her, one filled with purpose, the freedom to pursue her dreams, and roots that bound her to him for eternity. He is my best friend, my protector, my lover, and the other half of my soul.
Together they went to the cascading waterfall, she gazed upon it each morning from their bedchamber window. They escaped to this isolated part of the loch often to be alone with their son.
After swimming and playing in the frothy water, they sprawled out on a plaid. Gavin relished in the sight of watching her breastfeed their son.
His wife fascinated him.