"I won't. Did you lock the door?"
"Aye." They lay snuggled warmly together, face to face, breathing the same breath, his lips sipping tenderly at hers. His hand at her waist, he tugged her closer. Suddenly, she sensed his great restraint in the midst of consuming passion. Thrilling tingles sparkled over her skin. Her arm around his neck, her hand buried in his thick hair, she drew him closer.
"I was teasing about seducing you," he said.
"Blast," she muttered. "Why do you torment me so?"
He laughed. "Do you think you'll be well enough for seduction by our wedding night next week?"
"Of course. I'm ready now."
***
Kristina was so excited she could hardly sleep the night before the wedding, but she did manage a few hours.
During the past week, her head pain had diminished to almost nothing, which she was thankful for.
Colin had asked one of his clansmen, an expert carver, to fashion a cane for her. She was thrilled to have it and she'd been walking around the castle beside him, Anna or Maili, learning her way around.
"A snow during the night has blanketed the whole countryside," Anna announced as she entered Kristina's bedchamber.
"I'm sure it must be beautiful." Kristina sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, dejected that her blindness had not abated before her wedding day.
"Aye, but 'tis also exceedingly cold."
"I had so hoped to be able to see my handsome Colin as I marry him. I yearn to look into his eyes now as never before."
"Oh, I know, sweet sister." Anna patted her hand. "I will tell you this much… the expression in his eyes says he adores you."
Kristina smiled, happy despite her disability. "And I adore him."
"Do you have any pain this morn?"
"Nay. I feel much better. By the way, Ma visited me in a dream just before I woke up," Kristina said.
"Indeed?" Anna sounded surprised. "What did she say?"
"Naught. She simply smiled very serenely, and I could see and feel how happy she was for us."
"I'm certain she is. She will be with us in spirit this day. I need to tell you, because of the deep snow, the wedding ceremony has been moved to the great hall. 'Twill be much warmer anyway."
"Very well. Is Colin disappointed?"
"Nay. 'Twas his idea, and the minister agreed it would be acceptable. Now, I'm going to send the maid for some food to break your fast, then we can get you ready for your big day."
***
Musicians played as the bride emerged from the stairwell. Colin was stunned speechless, unable to believe how beautiful Kristina was. Realizing this was the happiest day of his life, he grinned until his cheeks hurt.
Ralston and Anna escorted Kristina across the great hall toward him where he stood in front of the high table, beside Neacal and Reverend MacAbee.
Kristina's long blond curls were loose upon her shoulders and interwoven with blue ribbons and dried heather. She wore a lovely gown of blue and a tartan sash of white, red and blue. The bodice fitted to her slender body perfectly, while the skirts and lace petticoats billowed out. Her arm in the splint and matching plaid sling did not detract from her elegant clothing.
Best of all, she wore a bright smile and a blush. Her happiness and love were clear for everyone to see.
When she stopped close in front of him, Colin took her hand. Since she could not see him, he wished to make a connection with her, so she would know 'twas indeed him. "You are so beautiful," he whispered in her ear.
Her smile widened and she squeezed his hand. The joy upon her face thrilled him and appeared to match his own. He wanted to kiss her now, but he knew he had to wait until the ceremony was complete.
As he repeated the vows after Reverend MacAbee, Colin could not take his gaze off her. His love for her was the most extraordinary and intoxicating thing he had ever experienced.
When it was her turn, Kristina repeated the vows in a strong and sure voice, all the while smiling.
"You are blood of my blood and bone of my bone. I give you my body that we two might be one. I give you my spirit 'til our life shall be done."
He absorbed the sacred wedding vows coming from her lips as one might relish the warm spring sunlight after a long cold winter. He prayed the rest of their days would be just as joyful as this one.
"I now pronounce you man and wife," Reverend MacAbee announced jovially. "You may seal your vows with a kiss."
Colin wanted to devour Kristina's lips, but he restrained himself. Although… once he started kissing her, he found it difficult to stop.
Whistles and yells erupted from the clansmen. Colin smiled and pulled back. He did not want to overdo it and embarrass her. But she was already blushing. He would much prefer giving her the good kisses in private anyway.
Next, 'twas time for more feasting and toasts, as well as the singing and dancing.
When Colin and Kristina took to the floor for their first dance as husband and wife, he allowed her to stand on the toes of his boots, as they had done in their only other dance, so the steps would be much easier for her. They were both giggling like bairns by the end of it, and the laughter was contagious, for everyone in the great hall joined in.
A short time later, Anna and the other women came for Kristina. When she blushed profusely, he laughed. They ushered her upstairs to the chamber she had been using, the same one he'd slept in the whole of his life until he'd given it over to her. He looked forward to spending their wedding night there, and was elated he would never have to sleep without her again.
"And now for the best part." Neacal grinned and playfully slapped his shoulder.
Colin chuckled. "Aye, I can hardly wait."
"Whisky?" Fraser offered him, lifting his flask.
"Nay, I want to remember every moment of this night."
Neacal raised his tankard of ale. Shamus, Bryce and the other men joined in. "To the wedding night!"
After drinking a swallow of ale, Colin glanced around at his circle of close friends and his brother. "Who will wed next? Bryce, Fraser or Cyrus?"
"Ha! Not I," Fraser was quick to say.
Bryce snorted. "I have no need of a wife."
"I think it should be Cyrus," Fraser said. "He's in much need of a wife, an heir and a spare."
Ever serious and intense, Cyrus lifted a dark brow, then shrugged with indifference. "If I find a lady from the right clan who measures up to my expectations."
"And those expectations are quite lofty," Fraser mumbled. "He will settle for naught less than a duke's daughter."
"Don't be ridiculous. An earl's daughter should suffice." Cyrus sipped his ale.
Shamus, Neacal and Colin chuckled, exchanging glances, for they knew finding the ideal wife had naught to do with who her clan or parents were and everything to do with her heart and soul.
***
Feeling giddy, Kristina covered her head with the counterpane when Neacal, Shamus, Fraser and the other men brought Colin to the bedchamber. The men were boisterous, with much teasing and laughter, which mortified her. No doubt they had already drunk too much whisky.
"Are you sure 'tis your new bride beneath the covers, there?" Fraser asked. "Could be the blacksmith's mother."
Her mouth dropped open. Fraser was such a rascal.
"I'll make certain 'tis Kristina," Colin assured him.
She pressed a palm to her burning face. How embarrassing that everyone knew what they were going to be doing in a few moments' time.
When the lock clicked and she heard no more voices, she uncovered her head. "Did everyone leave?"
"Aye." Colin chuckled.
At least they didn't stay to witness the consummation, as was customary in some places. No doubt they trusted Colin to get the job done.
She heard cloth sliding hastily over skin and then the mattress dipped as Colin got into bed. Though she was wearing a specially embroidered nightgown, he was obviously naked. She wanted to see him so badly.
&nbs
p; "You are the most beautiful sight I have yet beheld." He stroked her hair behind her ear.
"'Tis not fair," she whispered. "I want to see you, too."
He drew her hand to his face. "You can see me with your fingers, as you did the first time."
She smoothed her fingertips over his strong jaw, covered in very short, scratchy stubble, and then over his high forehead and brows.
Placing his hand along hers, he pressed his warm lips to her palm. "I could put the fire out, if you like, and cast the room into darkness. Or I could blindfold myself again."
She grinned at how sweet and considerate he was. "That is not necessary."
"Good, because I relish looking at you right now. I'm certain we will share a lot of wonderful times in the darkness of night." He kissed her forehead.
"I hope so." Sliding her hand around his back, she pulled him tight against her. "I've missed this," she whispered. "I've missed holding you and sleeping together, like we did in the cave and at Bearach. I want to tell you again how sorry I am for—"
He placed a finger over her lips. "There's no need to speak of it anymore, mo chridhe. All is forgiven and we have a new start. This is the beginning of our wonderful life together. You make me so happy, I don't even recognize myself."
Touched and thrilled by his affectionate words, she smiled. "Well, I confess, I didn't ken 'twas possible to feel as much joy as you bring me. You've made my life perfect, even though I'm very imperfect. I feel selfish and guilty for having who I truly want."
"Not that again," he admonished. "You are an extraordinary woman and the clan is overjoyed to have you as their new lady. They ken how caring and compassionate you are."
"As are you."
She hadn't had the opportunity to explore his nude body before and was very much looking forward to it. She trailed her fingers down his hard chest, feeling the ridges of muscle and manly hairs. She moved her hand lower still, over his rippled abdomen, enjoying the intimate indention of his navel and the trail of hair that progressed downward. Heated excitement flamed over her body.
He moaned and clasped her hand, lifting it to his neck.
Disappointed, she asked, "Why did you—?"
"You don't wish me to be done before we even start, now do you?"
She didn't fully comprehend what he meant but had no time to ask him, for he kissed her deeply and completely. His lips were firm and possessive and his tongue sensual and delving. He tasted of pure masculine enticement blended with a hint of ale.
She curled her fingers into his thick hair and focused on how his lips felt upon hers. Decadent and seductive. Her heartbeat skipped and hurtled at an excited pace. Tingles sparked along her nerves like hundreds of points of light.
In her imagination, she brought her memory of Colin's face to the forefront. 'Twas the same way he'd looked in her dream. Handsome and manly with a strong jaw, shoulder-length golden-brown hair and light-gray eyes. She also remembered the way he'd looked at her in the bailey when she'd first arrived. His eyes had been intense, like a lightning strike of sensual awareness.
He placed wee, hot and tickling kisses down her throat, then nipped at her collarbone. She laughed, loving how playful he was.
"I have to remove this smock. 'Tis in my way."
"Aye, please do." She raised herself up, and he gently pulled the sleeveless linen gown from her, being careful of her splinted arm.
He settled back down and pulled her tight into his arms. Feeling his heart thumping against her breast, she relished the fiery, solid feel of him all along her body.
His impressive erection pressed firmly against her, inflaming her arousal. She slid her hand down and stroked her fingers over him, amazed that he felt as hard as stone and the skin of his shaft was silken and hot.
"You feel wondrous," she whispered.
"But not as good as you." He groaned and rolled between her thighs, surprising her with his quick actions. Waiting, he lay above her, intoxicating her with indulgent, soul-deep kisses. Slowly, he trailed his mouth downward over the sensitive skin of her neck and chest, placing wee kisses here and there.
His breath warming her skin, he brushed his smooth lips over her nipple, then drew it into his heated mouth. He sent her arousal through the roof, and intense need speared her. Gasping, she arched her back. She had forgotten how powerfully he affected her, stealing her ability to think.
She simply wanted him to take full control of her; she trusted him that much. He was her soulmate… and now her amazing husband. She had to be the most fortunate woman in all of Scotland.
"Take me now, Colin. Make me your wife in truth," she whispered.
Colin moaned, loving the sound of that so much, he almost lost the tenuous grasp on his control. "Are you certain you're ready, love?" It had been a while, and he didn't want to hurt her again.
"Aye, more than ready." Kristina dug her fingernails against his arse, spurring him on.
"Let me see." Already so aroused he could hardly stand it, he stroked his hand downward, between her thighs and over her delicate flesh. "So wet," he breathed, sliding a finger into her scorching moisture.
Arching, she cried out. "Now, Colin."
"Aye." He stroked his shaft against her, teasing her a few seconds longer.
Unable to withstand his self-inflicted torment any longer, he stopped at her entrance and thrust his hips. Gritting his teeth at the immense indulgence, he forced himself not to drive to her depths, but instead to allow her to grow used to his size again.
She moaned, her body arching into his. "Feels… so good. More, please."
"Aye, lass." He withdrew and pushed forward again, deeper this time, hoping he was not causing her pain. The luscious friction of the withdrawal near seared his mind. His instincts urged him to drive deep, and he could no longer ignore them, especially when she begged him for more. Quickening his pace, he plunged into her over and over. Her impassioned moans, gasps and cries provoking his actions.
But he could not lose complete control, for he wanted her to experience the peak of pleasure, too. As he thought to slow down and wait for her, she cried out, and her delicate female muscles fluttered around his shaft, surprising him in the best possible way and launching him into an explosive release. Ecstasy rained down on him like a thousand fiery arrows, piercing his soul with a rapturous bliss. Tugging her tightly against him, he rode out the onslaught. As the aftereffects washed over him, he moaned in amazement.
"Kristina," he groaned against her throat. "You astonish me."
She giggled. "Oh, Colin. Nothing has ever felt so magical. I love you."
"Not as much as I love you."
"Ha! Do you wish to get into an argument over it?" She tried to hide her grin, but he saw it.
He laughed. "Since we're married, every night can be like this, my sweet."
"And every day, too." She grinned wickedly.
Epilogue
When Kristina awoke, she remembered that this night would be Hogmanay, the most festive night of the year, and tomorrow would be the beginning of the New Year. Even though Scots had not been permitted to officially celebrate Yule for several decades, the Camerons found a way to make the whole season festive. All week, they had indulged in much music, dancing, drinking and feasting, yet tonight would be even grander with bonfires outside the walls.
Anna, Neacal, the rest of the MacDonalds and the MacKenzies had left for their homes a few days after the wedding. There had been a break in the weather, and they had taken advantage of it. Kristina had wanted them to stay until after Hogmanay, but she understood they needed to return to their own castles and clans.
Kristina's broken arm was healing nicely and growing stronger, but she still wore a light splint for support. By the spring, she would be strong enough to ride beside Colin to Bearach Castle to visit Anna and Neacal, and she planned to be there when her niece or nephew was born in June.
Kristina smiled, remembering that, the night before, she and Colin had retired to the laird's bedchambe
r early so they might have their own private Hogmanay celebration. Though they had been married for a month, the honeymoon wasn't over, and she hoped it never would be. Each day, she loved her new husband more and more. His kindness and generosity always amazed her.
Opening her eyes, she felt Colin behind her, but he was not close enough. She turned over so she might snuggle into his warmth, for the room had grown chilly. Something caught her attention—a vague light.
"Saints!" She blinked and shifted her eyes. The faint glow was the rectangular shape of a window, and it remained.
"What is it, love?" Colin murmured in a rough voice.
She could scarce breathe for fear she was only imagining what she saw. "Is it daylight?"
"Aye, we slept late."
She pointed at the luminous spot. "Is the window there?"
"Aye." He paused. "Can you see it?" Excitement suffused his voice.
She burst into joyful tears. "Aye! I see faint light."
"Thanks be to God." He kissed her forehead and pulled her into a tight embrace. "'Tis what I've been praying for."
"This was how it happened last time. First I saw light, and then other things." Kristina pressed her eyes closed, saying a quick prayer of thanks for her returning vision. "Oh, Colin! I can't wait to see your face again, my handsome husband."
"Och. Hope I don't frighten you."
She playfully smacked his shoulder. "You know you're gorgeous, you rogue."
He laughed. "Nay, I do not. But you are the most beautiful woman in the known world."
"I thank you. I simply cannot wait to see everyone in the clan and our grand home. Along with the sunlight and the flowers in spring. 'Tis a fitting start to the New Year, don't you think?"
"Indeed." He rolled onto his other side. "I have a surprise for you."
"What is it?" Excited, she sat up beside him.
He handed her a small wooden box tied with a ribbon. Though she could not see it yet, she examined it with her fingers. She then slid the ribbon off, opened it and felt inside. "'Tis my mother's earrings. Both of them! Where did you find the lost one?"
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