Celtic Mist: The Calm Before the Storm (Battle Raven Series)

by Isabelle Stewart

  Lara heard Kiara giggle at the sight of Eion. He had on jeans a black beanie and his face was smeared with black. Glen walked up to Lara and dropped two bags at her feet and grinned.

  “I believe there is too much estrogen in this room. Where is dad and Kedryn?”

  “In the den. You might want to clean your faces off.” Clara said

  Glen wiped his hand over his face smearing the black. “That would probably be a good idea.”

  Clara watched them leave and let out a yawn. “We all should get some rest. As much as I would love to hear the rest of the story.”

  Cassie stretched. “I would like to get out of this dress anyway. We will head home and come over for breakfast in the morning?” she looked hopefully at Clara.

  “Of course.” Clara said standing she gave Cassie a hug.

  Teagan stood. “I will head home and how about Orla taking the

  guest room and Kiara can sleep in my old room. Lara you can either come with me or take the guest house.”

  “If I come with you we will not get any sleep. If we were staying longer I would.” Lara said and gave her sister an apologetic look.

  “You are right. We will talk tomorrow.” Teagan said.

  The men walked in and looked around. Duke walked up to Clara and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Do we have the sleeping arrangements set?”

  “I believe so. We are all filled up here. Shane, what do you think of taking Kedryn, Aodhan and Eion to your house? You have a couple of spare rooms.”

  “Sure.” Shane said

  Lara walked up to Aodhan and gave him a kiss. “Don’t let him keep you up all night with questions.” she turned to Shane. “Did you hear me? I want everyone wide awake tomorrow.”

  Shane gave her a disappointed look. “You always spoil the fun.”

  Lara let out a huge yawn. “Yes. Time for bed.” she walked around to each of them and gave out hugs.

  Clara walked up to Orla and Kiara. “Come with me ladies. I’m sure I can find something for you to change into.”

  As Kedryn was following Shane out he turned to Lara. “Good night.”

  “You could stay in the guest house too. I bet your car bed is still in the second room.”

  “I don’t think I’ll fit. Love you. Good dreams, sweet dreams.”

  “Good night. Love you. Good dreams, sweet dreams to you too.” Lara said and walked out past the large gazebo to the guest house.

  When she closed the door behind her Lara looked around and crossed her arms. Nothing had been changed. When she found out she was pregnant with Kedryn she had panicked. Her lease was up on her condo with Alec and she wasn’t sure what to do. He made it clear to her he wanted nothing to do with her or the baby. Her father immediately pulled some strings and contracted some men to build a guest house. It was done within two months. Complete with a small kitchen area, bath, living room and one and a half bedrooms.

  Lara walked into the bedroom and sat down pulling off her boots. She pulled a pillow close thankful to be with her family again and hit the pillow. Her thoughts were confused with wanting to stay but knowing she had to leave. Falling back onto the bed she fell asleep having dreams of the sisters, battles and love.

  In the morning Lara woke up to find herself wrapped around not a pillow but Aodhan. He grinned at her and she pulled him even closer.

  “You must have gotten here early.”

  “It is not that early. Your mother already had breakfast started when we arrived. I laid down on your bed to wake you. When you wrapped yourself around me I didn’t want to move.”

  Lara reluctantly sat up and rubbed her eyes. Aodhan pulled her back and pushed some strands of hair out of her face as he kissed her cheek.

  “We shouldn’t keep them waiting. I will take a bath after breakfast.” she said.

  Aodhan sat up and held a hand out to her. They found everyone sitting at the dining room table talking. All grew quiet and looked at Lara and Aodhan as they took a seat.

  “I hope you two don’t mind but we have all agreed that since we are all here I believe we should have a second wedding.” her father said.

  “Before we leave?” Lara looked to Cassie “Are you sure? We just celebrated your wedding I do not want to impede on it.”

  “Nonsense. I believe that is a wonderful idea. It is a gift that you

  are here. Besides our anniversary date will be when my parents are here to see us married.” Cassie said.

  “If you really do have to go back, from what I gather, it will be three years until you can come back through. Or a year at the least with the other portal.” Glen said.

  Lara looked at Aodhan who raised an eyebrow at her. “What do you think of this?”

  Aodhan stood and walked around behind her. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “I believe it is an honor to be married to you here with your family.”

  Clara clapped her hands. “It is settled. After everyone is finished eating we can start with the plans. First a dress and Aodhan’s suit.”

  “I have a dress.” Lara said and looked to Eion. “I need your help.”

  Eion who gave her a puzzled look. “My help? With a dress?”

  “I do not want Aodhan to see. Would you please translocate us to the portal?”

  “Us?” Eion asked.

  “I would like mom to come with to help. I can get ready there and you can bring us back.”

  “Where are these things?” Eion asked

  “In Badb’s room in the castle.” Lara said.

  “Castle?” Clara set her fork down.

  “Teagan laughed. “I suppose you shouldn’t sound that surprised. Especially after everything.”

  Clara looked Aodhan over. “Dear, your suit should fit Aodhan. I think that Glen’s would be to long on him. Everything is still set up. All we need is a cake.”

  “When I return my suit Cassie and I can pick up a cake.” Glen said.

  “Ice cream cake.” Lara said

  “As you wish.” Cassie said and laughed at the look Lara gave her.

  After they were done eating Clara gave Duke a kiss and walked up to Eion giving him a concerned look. He put an arm around her shoulders.

  “You will be perfectly safe with me, my lady.” Eion said and looked to Duke.

  Duke gave Clara a devious grin. “Just don’t fall for the charming Druid while you are away.”

  Clara rolled her eyes at Duke and turned to Lara. “Are you ready?” she turned to Orla. “Would you like to join us?”

  “I will make sure the boys don’t get into any trouble. I believe it is a mother and daughter task.” Orla said.

  Teagan walked up and put an arm around Orla. “I think between the both of us everything will be perfect.”

  Lara grinned at them and remembered something. “I will be right back.” she turned and walked out of the house and shortly returned with the dagger and a bag.

  “Can’t forget the key.” she said and held up the bag. “And necessities.”

  Lara put her arms around Eion and Clara and looked back at her family. In a bright flash they disappeared and reappeared before the portal. She heard Clara let out a breath and felt her sway.

  “Are you well?” Eion asked giving her a concerned look. He carefully led her to the corridor and released his magic lighting the torches.

  Clara straightened up and looked around. “I think so.”

  Lara took her mothers hand and led her through the torch lit corridor.

  “This is simply amazing and It smells like lavender.” Clara said as she looked over a flaming pillars.

  Lara led them to Badb’s room and took out her dagger and opened the armoire. Her mother let out a gasp and pulled out the dress.

  “It is lovely!” she said and handed it to Lara.

  “I would like a bath first. If you think what you have seen so far wait until you see the baths. It may be a while before we can have another spa day.” Lara said.

  “I am always up for a relaxing bath. I
wish Teagan was here to join us but she is the only one there that knows where everything is.” Clara said brushing a strand of hair away from Lara’s face.

  “And someone has to keep the boys in line.” Lara said.

  “I will explore while you ladies prepare.” Eion said and headed off down the corridor.

  Lara looked through the dresser drawers and found a robe. She picked up the bag she brought and walked into Nemain’s room and found another robe. She led her mother down the corridor to the baths. Clara stood still taking in everything as Lara rummaged through her pack and pulled out some oils and bars. She brought black orchid scent for her and lavender for her mother.

  “Are you sure these waters are ok?” Clara asked as she examined the statues.

  “Already tested them out.” Lara said

  “I would not be surprised if you dove right in when you first saw the Springs.” Clara said as she took the lavender oil and sniffed it.

  “Practically.” Lara said as she gave her mom the bath salts.

  They bathed and wore the robes back to Badb’s room. Lara sat at the vanity and put on make up while her mother put up her hair. Clara twisted Lara’s hair up in ringlets and let pieces of it fall around her face using the bobbie pins Lara had in her bag. It was time for the dress.

  Lara stood still while her mother buttoned the dress in back and then brought out the shoes for her to put on. Clara fastened the diamond necklace around her neck and then put on the earrings. She walked over to the vanity and looked into the mirror. The small diamonds sewn into the dress shimmered in the light.

  “You look beautiful.” Clara said as she wiped away a tear.

  “It is missing something.” Lara said.

  “The veil. Stay right there. I don’t want you messing your hair or

  wrinkling the dress. I will go find Eion.”

  Clara and Eion came through the door and he let out a low whistle. “Aodhan’s eyes are going to pop out of his head. You look exquisite my lady.”

  “Eion is going to take me back to get my veil.” Clara said.

  “We should be back shortly.” Eion said and they disappeared.

  Lara stood in front of the mirror afraid to ruin anything. What seemed like an eternity was really only a couple of minutes. Eion and Teagan appeared.

  Lara smiled at Teagan then frowned. “Where is mother?”

  Teagan let out a laugh. “You know mother. She was rearranging some things before I left and told me to come without her.” Teagan said and set her purse and veil down on the bed. “You look gorgeous. Let me help you with this and I have some things for you.” Teagan picked up her purse and started pulling items out of it placing them on the bed.

  Lara looked at the bed and smiled. “You and mother never cease to amaze me.”

  “It’s easy when everything has been planned already.“

  Lara gave her a confused look. “Planned?”

  “With Glen & Cassie’s wedding silly.” Teagan said as she took account of everything on the bed. “Something old, Great grandmother’s hair pins. Something borrowed, the veil, Something blue. This is the Orla’s kerchief. The last would be a silver sixpence in her shoe."

  Lara took off one of her shoes and placed the sixpence in it. And looked for a place to put the kerchief. Teagan shrugged and stuffed it down the front of her bodice.

  “Hey!” Lara said laughing. She looked down “I suppose that will work.”

  Teagan held up the veil and fastened it to Lara’s hair with emerald hair pins. “I heard about the baths. We will have to plan a spa day later on.”

  Lara held up her pinkie. “Deal.”

  Teagan linked hers with Lara’s. “Deal. Quick question. What is up with Kedryn and Kiara?”

  Lara let out a sigh. “Hopefully nothing until the battle ends.”

  Eion stepped into the room. “Are you both finished. I believe it is time for a wedding.”

  “Just a moment.” Teagan said as she lifted the veil and placed it

  over Lara’s face and grabbed the bags.

  “If we are ready?” Eion said as he placed an arm around each sister. They both nodded and he translocated to the portal. They walked through the portal and Eion translocated them to the spot where Clara showed him Lara would be walking in.

  Lara heard gasps and looked around realizing they were all looking at her. She turned pink and Kedryn walked up to her. He was dressed in black slacks with a white shirt and dark green tie.

  “Not going to get cold feet are you?” Kedryn asked as Eion and Teagan took their seats.

  “Not on your life. I hope your grandfather is going to stick with the short and sweet.” She said and looked straight ahead.

  “He most certainly is. What number is this?” Kedryn said as he took her arm.

  “Number?” Lara squeezed his arm.

  “The dress.” Kedryn said.

  Lara let out a laugh. “I think I lost track.”

  “You look beautiful mother.” Kedryn offered her his arm.

  “Thank you.” she said as a guitar began to play. Lara looked over to where the music was coming from. Her brother Shane was playing the guitar and Glen started to sing the Irish Wedding Song.

  Kedryn slowly led her down the isle and stopped just before they reached Aodhan. Aodhan stood to the side of her father. His face was of pure joy and she didn’t know if his smile could get even bigger.

  "Who gives this woman to be wed?" Duke asked.

  “I do.” Kedryn said as he lifted Lara’s veil and handed her off to Aodhan.

  Duke took her hand and clasped it to Aodhan’s. He wrapped a silken emerald green ribbon around their clasped hands.

  “You are bound one to the other with a binding that is not easy to break. Take the time of binding before the final vows are made to learn what you need to know. To grow in wisdom and love and that your marriage will be strong. That your love will last. In this life and beyond. A man and woman joined by God.”

  Duke looked from Lara to Aodhan then to Clara and Orla who were wiping the tears of joy from her eyes. “I believe you both are familiar with the vow of unity.”

  “Since I was five planning my wedding.“ Lara said and grinned at Aodhan. “Do you my heart?”

  “I do, my heart.” Aodhan said and squeeze her entwined hand.

  Lara and Aodhan looked at each other in the eyes and said together.

  “We swear by peace and love to stand. Heart to heart and hand to hand. Mark, O Spirit, and hear us now, Confirming this our Sacred Vow.”

  “Tugaim mo chroí duit go deo.” Aodhan said and lifted her hand kissing it.

  “I give my heart to you forever.” Lara said.

  Duke looked at his daughter and he had never seen her happier and knew that everything was as it should be.

  “Do you, Aodhan Mahon McCionaoith, take Lara Eve O’Broin to be your wife, to be her constant friend, her partner in life, and her true love? To love her without reservation, honor and respect her, protect her from harm, comfort her in times of distress, and to grow with her in mind and spirit?”

  “I do.”

  Lara pulled the kerchief from her bodice and wiped the tears away. She reached over to Aodhan and wiped a tear from his cheek. He raised an eyebrow to her when she put the kerchief back and let out a laugh.

  Duke looked to Lara. “Do you, Lara Eve O’Broin, take Aodhan Mahon McCionaoith to be your husband, to be his constant friend, his partner in life, and his true love? To love him without reservation, honor and respect him, protect him from harm, comfort him in times of distress, and to grow with him in mind and spirit?”

  “I do.” Lara looked to Kedryn who was grinning at her and she felt her life had finally become complete.

  “Do you have the rings?” Duke looked to Aodhan.

  It was then that a look of panic crossed Aodhan’s face. He looked to his mother and then to Eion. Eion leaned forward and handed Kedryn a velvet pouch. Kedryn stood and walked to Aodhan who gave him a relived look. Ked
ryn gave the pouch to Duke who took out the wedding bands.

  “Yes. Yes I do have the rings.” Aodhan said.

  Duke placed a ring in Aodhan’s hand.

  “You may proceed.” Duke said.

  Looking in to Lara’s smiling emerald green eyes he placed the ring on her finger. “I take you my heart. At the rising of the moon and the setting of the stars. To love and to honor through all that may come. Through our life together.”

  Duke gave Lara Aodhan’s ring and she placed it onto his finger. “I take you my heart. At the rising of the moon and the setting of the stars. To love and to honor through all that may come. Through our life together.”

  “May your love, life and family be blessed by God.” Duke said and looked to Aodhan. “You may kiss your bride.”

  Aodhan pulled Lara close and kissed her. There was a flash of blue light and white feathers slowly floated down. Lara caught something out of the corner of her eye. For a moment she swore she saw the silhouettes of Nolan and what she assumed to be Badb. They were smiling at her and disappeared.

  Aodhan noticed a confused but happy look on her face. “Is something wrong?” he whispered in her ear.

  “No. Everything is perfect.” she said.

  They turned to face everyone and raised their entwined hands.

  Duke placed his hand on theirs. “May I introduce Mr. and Mrs. Aodhan and Lara McCionaoith.”

  Everyone cheered and the newlyweds greeted everyone. They headed to the kitchen for some ice cream cake. Duke had made certain they got Lara’s favorite, strawberry cheesecake. Since their hands were twined together they decided to feed each other.

  “This a mite sweet but amazing.” Orla said as she took a bite of ice cream.

  “Agreed.” Kiara said with a mouth full of cake and grabbed her head. “What in the . . .”

  Kedryn grimaced. “Brain freeze. Should have warned you.”

  Kiara took in a few deep breaths. “That would have been nice.”

  she cautiously took a small bite.

  Lara fed Aodhan a spoonful of ice cream and smeared it on his face.

  “Hey.” Aodhan said as she leaned over and kissed his cheek where the ice cream was and licked a bit off.

  “Oh.” Aodhan said and gave her a grin.