“If you must know Rosie, it’s pearl, a subtle tint. Anyway, I’m supposed to look virginal aren’t I?”
“Think you’ll need more than a bit of pale nail polish to convince the congregation you’re still virgo intacta. How many was it at the last count, eight?”
“Shush. Max thinks he’s my first and only,” I said, laughing.
I stepped into the back of the Rolls Royce, as Rosie guided my train from behind. Mum and Dad climbed in behind us.
Dad sat next to me and took my hand. “I’m so proud of you. You look like an angel, just like your mum did on our wedding day.” He beamed at Mum sitting opposite, then pulled a tissue from his pocket and blew his nose. “I’ll get my crying done here. You won’t want your old dad snivelling in church.”
“I don’t mind if you blub Dad. I’ll probably join you.”
“No, no, I need to maintain a manly façade. Grrr,” he said, and flexed his biceps.
Rosie laughed. “Hey, I thought weddings were supposed to be fun.”
“Quite so Rosie,” Mum said. “Though I think I’m allowed a tear or two. Only to keep up my ladylike façade.” With fingers splayed under her chin, Mum tilted her head and fluttered her eyelashes.
Dad produced another tissue and handed it to her. “Here we are, permission to weep, my love.
The ceremony was everything I dreamed it would be, and Max looked stunning, complete with kilt, long socks and white ruffled shirt. As I walked down the aisle with Dad to the strains of Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, Max turned to me, and as he did, it felt like we were doing the most natural thing in the world. I had no doubts, and I knew he didn’t either. I spotted Max’s mum on the front row, and she gave me a huge smile, which filled me with a warm feeling of optimism.
Afterwards, as we walked out of the church, everyone cheered and threw confetti.
“Kat, meet Mam,” said Max.
“My goodness, Max, you told me she was bonny, but that doesn’t do her justice. Katriina, it’s wonderful to finally meet you. You’re an absolute vision, you truly are.” She leaned over, and with tears in her eyes, kissed me lightly on the cheek.
“I’m so happy to meet you too,” I said. “It means a lot to me, Mrs O’Donnell.”
“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. And what a beautiful service. I’m so proud of him - of both of you,” she said, and smiled. “And please… call me Iona.”
I was struck by her poise and presence. She was tall, young and attractive. She looked sophisticated in a pale lilac dress-suit and chic fascinator.
We made our way up the cobbled path, Rosie sidled up and whispered in my ear.
“Hey Kat, now we know where Max gets his looks. And I’d say you’ve a look of her too.”
“She’s beautiful isn’t she, and more importantly, she seems lovely,” I said, and prodded Rosie in the ribs.
After Max and I had posed for a few photographs, we climbed back into the wedding car and were driven back to Conival Castle.
I rested my hand on Max’s knee, leaned in and kissed him. “Oh my God Max. You look so fucking sexy in that kilt.” I slid my hand between his legs. “Can we skip the reception and head straight to our room? No one would notice.”
“Don’t tempt me.” He parted his thighs. “When you walked into the church, I was blown away to see you looking so beautiful and natural.”
I inched my hand further up his kilt and he let out a soft moan.
He drew closer and whispered in my ear, “I’d like to rip that dress off you right now.”
“You know it took me two hours to look this natural and a lot of money for the frock, so there’ll be no ripping.” I whispered back, “At least not yet.”
“Whatever the cost, it was worth every penny.” Max fell silent as we headed up the sweeping castle drive. “Wow! It’s even better than I remember.”
The castle stood back on a high grassy cliff. It overlooked the wild northern Atlantic, and had once been the seat of a powerful Scottish baronial family. It looked impressively grand and commanding. The young receptionist had proudly informed us that certain royalty had stayed there, though she didn’t say who, as though it were a huge secret.
The great stone walls and tall towers crowned with battlements and turrets gave far-reaching views across the sapphire and crystal-tipped ocean, and the spectacular mountains of Assynt rose to the east. The drive continued over a humpback bridge and continued into a large internal courtyard where our guests awaited us.
Max and I linked arms and led everyone through the large, handsomely carved wooden doors, and into the Great Hall. It felt authentic and imposing with its large gilt-framed paintings of the family’s many ancestors, and an incredible assortment of weaponry displayed above and around the colossal fireplace. The long tables had been decorated with glorious arrangements of Lilies, Irises, and Gypsophila, and as the waiting staff appeared with champagne and canapés, I gazed about me, and thought how much it felt and looked like the most picture-perfect setting.
The sumptuous wedding breakfast of lamb and barley soup, followed by fillet of cod wrapped in parma ham with pesto, was enjoyed by all. And after a divine chocolate and raspberry cheesecake Max pushed back his chair and clinked his glass to announce the speeches.
Dad’s somewhat lengthy speech made me cry and most of our guests too. It sounded like a classic doting dad speech, as he welcomed Max into our family and placed me on a ridiculously high pedestal, but it made me feel incredibly loved and special.
I’d drunk several glasses of champagne by this point in the proceedings and I wanted to stand up and say a few words.
Max tried to persuade me not to bother. “We don’t want the speeches to go on too long, Kat. Just say a few thank you’s.”
“In that case make yours a bit shorter,” I said, and gave him a peck on the cheek. I tapped my glass, and climbed up onto my chair. “Ladies and gentlemen, McNaltys, O’Donnells, Henriksens, and everyone else. Welcome! Those who know me will understand I couldn’t miss out on saying a few words of thanks.” I smiled sweetly down at Max. “I’m overwhelmed to see you all here, to witness Max and I make our lifelong vows to one another. I hope you’re enjoying the food and wine - -” I hiccupped. “I certainly am. The ceilidh will start soon and I want to see you all strutting your stuff. Don’t worry about getting the moves right, trust me you’ll love it. Only remember not to tread on my toes. I lifted and placed my foot on the table, but anyone else’s is fine.” I paused and there were plenty of chuckles. “But seriously, I wanted to say to Max’s family that I’m so happy to have found him, or perhaps he found me.” I gazed down at Max who winked at me. “We’ve been living together for a few months in our caravan, in separate bunks, of course,” I added with a wink back at Max. “But we’re moving into our eco home at last, which my brilliant husband designed. And finally, a toast to absent family.” I smiled sympathetically at Max. “In particular, two people without whom today wouldn’t have been possible. First and most importantly to Max’s father, who gave Max his life.” I heard a few sniggers. “But sadly, through no fault of his own, can’t be here today. I hope he can get over his… difficulties, so that he can visit us in our new home -”
I felt a sharp rap on my ankle and looked down to see Max discretely swirling his finger. I lifted my chin and continued. “And lastly, to Max’s Uncle Sean, who regrettably I’ll never meet personally, but who I must acknowledge and thank for his generous gift to Max upon his passing.”
Max grasped my elbow and pulled me down to my seat. I glanced at Max’s mum, and saw that she had lost her smile.
I yanked my arm back and hissed, “Hey. I wanna make a toast.” I jumped back up, raised my glass and declared loudly. “To absent family, present family and friends.” I pulled Max to his feet. “And to my remarkable and ever so slightly gorgeous husband, Max.”
The room erupted with claps and cheers. Rosie whistled and clapped wildly; her seal of approval.
I thought perhaps
Max had been worried about his speech, but it was heartfelt, full of emotion and people roared with laughter one minute, and reached for their tissues the next.
“If it weren’t for my amazing mam who’s been the kindness and strength, the true cement in our family, I wouldn’t be here today with my beautiful and funny wife Katriina.” He turned to me and grinned, then taking my hand, he said, “I feel incredibly lucky to have met her and I know she’s gonna make my life, no our lives, amazing. To my extraordinary wife, Katriina O’Donnell.”
He lifted me to my feet and kissed me deeply amidst whoops and cheers. I felt dizzy with love and desire. Afterwards he relaxed, and as the lead singer of the band announced the first dance, he grabbed my hand, and we ran out onto the dance floor.
“I need a drink, want one?” I said to Max, as we finished spinning about to a particularly fast number.
“Another beer would be great,” Max said.
We kissed long and leisurely in the middle of the dance floor.
“Break it up you two. It’s my turn to dance with the handsome groom.” Rosie came and stood between us, and I left them arm in arm waiting for the band to play their next song. At the bar, Iona chatted to her sister Mary and my mum.
“Hello Katriina, I was just telling your mum that we’re having a wonderful time. It’s beautiful, everything is.”
“Ah, thank you. My husband and I are having the best time too,” I said.
“I can see you’re a kind and strong woman, Katriina. Max needs someone grounded to guide him through life - keep him heading in the right direction.” She glanced at her sister who nodded. “He hasn’t had the easiest of lives, though he’s come through it remarkably unscathed, considering. He’s made a grand choice. You’re smart and you’ve a wonderfully warm heart.”
“That’s kind of you Mrs O’Donnell, but you know it’s more that Max guides me. He’s brought us up here to start our new life. He’s used his money to build our home and set up his business.” Flattered by her words, I was also slightly dazed by her glowing judgement of me, considering we had only met that day. I tried to grasp what she meant by Max not having had the easiest of lives.
“Well from what Max has told me, his business is doing extraordinarily well already. How about we visit your new home tomorrow?”
“Oh, we’d love you to.”
“Wonderful. I can’t wait. And remember, it’s Iona,” she said, and touched my hand. “Now I think you’d better reclaim your husband. Rosie’s beau is looking a touch, how shall I put it… emerald-eyed?”
I followed her gaze to see Will, who stood at the edge of the dance floor, arms crossed and lips pursed, as he watched Max and Rosie whirling around, surrounded by a circle of enthused guests who clapped and jigged with them.
Just past midnight, and slightly drunk, Max and I stumbled to our wedding suite. Exhausted, we collapsed onto the bed and I looked up at the ornate ceiling as it slowly stopped spinning.
Max turned to me with a grin. “Katriina, my love, I’ve been dying to see what surprises you have for me beneath that beautiful dress. Allow me to help you out of it. I expect it’s pinching in all sorts of places.”
“As it happens it is beginning to scratch. Too much lace for me really.”
He pulled me to my feet and turned me around so that he could undo the silk buttons at the back.
“Is this my first marital test?”
“Persevere Max, I’m not helping.” I reached behind, lifted his kilt and ran my hands up his firm, naked thighs.
My dress slipped over my shoulders and I wriggled my hips so that it fell to the floor in one motion.
Max let out a long whistle. “Well, that I wasn’t expecting. Stark naked, just as the good Lord intended.” He pulled my hair aside and planted gentle kisses on the back of my neck. “You could have told me you were bare-arsed, I’d have dragged you up to the turrets and taken you for starters.”
“Not quite naked. I did splash out on stockings and garters,” I said, and turned my heels.
“So I see. Then you’ve surpassed our good Lord’s intentions. Come here my angel.”
I turned around and pressed a finger on his chest, and said, “Wait a minute, fair’s fair.”
I undressed him, silent as I lingered over every button and fastening, and there were plenty of them. His skin quivered, ultra-sensitive to my touch.
“You’re killing me,” he breathed, and as his kilt fell, he pressed himself hard against me.
We remained there and held one another, and it felt as though we were no longer two separate people, but that in some otherworldly way, our minds and bodies had combined to make something altogether more powerful - more complete.
He released me and said, “Wait.”
From the bedside cabinet he took out a small dark green bottle, placed it on top, and ceremoniously drew back the bedclothes. Red rose petals and gypsophila lay scattered across the sheet.
“It’s beautiful Max. Thank you, my love.” I rested my hand on his hip and kissed him. “What’s in the bottle?”
“That’s the real surprise.” He lifted it and held it, protective. “It’s a love tonic, or so I’ve been led to believe, and it’s supposed to promise us a long blissful life together, blessed with beautiful children who will also live long and wonderful lives.”
“Sounds intriguing. But what’s in it to make it so powerful?” I asked, and took the bottle from him. I tilted it towards the light and removed the cork. “Can I try some?”
“Perhaps I should test it first.” He took the bottle back and tipped a pool into the palm of his hand. He dipped his fingers into the liquid and traced them over my nipples in turn. Then he pushed me back onto the bed, and ran his tongue achingly around them.
I arched my back and exhaled. “I need you, Max.”
He looked up. “Exquisite.”
“The potion or me?”
“Both, my sweet love.” He took a mouthful of the potion and kissed his way down my body. I lifted my knees, my hips, opened myself to him. He kissed me fully - the fluid felt warm and intense inside.
“I’m in heaven.” I closed my eyes and my entire body tensed before hot sensations rolled and exploded through me again and again.
Max passed me the bottle and I sipped cautiously. As the fiery liquid bristled over my tongue, I laughed.
“Love potion! You had me going then. Any excuse for a drop of moonshine.”
“Yes and it really did get you going. Let’s put it to the test some more.”
Even after all these months and nights together, each time we kissed and touched one another, the sensations and anticipation of what was to come set me alight and sparked my insides.
A while later, Max propped himself up on one elbow and gazed down at me. “I’m going to remember you like this, my beautiful girl, so whenever we’re apart you’ll still be with me, in here.” He touched his temple.
I giggled and my insides melted. “I’m not going anywhere, Max. I’m yours.”
“Yes, only mine.”
We sipped in turns and drank the small bottle dry, then lay back in a heavenly haze of drunken love.
Late the next morning we drove in convoy to Benn Cady. The noontime sun had almost broken through the light covering of cloud, and as we drove up the gravelled track to our newly named home, Wolfstone House, I felt excited to see it again and thrilled to show it off to our families.
Now that it neared completion its modern beauty merged effortlessly with the hillside setting. The main frame rose to a great arched, seeded roof which had already nurtured a variety of grasses and native wildflowers. Large glass panels to the front and both sides ensured flawless views of the stunning panoramas from all aspects. The remainder of the exterior had been cladded with Red Cedar, all except for one full height section of wall for which we’d used local stone. The impressive wind turbine stood proudly to the far west side and the solar panels had been strategically arranged on the south-facing section of the roof.
<
br /> In the design and construction of our home we’d bought in materials that enhanced and conserved the environment, it redistributed rather than depleted resources, and we felt happier with each step of the building process. We’d given equal care to the interior, with a fresh air ventilation system, natural insulation that used sheep’s wool, water-based paints and water saving showers. We bought second-hand furniture or items made from recycled materials. We had considered every last detail to ensure that it fit in with our surroundings and the environment.
“Goodness Katriina, I had no idea that you were building such an enormous house. It’s magnificent.” Mum’s face lit up with surprise.
“Will you need any mains electricity or can you rely on the energy the house generates?” Dad asked Max.
My parents asked knowledgeable questions about its energy sources and eco features, almost as though they’d researched the topic, which I suspected they had. Of course, they knew it was something we were passionate about, but I felt touched by their interest and newfound knowledge. Iona and Mary took photographs and made enthusiastic sounds as they suggested ideas for setting out furniture and fittings.
“You see, we thought that by having the living areas upstairs and large windows, we’d be able to take advantage of the views in all their glory,” said Max.
I heard the way his voice lifted, its cadence more pronounced, just how proud he was as he showed his mum around our home, his creation. Iona, in turn, chatted in equally fervent tones.
She linked arms with Max and leaned into him. “Goodness Max, your business is doing well. I’m proud of you and your daddy will be too when I tell him all about it. I honestly thought you were building more of a two up two down.” She ran her hand along some wooden panelling. “Plenty of room for little ones.” She exchanged a look with her sister. “Daddy was so upset he couldn’t come, but they wouldn’t even let him out for a day. So unfair to miss all of this.” She stood back and took a photo of Max at the bottom of the staircase.
A Family By Design Page 13