Meghan pulled her close for a hug. “Oh, Andie. We have been the best of friends for the whole of our lives. How things have changed? I always used to say I hated boys, and here I am wedding one.” Both erupted in laughter. After they calmed, Meghan continued. “Not only that, Andie, but I am wedding one that I’ve nay known verra long.”
“Ye sound uncertain, Meghan, but hearts doona lie. Ye said ye love him and I’ve seen the way he looks at ye. ‘Tis with nay small emotion that he chooses to marry ye. Gabriel is a verra handsome and capable mon. If he didna want to wed ye, he wouldna. Doona doubt it. ‘Twill be perfect and wonderful,” Andie said, placing her arm around Meghan’s shoulder.
Meghan nodded. “Aye, and thank ye for reassuring me. Now, what has ye so upset?”
Andie sighed. “I saw Gavin after ye left. He began to kiss me and I pushed him away.”
“Oh, Andie.”
“He thought I was avoiding him. I said that he was too insignificant for me to even have a thought to ignore him.”
“Ye didna say that, Andie!”
Andie looked at Meghan. “Aye, I did.”
Both laughed until their eyes watered.
“I would have given anything to see he face!”
“He looked murderous!” Andie laughed.
Meghan wiped her eyes. “So what else transpired? Ye wouldna be so upset were it just that.”
“He began nuzzling my neck and I felt as if he were just giving me his attentions in order for us to…well…make love.”
Meghan sighed. “What did ye say?”
“I asked him whether that was the cost to stay here. He said nay. I told him that if it was, it was too high of a value to forfeit. I also told him that if he changed his mind, I would only need a little time to pack what small belongings I have here before taking my leave.”
Meghan rubbed her back. “That was a verra intelligent, brave, and incredibly difficult thing for ye to do. I’m proud of ye. It was right of ye to say, Andie.”
“If it was so right, Meghan, why do I feel so sad?”
“I doona know, Andie. Does he care for ye?”
“I’m nay certain, Meghan. He says he never wants to wed again, nor have any children. ‘Tis impossible. I want everything he doesna.”
Meghan hugged Andie again.
“Oh, Meghan, I’m sorry. This is a happy time, not one of sadness.”
“Andie, so help me I will push ye off the bed if ye apologize once more. We are here for each other.”
“Nay, Meghan. No more talk of this. ‘Tis yer wedding and I want this to be a happy occasion. Now, how does yer dress fit?” Andie asked, wiping tears from her eyes.
Meghan gave Andie a look as if saying she wouldn’t so easily forget, but went along with Andie.
“It fits perfectly, Andie. How do I look?”
“Fantastic! ‘Twould be a miracle for Gabriel to wait until after the wedding to bed ye!”
Meghan shoved Andie and both laughed hysterically on the bed.
“So then, that shall be the way of it?” Gavin asked.
Gabriel nodded his head. “Aye. It has to be, Gavin. I cannot risk the danger, otherwise. At least she’ll be protected. I canna risk any harm to her.”
Gavin saw the knot work in Gabriel’s jaw and found it interesting. He lifted his eyebrow and said, “Ye know, Gabriel, I never envisioned this happening.”
“What?” Gabriel asked, taking another drink of ale.
“That ye would ever be this interested in a woman.”
Gabriel fixed his unwavering stare on Gavin. “‘Tis more than that, Gavin. I love her.”
“In such a small amount of time?” Gavin said, polishing off the last of his ale and refilling.
“Aye. She is amazing. She’s good, happy, loving, giving. The first and only kiss we shared affected me greatly.”
“She’s an attractive woman, Gabriel. ‘Twould only be natural. But ye’ve only kissed once?” Gavin shook his head distastefully.
“I doona use a good woman, the type men wed, for carnal and casual pleasures afore I would wed her.” Gabriel’s look stayed Gavin’s angry retort. “Nay, Gavin. Ye purposefully miss my point. It went beyond physical. I felt her, as if she was a part of me. Ye know the feeling, Gavin,” Gabriel said, as Gavin inched his head up to watch him.
“What do ye mean?” The room felt colder.
“‘Tis the same feeling ye feel with Andie.”
Gavin stared at his brother as if bored with the conversation. “Ye know, Gabriel, ye harp on this sore subject like an old woman.”
“‘Tis not a sore subject, Gavin. Ye choose to ignore the connection ye and Andie have. Ye will lose her.”
Gavin shot up out of his seat. “For the Lord’s sake, Gabriel, will ye cease sounding like an aging, gossiping old woman feigning second sight! I didna seek yer advice nor do I want it.” Gavin drank the rest of the freshly poured ale and slammed his hand down on the table.
“Now, I’ve a few questions before I leave. Does Bryce know?”
“Aye. He thinks it’s a fine idea. No one is to know.”
“Naturally, Gabriel. I hadna thought this important enough to give it secrecy,” Gavin said dryly, sarcastically. “She will be angry.”
“Which one?” Gabriel asked.
“Both.”
“Well, I’ll handle mine if ye hand yers,” Gabriel responded, grinning slightly.
Gavin rose out of his chair and headed towards the door. There, he stopped and turned to his brother. “I doona have one, Gabriel. ‘Twould be best for all if ye’d let it rest.”
Gavin walked out of the room, leaving his brother staring after him.
“It’s just a ceremony, Andie. Why all the tears?” Gavin whispered. He was standing beside her, just to the left of Meghan and Gabriel, who were saying their vows.
Andie looked at Meghan’s beautiful gown. The light yellow soft material hugged her small frame and the curves she possessed. The neckline showed just a hint of what was awaiting Gabriel. There were dainty little flowers embroidered on the edges of the dress. They had laughed while they had sewn them, cackling at how quickly this could be done when one had a mind to do it.
Meghan looked beautiful now as she recited her vows to Gabriel. Andie sighed, momentarily envisioning herself standing there with her beloved. She had on her own beautifully embroidered gown. It was in a soft cream color, with embroidered flowers in blue and green hues. The man standing next to her was dressed in his finest green and blue tartan. Andie turned from the priest and looked up at her beloved that would soon be her husband.
She gasped when saw that it was Gavin.
Immediately, Andie was snapped out of her reverie.
Meghan stopped in the middle of her vows to look worriedly at Andie.
“Please continue,” Andie said demurely. Her cheeks were pink. She looked up scathingly at Gavin as she felt him shudder with barely concealed laughter. He looked down at her, eyes glowing. She elbowed him and turned forward. As Gabriel repeated his vows, fresh tears swarmed within the honey depths of Andie’s eyes.
“Quit crying, Andie,” Gavin said softly, as everyone clapped after the announcement of the newly wed couple.
“Why?” she sniffed, looking up at him.
He stared at her for a long pause, not knowing how he should respond. If he showed her concern and warmth, it would undo her and bring her to more tears. If he showed her callousness, she would be revitalized with anger and no longer be upset. He knew that she hated to cry in front of others. Also, seeing her upset always distressed him. He stopped trying to deny that her tears troubled him, and instead, began to accept it as fact. So, it was either give her a tender word or make her angry.
He opted for the latter.
“It makes ye look like a wet hound.”
She gasped as if she had just been thrown cold water on her face.
“Ye are such a rude arse!”
“Aye, but at least I’m a truthful one.”
Andi
e stomped off, angry, and went up to Meghan. Gavin smiled to himself. Task accomplished- tears averted.
Meanwhile, Andie was stopped by a very enthusiastic Riley. He wanted to dance with her. She let him lead her to the floor, where other clansfolk were dancing. She tried not to grimace as he stepped on her feet every other beat. She laughed with him and Riley couldn’t have been bubblier. Gavin stood back watching them when Gabriel strolled over.
“Doona bother to tell me that she treats him well, Gabriel. Wedding or nay, I doona want to hear it.”
Gabriel looked up at him in surprise.
“I wasna going to say that.”
Gavin looked surprised as well. “Well, is this nay a change in attitude?”
“Aye. Ye make me sound like a repetitive monk. What I was going to tell ye, Gavin, was that she would make an excellent mother to Riley. Both ye and I already know that she treats him well.” Before Gavin could respond, Gabriel left his side, laughing.
After Andie promised to visit Riley before she retired for the evening, she walked over to Meghan and they began chatting.
“How do ye feel, ye married woman?” Andie asked, bubbling with happiness for her friend.
Meghan gave her a slight smile. “I am nervous, Andie. I canna even eat anything for my stomach feels as if bubbles are inside.”
Andie gave her a hug and pulled back. “What has ye so nervous?”
Meghan looked to both sides of her, and said in a conspiratorial tone, “Tonight.”
“Oh, Meghan, it will be fine. Just do as I told ye. Never feign anything and always be truthful with him. He’ll not expect ye to be worldly, Meghan. He loves ye for who ye are.”
Meghan didn’t look convinced. “He doesna love me, Andie. My feelings arena returned.”
Andie puffed air out and pursed her lips in annoyance. “Meghan,” she said, in a sing-song tone, “Would ye please! Of course he loves ye!”
“Andie, he hasna said it, and until I hear it from his lips, I’ll nay believe it,” she said stubbornly. “Besides, ye should heed yer own advice.”
“What do ye mean?”
“I mean, that ye should be honest with Gavin. Tell him ye love him.”
“What for? The mon has said he willna marry again. It serves nay purpose other than to drag out what is left of my barely beating heart.” Andie shook her head. “Nay, Meghan, I canna tell him that. All I have left now is my pride. My family, my virtue, and my home are all gone. Ye have married and now Gabriel will take a place in yer heart,” Andie said.
“Oh, Andie, ye will always occupy a space in my heart. Ye’re my sister! We grew up together. After all, Joan was the youngest until ye came along and she was many years older than ye.”
“I remember all those stories yer Da said about believing ye were finally a son. He always said that though ye were a girl, by the Lord’s sake, one of his daughter’s would carry his name!”
They giggled, as Gavin and Gabriel strolled over.
“What’s funny?” Gabriel asked, looking his now blushing wife.
“Andie and I were talking about her father and his insistence on naming one of his offspring after himself. Even though she was another daughter, he woulnda let Andie’s mother, Maggie, change his mind.”
The three of them laughed and Gavin smiled.
“Aye, I remember Da slapping his knee laughing when he read the missive stating that Andie McBride had been born. He thought Andie was a son. That was why I was surprised to see ye bring Riley home that night two months ago.”
Andie smiled and nodded her head. Gavin sobered up and looked at Andie.
“I’ve new information, Andie. Please, doona leave, Meghan,” Gavin said quickly when Meghan made to leave. “Gabriel knows, and now that ye’re my sister, ye should know as well,” Gavin said, his eyes on Meghan.
Meghan blushed. “Thank ye for welcoming me into yer family, Gavin.”
“Make no mention of it, Meghan. Ye are a Maitland now, and my sister. Ye are family and ye make my brother happy. That is a miracle, for nothing makes the grouch happy.”
Gabriel punched Gavin. The girls looked at each other, wondering if this was common male behavior they had just become privy to. Bryce and Charlie came over to them. Bryce placed his arm around his daughter and nodded to Gabriel and Gavin.
“Bryce, it’s good that ye’re here. I was going to inform Andie on the progress of the McArylls, or lack thereof.”
“Please, go ahead,” Bryce said.
Gavin sobered and continued. “Word has just reached me that Liam will be returning in three months time. He said that alas the McArylls are gaining ground. He believed in three months, they would finally defeat the underhanded Kerrs. He will then stay to help make certain that no others challenge the clan.”
Gavin could tell that Andie was taken aback and disappointed.
“Andie, I know yer disappointed. I-”
She shook her head. “I understand, Gavin. We canna go with a small force and I canna ask ye to sacrifice this clan to the same peril as mine. ‘Tis just that I thought it would be quicker to overpower the Kerrs. I am verra worried about my people. They suffer at Alistair’s hands.”
“The Kerrs have large numbers and bastard allies. The McArylls are verra poorly trained and have very small numbers. The men we have sent to their aid are the ones doing most of the fighting. This is why it is taking more time than it should. I’ve only lost two men, and one other has been badly injured. With regards to yer clan under Alistair, I’ve planted two spies there. I will be informed of everything.”
“Ye planted two spies? But their lives will be placed in danger,” Meghan said.
Bryce and Gavin shook their heads.
“Gavin’s men are the finest in Scotland.”
“The two I sent,” Gavin explained, “are verra well trained and know how to do this. This isna the first time I’ve sent them on this task.”
Andie looked at Gavin, surprised. He nodded his head.
“Aye. I doona allow that knowledge to just anyone. ‘Tis nay something I speak of. They will relay the information back to me about the status of Alistair and the clan.”
“Ye seem surprised, still. Why?” he asked, when Andie’s face still registered shock.
“Because of the interest ye’ve taken in aiding me with Alistair.”
“Andie, as I’ve said before, yer father was a great ally of mine. When my father died, I dealt with yer father. The McBrides and Maitlands have been strong allies far back. Many have wed one another. My clan and I willna allow them to be abused. ‘Tis a sorry state of affairs that this should happen now, when the McArylls need aid, too. Remember this also, that Alistair took my son. He will die for that alone.” Gavin’s eyes glowed steel as he said that last part.
“I want to be informed of everything they have to say.”
“Aye, I shall keep ye informed,” he agreed, eyeing her.
Andie seemed to be satisfied. Bryce reached out to hold her hands and said, “Doona worry, Andie. Alistair will be punished for this. As long as I breathe, I will continue to make it my mission to destroy him.”
Andie went forth and hugged Bryce. She closed her eyes and let the tears fall, silently. She looked up and shook her head slightly, signifying Meghan. He knew that she didn’t want Meghan to see her crying on her wedding day. Bryce hugged Andie tightly.
“Thank ye, Bryce,” she whispered.
Gavin looked at the two and tried to stomp the blaze of jealousy that overcame him. He knew that Bryce was offering Andie fatherly support, but he wanted to be the one to support her. He wanted to be the man that Andie turned to for comfort, support, and love.
Love?
“Excuse me,” Gavin said, and stalked off.
I’m becoming soft, damn it, he thought.
Andie disengaged herself and smiled.
“Well, I think I will be going to bed, now.” She turned to Meghan. “Ye have a good night, Meghan, and remember what I told ye.”
“Jus
t what did ye tell her?” Gabriel asked, a smile playing on his lips.
“Now, Gabriel, that is between us women,” Andie replied and Meghan laughed. Andie gave her friend a last hug. “I am so verra happy for ye two. No two deserve each other more.”
With that, Andie left Bryce, Charlie, Meghan, and Gabriel. She rushed as fast as she could to her chamber. She didn’t want anyone to see her breaking down into a fit of tears.
“Andie?” Gavin said, stepping out from the shadows. She looked up with her eyes glistening.
“Not now, Gavin. G’night,” she said, hurrying past him. He reached out to her and she evaded his grasp. She looked back at him sternly, and repeated, “G’night.”
Andie hurried down to her chamber and closed the door with a determined thud. She leaned against it, panting from trying to hold her tears back.
Gavin heard the door click and what he thought was a sob. He took two steps forward and stopped. He would leave her alone for now.
In the morning, he knew, there would be more tears.
Chapter Ten
“Good afternoon, Andie. Ye slept long. Did ye rest well?”
Andie looked up, startled. “I’ve been awake for some time, now. I’ve been looking for…ah…for…” she stumbled. “‘Tis foolish of me,” she said, shaking her head and smiling. “I shouldna be looking for Meghan, especially the morning after her wedding night.”
“Please have a seat.”
Andie hurried to do as Gavin said, sensing the seriousness in this tone and the tension in his body.
“What happened? I havena slept that long, have I?” she asked, looking outside. “Lord, ‘tis almost the eve!” She looked back at Gavin. His face was still somber. She stood up, the chair scuffing against the floor.
“Sit, Andie.”
“I willna! Where is Meghan?” she asked, near hysteria. “Did something happen to her?”
Gavin knew he’d better tell her before she became uncontrollable. “They arena here, Andie.”
To Have and to Trust (Heart of a Highlander Collection Book 1) Page 19