by Ria Cantrell
Caleb sighed heavily. “I just worry, but I do see how tender he is with you.”
Looking her father in his eyes, she said, “Da’ ye’ musna’ worry. I love being with him. Do ye’ understand? When he was in Scotland, it was hard for me to sleep…without him.”
Caleb dropped his head and sighed heavily again. He nodded and then Bronwyn said, “Daddy, ye’ know I would never hurt ye’, but we have always been honest with each other. I tell ye’ this not to hurt ye’ but so will know I am safe with Drew; that he has shown me love.”
Caleb kissed the top of her head and said, “He has never hurt ye’?”
“Not ever. It has been the most…wonderfully amazing thing when I am with him.”
Caleb laughed sadly. “Ye’ are so much like yer’ mother.”
Bronwyn smiled wistfully and lovingly teased her father, saying, “So, mama thought you were amazing too, didn’t she? And I’d wager she knew just that before yer’ weddin’ night, too.”
Caleb grinned down at her, still the handsome man he was in youth. He said, “Brazen little girl, to ask yer’ father such a thing.”
“Daddy, I remember how mama was with ye’. I remember the way she kissed ye’…how the two of ye’ couldna’ wait to be alone, how ye’ both loved to be touching even when sitting in council. I remember her hand always being in yer’s. All those memories made me know how true love would be. I grew up learning the intimate things between a husband and wife were special gifts; something not to be ashamed of. I feel that way about Drew, too.”
“Alright, ye’ have reassured me. And here I was supposed to assure ye’. I want ye’ to be happy, daughter.”
“I am, Daddy. I really am, as I know Mama was with ye’. I have no doubts ye’ were amazing with her.”
Caleb’s grin grew at the memory. “We had our moments to be sure.”
Bronwyn tipped her head and winked, “Ye’ had five children, Da. I’d say, ye’ had more than a few moments.”
Kissing the big man’s cheek, Bronwyn added, “Thank ye’ fer’ the talk, Daddy. Yer’ love fer’ Mama prepared me for the love I have found with Drew. Be happy fer’ me.”
“I am. I am grateful to yer’ young man fer’ his tenderness and gentleness with ye’. I worried so much when he broke yer’ heart.”
“Oh, Daddy. He dinna’ mean to. He was trying to protect me and I made such a mess of things by leaving him in the first place. It wounded his pride. He is a proud man and I think that hurt him more than anything. Then when he got sick he had to stay away longer than he had intended. Dunna’ hold it against him any longer.”
“Alright, Daughter. But know this, if he ever hurts ye’ in any way, he will have to answer to me…and yer’ brothers.”
With a smile as big as ever, Bronwyn said, “I know, but I dunna’ think it will ever come to that. We have love and honesty on our side.”
~~~~~
Drew sheepishly approached Rhianna and he tried to soften her glare with his disarming smile.
“Don’t think to turn that charm on me, Andrew Brandham, for it will not work. You broke your word.”
“Lady Witch, please; I just took a nap with her. I did not lie in sport and play with her.”
“I care not for the ‘whats’ that were done but that the point was that you were not to see her after the midday meal.”
“In truth, I did not see her much. We fell to sleep straight away.”
“And if Rory was to find you?”
“Uhm, actually he did, Rhi, He was with me when we found them. He decided that Drew having to face you would be the worse of the punishments,” Erik offered. Rhianna glared at him, not to be daunted.
“I am sorry, My Lady. I just needed to be with her.”
Rhianna looked at Drew with a sharp gaze.
“You did not heed my warning. The Fates are already at work and I cannot prevent it. I had only hoped to appease the mischief by following the customs of old.”
She turned her back to Drew. She could still feel it; that tempest brewing. She would double the guards at the celebration. She did not want any trouble especially with the Scottish contingent present. It could turn dangerous quite rapidly. Drew hugged her from behind and said, “Please forgive me, Rhianna. I did not wish to compromise your trust in me.”
Rhianna pushed him off and faced him. With emerald eyes blazing, she pointed her finger toward his chest. She poked him and Drew stepped back saying, “Ouch, Lady!”
“You see her again today and I promise I will pound you myself. Perhaps the damage has not been done. Do not tease Fate again.”
“Rhianna, the custom is Old. It has no merit….”
Rhianna glared at him and said, “There are fools aplenty who would now disagree with you. Do not tempt ill fortune again.”
“Alright, my lady. You have my word.”
“Hmphhh, your word means nothing. It cannot be trusted. Now go…and do what grooms do. AND Stay away from that girl!”
Drew bowed and said, “By your leave. I do have business to attend in the village before the wedding.”
Rhianna glanced at Erik and he just shrugged. They both watched Drew leave and then Erik took Rhianna into his arms and kissed her soundly. “You are not trying to do too much, are you?”
His hands caressed the swell of the babe within her, hoping to feel a kick. Then he whispered something close to her ear, which caused a giggle to erupt from her throat. She said, “Alright. All the preparations for tomorrow are ready. It has reminded me of the romance and love.”
She then professed, “It seems I have missed you too. Come…” and she lead her husband to their own chambers to spend some quiet romantic moments alone with him.
Chapter Forty-Six
The day had arrived for the big wedding at Ragnorsen keep. She wanted to make a grand entrance. Oh it would be the talk of the village for days and even months to come. She wrapped a bundle of rags and fashioned it into a lopsided ball. Taking a wide sash, she tied the bundle around her middle and patted it. Frowning as she looked at her reflection in the shattered glass, it still looked like a bundle of rags.
She slipped her best kirtle on over her head and then the transformation was complete. Yes, that did the trick. She turned sideways and in the splintered shards, Daria assessed her silhouette. She certainly looked pregnant. The folds of her gown hid her disguise and what was lumpy and a poor ruse alone, was now perfect under the volume of fabric to Daria’s eyes. She patted it again, as one who truly carried a child within her body.
Clapping her hands in joy, she said out loud, “Oh Drew, won’t you be surprised? Drew…you are going to be a father…I am the one to give you that heir. That simpering harlot appears to be barren…she shows no signs of being able to bear your babe, but look, my darling…look what I have for you. I am full with your child.”
It was as if the transformation made her believe she was suddenly pregnant. She had dressed perfectly for the wedding feast. She wanted her lover to see her in all her glory. She would have her say and he would have to put that creature aside. Once she landed back in his bed, she would soon be carrying his child in truth, Daria thought as she put earrings into both ears and put a ring on her finger.
She slipped on her softest leather slippers and donned her gemmed necklace at her throat. Pulling a cape of velvet around her, she would keep her secret hidden until the perfect moment. Clapping her hands again, Daria just could not wait. The wedding ceremony was closed to include invited guests only, but the feast was open to the local villains and townspeople. Yes, she would make quite the impressive entrance. Time did not pass quickly enough as Daria could barely contain herself. Oh what a stir she would cause!
~~~~~
Drew had dressed with care. He wanted to look like a clansman of MacCollum. He was kilted in Bronwyn’s family plaid and he chose to wear a sleeveless leine to show the clan mark on his upper arm. His hair now touched his shoulders, as he had not cut or trimmed it as Morag had instructed. Bronwyn�
��s brothers gave their approval. He glanced over at them and realized they were attired exactly as he was. He suddenly felt nervous energy pulsing through him.
His hand unconsciously ran over the hilt of the jeweled handle of the dirk in his belt. Bronwyn had sent it to him through Liam. It was part of the wedding presents she had for him. The other was a great broadsword, which he had left in his chambers for the day. He wondered if she had liked the gift he had sent her.
Drew suddenly wanted to see her. As if he had conjured her with magic, the guests in the chapel rose, signaling the arrival of the bride. Drew tried to see her over the guests, but he was unable to. He turned to face the old priest, and he tried to slow his rapidly pounding heart.
Bronwyn whispered to her father nervously, “Daddy, I dunna’ see Drew!”
“Ye’ shouldna’ worry, my girl. He is right there, next to yer’ brother Liam. See, there’s Rory, Shawn, Jamie and Liam. Drew is next to him.”
Expecting to see Drew dressed as Erik who stood at the end of the line of giants, Bronwyn was stunned to see the only man dressed in English fashion was Erik. Her own beloved was dressed as a clansman of her heart. A gasp caught in her throat. Caleb patted his daughter’s hand and he said, “He is Clan now. He has done this for ye’.”
“Oh my good God, look at how handsome he is.”
“He is a fine man, angel. And ye’ have donned his colors this day. Ye’ have shown him an honor and allegiance to him. It is as it should be.”
Suddenly, as if the world fell away, Bronwyn’s eyes met Drew’s. The nervousness he felt, vanished in seeing her. She looked positively beautiful. There were crystal tears clinging to her long lashes. As her father gave her over to Drew, Drew whispered, “Are you alright?”
She nodded and choked back a little sob and sniffled, saying, “Look at ye’. Ye’ are Clan. Ye’ are MacCollum, now.”
Smiling at her, he said, “And ye’ are mine.”
Ribbons were wrapped around both their hands and Drew whispered, “You look very beautiful.”
He saw his wedding present to her around her delicate neck and he felt it suited her. They barely heard the priest speaking before them. It was as if no one else existed. Drew thought that Bronwyn looked more like English royalty than the daughter of a Scottish Laird. When it came time for them to speak their vows, Drew spoke his vows clearly and in Gaelic. Bronwyn was so impressed in his ability to speak her language.
The marriage ceremony was followed by a lengthy nuptial mass, but time seemed null as he just stared at his wife with his eyes filled with love for her. Drew was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion. He was married. He never thought that he would be married; certainly not to someone he had fallen so deeply in love with.
When the lengthy mass was over, they were told to seal the marriage with a kiss and Drew could not wait to hold Bronwyn and kiss her. He whispered that he loved her as her arms snaked around his neck. Bronwyn was sure she had never felt happier in her entire life. Drew kissed her again and it left her breathless. Hand in hand, they left the chapel in order to break their fast. It was to be the first of several feasts planned during the day. Well-wishers surrounded the happy couple and they soon found themselves separated amid the guests. They made their way to the great hall and were at last reunited at the high table.
Once seated at High Table, Drew leaned in and kissed Bronwyn in front of all those assembled. The guests cheered in approval. Bronwyn seemed unable to take her eyes off of the man dressed like one of her own. She thought he looked so very handsome.
Drew actually could not wait to be alone with Bronwyn. Wearing the attire of her clan made him feel virile and strong and the looks she was giving him let him know she was fairly ready to devour him like their morning meal. However, the festivities called for bouts of competitive games for sport and entertainment throughout the day. In actuality, Drew would not be able to be alone with his beautiful lady until much later into the night.
As the bridegroom, Drew was required to participate in as many of the events as he could. Not to be outdone by Bronwyn’s brothers, Drew was going to compete in most if not all of the bouts.
Time and again, Drew proved himself a worthy opponent. He seemed to be filled with an endless supply of energy and strength. He thought it was because he was happy. He bested many contenders and he seemed tireless. He felt a sense of pride welling inside his big chest when he would spy his beautiful bride watching the many competitive games as he won bout after bout. Knowing she watched him, made him want to do his best. After one such bout where Drew won again, Bronwyn made it to the field. Taking his arm and leading him back to the main hall, she looked up into his smiling face. She said, “Perhaps ye’ may wish to no’ overtax yerself. I do want ye’ to have energy to play in a different sport tonight.”
Grinning down at her, he said, “You need not worry, my love. I promise to thoroughly and properly make love to you through the night.” He pulled her into his arms and he kissed her.
“Well, then, exhausted or no’, I intend ye’ to keep yer’ promise to me.”
Drew tossed his head back and laughed. Bronwyn was not sure she had ever seen him so happy. She said, “Come, have something to eat and drink.”
Drew loved that she was already taking care of him. He was smitten. He suddenly really wanted to slip away with her and give her a taste of the promise he had made. He whispered seductive things to her as she sat beside him and he laughed when she blushed. As he thought to possibly take her away from the celebration for a little while, the brothers MacCollum came to collect him for the next competition. Drew gave Bronwyn a withering look and went back to the field of honor. For this part of the challenge, Drew thought to change into his leather trews. He was not completely used to the kilted plaid and he wanted to wear it for the gala wedding feast later that day.
After the caber toss, Drew found Bronwyn greeting guests and conversing in the outer bailey. At seeing him approach, her smile was infectious. Her eyes appraised him. She saw he was back to wearing his English attire, which suited him, but she truly adored him in her clan colors. He took her hand and said, “T’would seem I am done with the contests today.”
“You did so well, my love. Might I have a word with you?”
Drew nodded and Bronwyn excused herself from the small group of women who she had been conversing with. The people were accepting her as one of their own. She felt so grateful for that. As Drew held her hand and they walked into the keep, he asked, “What is it, wife?”
She liked how that word sounded on his lips. Giving him a sultry look she said what was on her mind in Gaelic. He loved that he could understand her, and he loved what he heard her say. She wanted him. Now! He loved that she was not shy to tell him such a thing.
Ducking into one of the storerooms piled with sacks of grain and dried herbs, Drew pulled his Scottish vixen into his arms. She fairly could not keep her hands off of him. Kissing him hard on the mouth, she backed him up against the wall. He could feel the cool stone through his leine in direct contrast to his heated flesh. She devoured his mouth in passion filled kisses.
Her hands slid under his leine and made contact with his muscled chest. Drew groaned softly feeling her cool hands touching his skin. She pressed into him and she could feel that he was quite aroused. Wickedly she said, “If only ye’ still had the kilt on…ye’ could take me right here.”
He laughed at her seducing banter. “Hmm, but I could not throw that log wearing that wee bit of fabric…I fear the guests would have gotten more than a proper look at my backside.”
“Caber.”
“What?”
“Caber, not log. Ye’ threw a caber.”
“Caber, then. I threw a caber. And I beat Rory.”
“Why, yes ye’ did. I am sure he is piqued at such a loss, but I am rather glad ye’ beat him.”
“He was not happy.”
“Nay, but ye’ proved to be a worthy opponent. It made him respect ye’.”
“A
nd ye’ lassie, did I win yer’ favor,” Drew drawled. She kissed him so passionately, Drew suddenly felt like he was about to explode.
“Does that answer yer’ question.”
Drew just moaned and said, “You make me ache, lassie.” His hand toyed with the top of her gown, slipping the silk between his fingers. Then before he even gave it much thought, that same hand slid into the warmth of her bodice and he placed his palm against her breast. That made her gasp, but still he did not remove it from her gown.
“Well, let’s sneak off. I promise to ease that ache fer’ ye’”
“We better not. We would be missed, no doubt. Besides the bedding ceremony comes later.”
A frown wrinkled her brow and she said, “Drew, most everyone knows I’ve shared yer’ bed.” He kissed away her frown and said, “Sshh. It’s just a custom.”
“But the sheets….”
“We won’t be doing the sheeting. You and I did that privately, remember?”
She blushed remembering all too well how he had tenderly taken care of her that night.
“That was such a precious gift and I am glad it was only between us.”
Drew was enchanted that she could seduce him one minute and still be shy about their own “private sheeting” the next. He had cherished every inch of her body and still the memory of that night made her blush.
“You must know I was honored that you gave me that gift.”
“But ye’ have had others….”
“Hush. No one had ever given me that gift and none had ever loved me as you do. When you pleaded with the king on my behalf and professed that you loved me, I did not know what to do. But then, I knew I loved you too. When you bestowed that precious gift on me, I wanted to take care of you. It was never meant to embarrass you.”
Kissing her again, he said, “Come, we best get back to the guests. We can’t have them looking for us.”
Drew opened the door and pulled Bronwyn out of the small storeroom with him. They nearly collided with Jamie. Bronwyn realized she was rather disheveled. Raising an eyebrow to his sister, he said, “All along we had been itchin’ to thrash the lad, here. Now I see it should have been ye’ turned over our knees for a paddlin’. Fix yerself. Ye’ look like a wanton woman.”