King Richard had blessed them with the Douglas lands, adding considerably to their combined lands. The king had even graced them with his presence soon after the twins were born; he was also present for their christening and of course their first birthday festival. Elisabeth’s cousin was most pleased with seeing her again, yet they continued to keep their blood ties secret. King Richard had expressed must content with knowing the vast majority of the Highlands were under their direct eye. He had also let Elisabeth know he was planning to marry and produce his own heir, he knew how little she wanted the crown, it was the reason he liked her so much.
She had been most pleased to hear he was marrying, although she would always see to her duty, but she wanted nothing to do with England. Scotland was her home, these Highlands were home, and Castle MacMillan was where she belonged. It was her eternal destiny, all roads led to where she was now. One day her children would inherit their lands, and so would her grandchildren. Between Broderick and Elisabeth, they now possessed the majority of the Highlands. Their legacy was secure.
Feeling Broderick rub her back, he kissed her temple and whispered into her ear, “Lets get the children home my love, you and I have a wedding to prepare for, our nursemaid is most excited to watch the children tonight” nibbling her ear, “and I am most excited for a night alone with my stunning wife, she owes me a few dances…and maybe a few under the sheets.”
Nudging her shoulder into him she kissed his jaw, “Oh, I very much look forward to it, to the castle my dear.” Winking.
Broderick stood up and helped her with his free arm, handing Jocelyn over to her father she bent down and picked up the sheet from the green grass and shook it out, tossing it over her shoulder.
Beside her Broderick had each of the children tucked in each arm, Seamus awake fumbling with his own hands and little Jocelyn, asleep and peaceful as could be. Both children looked exactly like their father, dark chestnut hair with beautiful green eyes like both of their parents.
Walking back to the castle she wrapped her arm around Broderick and soaked in the last bit of sunlight the day had. The familiar path to the castle gate was well worn and picturesque. The closer they got to the castle; the more voices could be heard as well as lilting Scottish music.
Rhona had arranged fun games for the children to play in the bailey, as well as archery contests for the older children and wives, the men were tossing logs and drinking their fair share of mead. Today was another joyous celebration for their clan. Games and music, fresh food and mead were abundant from the bailey to the stable, the keep to the kitchens.
Entering through the gates they were greeted by the cheers of people who were enjoying the entertainment in the bailey. Waving to their friends and fellow warriors, Elisabeth walked next to her tall husband with pride. Broderick had a bairn in each arm and not a care in the world; he wanted to spend as much time with the twins as possible. He wasn’t a father who pushed his children off on their mother or nursemaids or help, he was an active roll in their everyday life, just like she knew he would be. He nodded to his friends as they walked across the courtyard to the castle, ladies fawned over the children as they stopped and talked to a few groups along the way. It was clear everyone was excited for the wedding tonight.
At the top of the castle stairs they could see old Rhona searching for them, she loved the twins like they were her own grandbabies, and it appeared they were a tad late returning from their picnic.
“Think we are in trouble?” Broderick chuckled as he saw the inpatient look on Rhona’s wrinkled face.
“Oh she’ll forget about how late we are as soon as you place the children in her arms, she turns to mush around them, ye know that.” She joked, softly elbowing him as she reached down to pull up her skirts as they walked up the stairs. Doing as she said, Broderick smiled at his old nursemaid and gently placed both children into her steady arms and kissed the elder lady on her cheek, “We shall see you later Rhona, enjoy them!”
Clasping hands with her husband, they quickly kissed the younglings on their chubby cheeks and waved as they walked up towards their room. They had few chances of alone time, and when they did, they took advantage. Running to their room like youngsters, they didn’t look back.
Hours later, the wedding of Kendrix Angus MacMillan to Molly Marie O’Connell took place just as all weddings did at Castle MacMillan-at sunset. With fresh flowers in bloom, the chapel emanated the sweet fragrant smell of summer flowers. Once again the clan filled the large chapel to the hilt as they came to watch the final MacMillan brother get married. Pews were filling fast as Elisabeth and Broderick stood outside the chapel, greeting their people together as they entered. They would be the final people seated before the wedding began.
When all had entered, the large doors were shut. They stood behind the closed doors and had a brief moment to themselves before they made their entrance to the front pew.
Squeezing Broderick’s warm hand she gave him a slight tug to get his attention. She was bursting with excitement and couldn’t contain it any longer.
“Yes love?” He asked as he looked down into her eyes with love.
“In all my life I never imagined my future to look as it does, I have never been happier Broderick. You are my world, our babes are my world,” looking up at him, she took the hand she held and placed it upon her flat stomach, “are ye ready to be a father again my love?” She asked with a mischievous smile.
His eyes grew wide, and a brilliant smile appeared on his face. Broderick wrapped his arms around her and picked her up, twirling her around “Are ye serious Elisabeth?” his excitement radiated from his bright smile.
Nodding, “Aye, I thought I’d jump on the chance to tell you myself this time.” Wrinkling her nose she squeezed his neck as he kissed her, just as the chapel doors opened up.
Feeling hundreds of eyes upon them, Elisabeth and Broderick broke their kiss and looked over their shoulder to see their entire clan watching them.
Ignoring everyone, Broderick slowly sat her down and tipped up her chin. Looking into her eyes, he whispered so only she could hear, “Ye are my world Elisabeth, I cannae wait to see what life has in store for our family, with you by my side there is nothing in this world we cannae accomplish. I love you Elisabeth Rosslyn MacMillan.”
“and I love you Broderick, until the end of time, you will always be branded upon my heart and soul.”
Hand in hand the Laird and his warrior wife turned together and walked down the aisle, passing hundreds of their clansmen, completely unashamed of being caught in an embrace. The entire clan was well aware of their affection for each other. Sliding gracefully into their seats, Rhona had the twins dressed in wee plaids, calmly waiting for their parents at the front of the chapel in the front pew.
Elisabeth and Broderick were quick to scoop their children up before turning to wait for Molly to make her entrance.
Leaning her cheek against Broderick’s strong arm, tears brimmed in her eyes as the music began; right here in this moment is where she belonged. She had married the man who captured her heart years ago, the man who had saved her life and given her life. He was her fate, her destiny, and their children would be their legacy.
Branded By a Warrior Page 30