She gazed at it, and tears welled. “What did come next, Colmac?”
“Bróccín,” he said softly. “My brother was there waiting when I returned to MacLauchlin Castle. I had never seen him so happy. So full of life.” His chuckle was forced. “’Twas the first time I saw him bound up the stairs without getting winded.” Anguished, his gaze lingered on her. “After that, he seemed much stronger. Not nearly so sickly.” He squeezed her hand. “Ye did that. Ye gave him that added spirit and vitality. Renewed good health, ye ken?”
“Aye,” she whispered. A tear rolled down her cheek. “It must have been a sight.” Her gaze fell to the ring. “But what of this, Colmac?”
“This is yers, lass.” He placed it in her palm and curled her fingers around it. “’Tis my heart in yer hand.”
Her eyes rose to his face. “Yet ye gave it to Bróccín that eve, aye? Ye gave him a ring ye had made for me?”
“I did,” he murmured. “I didnae tell him why I had the ring, nor did he ask.” He shook his head, struggling with the difficult memory. “’Twas bloody hard handing it over but I thought…” He cleared his throat. “I thought I was doing the right thing at the time. That his needs were greater than mine…that I would survive losing ye more readily than he would.”
Her gaze lingered on him, her expression troubled. “Why did he not give it to me upon our betrothal?”
“I believe he wished to present ye with it the day ye actually married. Now I wonder if even then he felt guilty and couldnae bring himself to give it to ye.” Though hard to say, he finally told her the truth. “When I returned that eve, eager to tell him that I meant to make ye mine, he spoke first. He told me how he had fallen in love with ye. That ye lifted his heart in a way no other had.” He could still see the joy in his brother’s gaze. The excitement he knew all too well because he had felt the same. “Ye made him whole, lass.”
She stared at the ring, and several more tears rolled down her cheeks. “’Tis verra beautiful.” Her gaze returned to him. “Ye do ken that Adlin giving ye this was his blessing to wed me. For only the greatest of loves wear rings like this in my clan.”
“Aye,” he said softly. “Though theirs have gems at their hearts.”
“They do,” she agreed. “But I prefer this…having the heart whole and untouched.” A sad curiosity lit her eyes. “But is yer heart so whole that ye could give me away that easily?”
“’Twas nae easy,” he said between clenched teeth. “’Twas unbearable pain that didnae lessen with time.” He shook his head. “My heart has always been yers, Rona. Even in its broken state all these years.”
She looked from the ring to him, her voice wobbly with emotion. “What will ye have me do with it then?”
Now was the moment.
This was what his brother spoke of.
The Hogmanay that belonged to Colmac.
Not Bróccín but him.
God knew he would always love his brother, but his letters had both freed Colmac of guilt and given him permission. He’d been given the means to move on and finally be with his true love.
“I will have ye marry me, Rona,” he said in answer to her question. While tempted to slide the ring on her finger like he had planned to years ago, he wanted her to think carefully first. To be absolutely sure considering the rocky path that had led them to this moment. So he wrapped his hand around hers and gazed into her eyes with all the love he felt. “If ye can forgive me and love me as I love ye, I would be verra honored to call ye my wife.”
He stood, his gaze never leaving her. “I will give ye time to think.” It would be pure torture waiting, but she needed to come to her own conclusions. “Join me below stairs before the handfasting and marriage ceremony.” He brushed his lips across hers and headed for the door, pausing at the threshold with final words. “If ye are wearing the ring, then I know my heart is yers.”
Chapter 11
Aunt Brighid chatted away while she brushed Rona’s hair, but she barely heard a thing. All she could do was stare at the ring resting on the vanity. Her tears had finally dried, but her emotions remained conflicted. Part of her was sad, another angry, and then there was pure joy.
A sense of elation she was not sure she should feel.
“Ye havenae heard a word I have said, aye?” Brighid met her eyes. “So what are ye going to do?”
She blinked and tore her attention from the ring. “I dinnae know.”
“Well, that is a tad bit better than not marrying the lad.” Brighid resumed brushing and announced yet again, precisely what she thought of the matter. “Love like this comes along but once in a lifetime. Ye’d be a fool to turn it away.”
“And what makes ye such an expert on love?” She arched her brows at her aunt, hinting. “Unless, of course, ye’ve experienced it firsthand?”
Brighid looked skyward. “Would ye listen to my advice if I had in fact experienced love?”
“’Tis more likely.”
“How much more likely?”
Rona narrowed her eyes. “Somewhat.”
“Not good enough.” Brighid shook her head. “If ye swear ye’ll take my advice, I’ll tell ye the truth of it. I will tell ye my deepest secret.”
Rona rolled her eyes and shook her head. “’Tis no secret that ye love Aaron.”
Brighid huffed. “What makes ye think that’s my deepest secret?”
“Ha,” she exclaimed, smiling. “So ye do love him!”
Her aunt scowled and shook her head. “What do secrets and lovin’ Aaron have to do with each other?”
“They are one and the same.” She grinned. “Ye just got turned around in yer own set-up.”
“Aye, mayhap.” Brighid winked. “But at least yer bonny smile has returned.” She urged Rona to stand so she could look her over. “And a dress like this deserves its owner to be verra happy indeed.”
The garment was exceptional. Cinched at the waist with gold material, the arms and skirt were flowy, and the material so fine it barely made a sound when she moved.
“Ye look fit to be wedded, lass.” Brighid’s gaze was misty. “Come, sit next to me a moment so we can talk as we should.”
“I thought we were talking.” She perked one brow then another. “All ye have to do is admit ye love Aaron. That would make ye a true expert on giving romance advice and all.”
“Och, we were just teasing and jesting.” Brighid tried to cover her tracks, circling the conversation back around to what she thought was good logic. “Though ‘tis always best to take my advice.” She shook her head, grabbed the ring, sat, and patted the bed beside her. “Nonetheless, that isnae what ye need to necessarily hear right now.”
Yet she suspected that was precisely what she would get from her aunt.
“Ye’ve told me everything, and I am happy ye confided in me,” Brighid began when Rona sat. “Though I cannae help but wonder what still has ye so conflicted because ‘tis clear in yer eyes ye are.”
Brighid considered her then went on. “Whilst ‘tis a hard thing to accept the love ye two gave up, ye said yerself Colmac being the sort of man who would do that for his brother, was part of why ye loved him. Not only that but ye’re not the sort of lass who would begrudge the actions of youth.” She gave her a pointed look. “Now ye’ve been given far more than most. Not only do both clans approve of the match,” her eyes grew round as saucers, “but Bróccín has given ye and Colmac his blessing from the afterlife.”
“So what is really bothering ye?” Brighid continued. She tilted Rona’s chin, so their gazes were aligned. “Because I know ye love Colmac with all yer heart. What, then, is holding ye back from sliding that ring on yer finger where it belongs?”
Honestly, once she sifted through her emotions, she knew the truth of it. “Fear.”
“Fear of what, lass?” Brighid asked gently.
“Of caring so much again,” she murmured. “Of loving a man so deeply who has the ability, if he sees no other recourse, to turn from me once more.”
/> “Aye, but ‘twas a lad who turned from ye all those years ago,” her aunt reminded. “And a man who turned back.”
“Colmac was a man fully grown when Bróccín and I were betrothed for years,” she reminded, “and he never put a stop to it. He was willing to let me marry his brother.”
Brighid’s gaze widened again. “Och, ye cannae fault him for that, lass. He was but seeing through a decision he made long ago.” Her eyes rounded even more. “What kind of man would he be if he tried to break up the love ye and Bróccín found?” She shook her head. “No man ye should be marrying, that is for sure.” Before Rona could respond, her aunt tucked the ring in her palm, quite serious. “Whilst my heart is truly saddened that Bróccín is gone ‘tis overjoyed that ye’ve another chance at love. A love that has been trying to flourish for far too long. Dinnae deny yerself that, lass. Not for fear. Not for anything in the world.”
“’Tis hard to imagine finally…” She broke off, almost afraid if she voiced it, she would awaken from a dream.
“But imagine ye must, lass,” Brighid insisted. “Ye must let go of the past, set aside yer fear and embrace love once more. Life is fleeting, Rona.” Emotion burned in her gaze. “Dinnae make the same mistake I did and turn from love yer whole bloody life when ‘tis ripe for the taking.”
“Och, Auntie.” She squeezed Brighid’s hand, glad to finally hear her admit such. “Aaron then, aye?”
Brighid eyed her for a moment, her cheeks rosier by the moment before she at long last relented. “Aye.” She sighed. “We have been so busy fighting what’s in front of us, the years fell behind.” She shook her head. “Dinnae let that happen betwixt ye and Colmac. Enjoy yer youth together.” Hope shimmered in her gaze. “Have some wee bairns for me to watch over, aye? Wee ones to love as much as I do ye.”
“Wee bairns?” Rona murmured, thrilled at the idea of little ones running around.
“Aye.” Brighid gave her a look that said she better answer correctly. “Ye’ll be wanting them, aye?”
“I had thought little about it ‘til now,” she said softly.
“’Tis telling that.”
She looked at her aunt in question, and Brighid continued. “’Tis telling that only now I see that whimsical smile on yer face when speaking of wee bairns. ‘Tis even more telling that ye didnae think about them all the time ye were betrothed.” Her brows arched. “Yet now ye do with naught but a ring in yer palm and no solid commitment.”
That was telling, indeed.
“The pipes are trilling,” Brighid went on. “’Tis time to go below stairs for the ceremony.” Her aunt looked her over one last time then nodded with approval. “Ye’re a fine sight, my lass. Verra bonny.”
“Thank ye.” She smiled at the lovely dress Brighid wore and the way she had pinned her hair back in a fashionable bun. “As are ye, Auntie.”
“Och, nay.” She waved off the compliment. “I stopped being bonny years ago.”
“Ye’re verra bonny and turn the lad’s heads just fine.” They stopped at the door. “Especially the one.” Rona rested her hand on Brighid’s forearm and met her aunt's eyes. “And ye’re wrong, ye know.”
Brighid’s brows swept up. “About what?”
“Ye’ve still plenty of years ahead,” she said. “’Twould be a shame if ye didnae cherish them the way God intended.”
Brighid muttered under her breath, yet did not deny the possibility.
“What of ye, my lass?” She looked from the ring to Rona. “Will ye cherish the years ahead as the good Lord intended?”
She gazed at the ring one last time and finally came to a conclusion—one she hoped she would not regret—then gave Brighid her answer.
Chapter 12
Though tempted to pace, Colmac stood in front of the fire with Tiernan and tried not to stare at the landing above. Would Rona be wearing the ring? Or had she decided against it? He could barely think straight not knowing.
Tiernan’s amused gaze flickered from the landing to Colmac. “Ye arenae really with me, are ye?”
“Och, my apologies.” He sipped his whisky and shook his head. “I eagerly await an answer.” He flinched at the MacLomain chieftain. “To something I probably should have spoken to ye about first.”
“’Tis all right, friend.” Tiernan clapped him on the shoulder and grinned. “Yer lass knows she has my approval.”
“If only that were enough.” Colmac turned his attention to the fire. “There are no certainties in this.” He shook his head. “I might lose her before I have a chance to love her.”
“Love is a risk, is it not?” Tiernan looked to the landing again. “A risk that is yers to face.”
His heart stopped the moment he turned and locked eyes on Rona. She looked stunning in the red dress with her hair swept back. He swallowed, afraid to look at her hand, but she drew his attention that way by resting it over the other.
“She’s wearing it,” he whispered, hardly believing his eyes. “Thank the good Lord.” He glanced from Tiernan to Rona, grinning. “She’s actually wearing it!”
Despite his limp, Colmac bounded up the stairs, slowing just shy of her. He looked from the ring to Rona's lovely face, as Brighid peeked out from behind, her eyes merry. “Does this mean…”
When he trailed off, almost afraid to ask, a smile blossomed on Rona’s face. “Aye, Colmac, I will marry ye.”
“By the bloody rood,” he whooped, closing the distance. He swirled her once at the top of the stairs, cupped her cheeks, and kissed her soundly.
Brighid eventually cleared her throat, and Rona smiled against his lips. She pulled away, her gaze so soft and dewy, he was tempted to bring her to bed now then marry her later.
“Not to interrupt a good time,” Brighid grinned, “but I think the ceremony begins soon.”
Adlin had entered with a clergyman, and the boisterous crowd was quieting.
“Aye, ‘tis!” Colmac pulled Rona after him. “We dinnae want to miss this.”
She laughed. “I think they will wait for us to get down the stairs.”
Mayhap, but he refused to take any chances. He was finally marrying his lass and would see it done straight away. They joined several other couples in front of the clergyman and received their swaths of plaid. Adlin winked at them in passing and nodded with approval.
“Yer former chieftain is verra gifted with foresight, aye?” He wrapped their wrists with a plaid strip that happened to consist of MacLauchlin colors.
“Aye,” she mused. “Adlin’s always had a way about him.”
The clergyman had just started speaking when Aaron called out. “Och, wait for us!”
Rona’s eyes widened when Brighid and Aaron joined them. Her aunt smiled and winked. “As it happens, whilst I was giving ye advice, ye were doing the same for me, niece.”
Rona smiled as well. “I couldnae be happier for ye both.” She looked back and forth between them. “Truly.”
“Aye.” Aaron pulled a blushing Brighid close. “’Tis long past time.”
“Aye.” Brighid’s eyes sparkled when she looked at him. “We just needed to stop bickering for a moment to see what was right in front of us.”
“I always knew,” he assured. “’Twas ye who took a wee bit longer to see.”
“Och, nay.” Brighid’s brows whipped together, and she pulled back in astonishment. “I always knew ‘twas ye who couldnae see.”
He reeled her close again, clearly enjoying their banter. “So ye think.”
“Aye, I do think,” she flirted, batting her lashes. “And as long as ye realize what I think is the truth of things then—”
“Auntie!” Rona whispered.
Brighid’s gaze went to her. “What?”
Rona grinned. “’Tis time to get married already.”
Indeed, the clergyman had begun the ceremony.
Colmac faced Rona, truly amazed this day had arrived. One he had long given up on. Their gazes stayed with each other, as he said his vows first. “I, Colmac MacL
auchlin take thee Rona MacLomain to be my wife as the law of the Holy Kirk says, and thereto I pledge my troth.”
Her gaze turned moist, and she said hers in return. “I, Rona MacLomain take thee Colmac MacLauchlin to be my husband as the law of the Holy Kirk says, and thereto I pledge my troth.”
Once all the couples had exchanged their vows, the clergyman said his final words and they were at last bonded as man and wife. Wasting no time, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply, barely aware of the boisterous celebration resuming around them.
Until Adlin’s voice rose above all and the great hall quieted down once more.
“Whether they usually reside in the castle or not,” his eyes grazed over Colmac and Rona, “everyone who married this eve has been provided their own cottage for the night. After all,” he winked at the couples, “everyone knows the elves will be creating a ruckus so ‘tis best ye stay cozy by a fire to keep them at bay.”
“Och, I think they’ll be getting a wee bit more than cozy,” someone called out, invoking a round of chuckles.
“Ye’ll know which cottage is yers by what hangs on the door,” Adlin continued. “Now hurry along my fine folk. As Hogmanay dictates, expect a knock on yer door at midnight.” He grinned at the children. “Then later ‘tis time for the wee bairns to open their gifts, aye?”
“Aye,” they cried out.
After they congratulated Brighid and Aaron, with embraces all around, Colmac made swift work of retrieving their cloaks, scooped Rona up and strode out of the castle.
“Ye’re impatient,” she chastised, grinning.
“Verra,” he agreed. She would be too if she knew what was coming. The pleasure he intended to give her again and again. All night long if he had his way.
“There,” she exclaimed, pointing at a cottage through the driving snow. “It has our plaid tied to the front door.”
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