Page 134 of Highlander's Hunted Bride
“Then ye will need more,” Catriona said, her eyes twinkling.
Emma and Ava exchanged looks, and it took all of Emma’s will not to burst into laughter.
Meanwhile, guests filled the benches, and musicians tested a reel and then settled on a gentler melody. Duncan took Stella from the nurse and bounced her until she giggled, and the baby extended both hands toward Emma when she came into view.
Emma held Ava’s fingers for three steps, then let go and walked alone. The wild lilies trembled in her hand where Jack’s climb had broken the stems. She liked them better that way. Honest flowers.
Won, not bought.
Like her.
Jack stood beneath the arch, with the handfasting cord draped over his forearm. There was still mud on the heel of his boot, but it seemed he had not noticed.
He did not take his eyes off her.
She reached him, but they did not touch yet. The priest spoke the blessings. The air felt steady, and the world seemed smaller in a good way.
Jack tied the knot around her hand, the strip of cloth warm from his palm. He leaned close enough so that only she could hear the next words that escaped his mouth.
“Ye saved me, lass,” he whispered. “In ways ye daenae ken.”
Her throat tightened. “And ye gave me a home,” she said. “And a family.”
He kissed her, not rushed and not for show.
Perhaps just a little bit for show.
The hall erupted with cheers that bounced off the walls. Duncan lifted Stella high like a banner, letting the baby squeal and clap in excitement.
“Ma-ma-ma,” Stella cried, her voice clear as if she had practiced.
Laughter rippled through the room. Emma laughed too, tears bright and light for once. Jack took her free hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles as if they were precious jewels.
Nothing about the day was perfect. The ribbon was crooked in places. The gown had taken a battlefield of pins. The seating would give Troy opinions for a month. The lilies looked like they had fought a fox.
But none of it mattered.
Jack stood with her, and she stood with him. Stella reached for them both, and when she called, “Ma-ma-ma,” as if it were a blessing, Emma believed it was.
The End?
