Bound to the Highlander(97)

Aileana walked toward the exquisite gown and grazed her fingers along its luxurious fabric.

“It’s not that delicate, believe me,” James said in a husky voice.

Aileana pulled him towards her and sealed her mouth over his. James’s hands went around her waist and pulled her body close. He hardened against her, causing her insides to coil in anticipation.

“I know I want you. I don’t want to wait any longer,” she said.

“Please don’t. We’ve been over this. I will not make love to you until you remember. I would feel like I was taking advantage of you and I won’t do that. Please understand.”

Aileana did understand, she loved him all the more for it, but it didn’t change the intensity of desire that flowed through her body every time he was near.

Watching Sheena and James fuss over where the flowers should be placed on the table, Aileana knew she loved them both more than she ever had, or at least more than she ever remembered.

Gwen collected her to dress. They linked arms and walked to Aileana’s room to begin the process of putting her into the gown.

“I remember helping you the first time,” Gwen said.

“So do I.”

“What?”

“I said so do I. I remembered this morning. Yesterday I remembered my wedding night and this morning I remembered preparing for it. Please don’t tell Aunt Sheena her plan worked. We’ll never hear the end of it.”

“So why are you still going through with this? You and James can, you know, disappear and be a married couple again.”

Aileana had remembered enough of her previous relationship with Gwen to be comfortable with her usual candour. Both women benefited from it.

“If you could relive the happiest day of your life again just one more time after losing it entirely, wouldn’t you?”

“Well, what did your husband say when you told him you’d remembered?”

“He doesn’t know. I shall consider it a wedding gift to him.”

Gwen smiled at her friend as she continued to help Aileana into the dress.

The women finished their task and proceeded to the chapel near the side of the castle. Gwen walked in first, as maid-of-honour for her dearest friend she positioned herself to the right of the clergy to make room for Aileana.

Many faces passed before Aileana’s eyes, memories of people congratulating them on their betrothal, listening to them as they told of raiders nearby and sitting at a feast in a lavish palace miles away.

Aileana saw so much in her mind’s eye as she walked up the aisle toward her husband. At last, only one face, the one in front of her—her past, her present and her future. James placed his hands on hers and they exchanged vows.

As they walked back to the castle to where the feast and all her guests waited, James whispered in her ear.

“Thank you for marrying me again.”

“Thank you for my dress. And especially for having the buttons stitched back on the bodice.”

James stopped and stared into her eyes. She beamed at him.

“There’s no way you could know that unless you remembered it.”

“I also remember how the buttons were removed in the first place,” she said. “I remember taking the dress from you the next morning and what followed. I’ve been deprived of those, and any new memories like them, for far too long. If it’s all the same to you, I’d like my husband back please. All of him.”

James and Aileana linked arms and entered the dining hall to address their guests. Perhaps they could skip the meal. She was hungry, but not for food. Sheena intercepted them and insisted they be seated before James had a moment to speak. The food was served and any chance they may have had to sneak away was delayed.

She was polite, but her body was taut with anticipation. When the music started, Aileana knew her chance to escape with her husband was near. They moved to the dance area, took position and moved together. One form made of two bodies. Free flowing heat move from his hand to hers. This was no memory and it turned her blood to fire.

When the dance ended, a wonderful soul in the back cheerfully called out, “Take ‘er upstairs!”

James didn’t hesitate. He scooped Aileana up in his arms.

“I believe I shall!” His declaration was loud enough for all to hear.

The crowd applauded.

James removed his wife from the staring eyes, up the stairs and to the master chamber formerly occupied by Aileana’s uncle and decorated for her and her husband; the Laird and Lady of Clan MacIntosh.

James walked through the doorway and kicked it shut with his foot. He carried her toward the bed and set Aileana on her feet, turning her around to begin the process once again of removing her from her gown. James was about half way through unfastening the tiny buttons when Aileana lost patience.