Rescued by a Highlander(73)

“As for your question about Madeline as a wife, I cannot think of a finer woman for you. She truly has a heart of gold. She is one of God’s true gifts in my eyes, and he has finally sent her in the right direction. You may need a little more patience with her than with another, but you will not regret it. And if it is God’s will to bless you with bairns, then he will. Leave it in God’s hands, my friend.”

Alex nodded and felt a little weight lift off his shoulders. He relaxed as he thought of all Father MacGregor had said. He just needed more patience. Maddie was special.

As they turned to go back to the keep, he said, “Thank you, Father.”

Father MacGregor answered with a smile. “I vow you will not regret your marriage, Laird Grant.”

As Alex opened the door for him, he said, “And Father?”

“Aye, my son?”

“You prayed for the right thing. I thank you.” Alex smiled at him.

Father MacGregor beamed.





CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX




Father MacGregor left the next morning to visit a few of the neighboring clans, but Maddie didn’t mind. She was so excited he would be performing their ceremony. Only two more days remained before she became Alex’s wife and she found she wasn’t as nervous as she thought she would be. Alex and his men left early again, but she decided she no longer wanted to know why.

She spent the morning putting her wonderful new gifts in new places. The embroidered cloths she saved for the wedding since she wouldn’t be able to finish her own with a broken arm. She found very special places for her flowers, both fresh and dried. One arrangement was placed on the hearth in the great hall and another on the main table. Her favorite earned a place in her chamber.

Her lavender scented soap, however, was special and would be saved until the day of the wedding.

She held the beaded slippers in her hands when Jennie flew down the stairs at her.

“Maddie, Alice needs you to come up for another fitting.”

“Another one? I thought she finished. Are you she sure she needs me now?”

Jennie nodded and spun on her heels, giggling.

“All right, I will be right there.” Maddie headed for the stairs, Jennie close at her heels.

“I really do not think she needs your help. You can play with your new pup,” Maddie explained as she climbed the stairs.

“Oh, nay, I want to watch,” Jennie replied.

Madeline stepped into the solar, surprised to see Alice was crying.

“Alice, what is wrong?” Maddie asked.

“Oh nothing, Maddie. I am just so happy for you. I never thought I would see the day of your wedding after all we have been through.” Alice wiped her tears and walked around the table.

Out from beneath a cloth, Alice pulled out the dress and held it up in front of Maddie for her inspection.

Maddie gasped. “How did you-where did you-oh! But it is beautiful.”

“Your betrothed arranged for the material. It is the perfect shade of blue, don’t you think? Try it on, please Maddie!”

Brenna entered just in time to help Maddie slip the dress on over her broken arm. Maddie stared, unable to speak. Jennie smiled and clapped.

“It is perfect. You will make a stunning bride,” Brenna said with tears in her eyes. “My brother is truly fortunate. Finding you has been such a blessing for him.”

All Maddie could get out was, “How?”

“Alex and Robbie sent a missive with the messenger to the King. He had him stop at a shop in town and bring back bolts of cloth. He actually brought several bolts back, Maddie. You have many more to choose from, many shades of blue. Alex must like your blue eyes!” Brenna exclaimed. “And those beaded slippers you brought will match perfectly.”

“Loves her, Brenna. I think Alex loves Maddie!” Jennie shouted.

“Do you think so, Jennie?” Brenna asked with a smile on her face.

“Aye, I see him kissing her sometimes. Right, Maddie?” Jennie grinned.

Maddie continued to stare at Alice’s work. She fashioned a pastel gown with tiny beads over the bodice and thin and silky sleeves, adjusted so they could accommodate the wood and the linen straps on her left arm. Alice had sewn ribbons around the neckline and at the end of the sleeves and the hem. After she removed it, she hugged Alice. “It is the most beautiful gown I have ever seen. Thank you. You even managed to make it fit over my broken arm. How did you do that?”

Alice could not stop crying. “Oh, Maddie, you know I would do anything for you. If only your mother could see you.”

“She will be there, Alice, she will be with me in spirit. And so will my father.”

***

Several hours later, Maddie still sighed every time she thought of Alex’s thoughtfulness. He certainly was a man full of surprises. She had thought very hard about what she could do to thank him for his generosity. Unfortunately, she could only think of one thing, but it would have to wait until he returned. She had asked Robbie to come and get her when he noticed Alex returning.