“Madeline, I do not believe Kenneth would bother you today if he was still alive. If he was able, he would have come before today to try and stop you. He will not bother us, sweeting. I believe your stepbrother is dead. I don’t know how he could have evaded my men and everyone else in the area unless he was dead. I just wish I had been able to bring you proof of it.”
Alex leaned in and nuzzled her neck.
“I missed you last night, lass.”
“I missed you, too. I apologize for Alice. She felt she owed it to my mother.” She grabbed his arms as she shivered in delight.
“‘Tis all right. I will be able to look at Father MacGregor today with a little less guilt. It will make tonight even more special.”
Maddie blushed. “Alex, I am still a little nervous,” she admitted.
“I know. But you know I need to make you mine tonight, aye lass? We will go as slow as you need, Maddie. If I have to wait one more day, I think I may explode. I need you desperately,” he whispered in her ear.
“Aye, I know, I want us to be a true married couple in all ways. I love you, Alex Grant. You have been so wonderful, and I would probably be lost without you. And you have never failed me. Just know that I am probably different than other women.”
Maddie turned and ran her fingers down the side of his face, stroking his cheek. “I am really the most concerned about the bedding ceremony. What exactly do you do here, what is your normal custom? I do not wish for anyone to see the marks on my body and have you anymore embarrassed than you already are.”
“Ah, I see your concern. Don’t worry, lass, there will be no bedding ceremony tonight. I will take care of it.”
“You would do that for me?”
“Och, lass, I would run through burning embers for you, you haven’t realized that yet?”
His smile melted her heart. He leaned down and kissed her softly.
“Thank you, I will be much more relaxed today knowing that I do not have to worry about that tonight.” She blushed a deep pink, smiling sheepishly
“And, lass, you have never embarrassed me. But you have made me proud many times. I consider myself to be a lucky man today.”
He reached into his tunic to retrieve a package.
“I wanted to give you something special on our wedding day.”
He handed her the small parcel wrapped in twine.
“Why no’ open it now, lass. I would know if it meets your approval.”
He gazed at her intently, yet seemed a bit nervous.
“But, Alex, I have no gift for you!”
“You are my gift, sweeting. Now open yours.”
She untied the twine and carefully pulled back the wrapping. Inside was a beautiful set of pearls.
“Oh, Alex, they are just like my mother’s.” As she ran the cool gems across her fingers, her hands trembled. Her eyes welled up with tears. “My mother gave me her set of pearls right before she died. They were a gift from my father. I treasured them, but Kenneth sold them.”
“I know. I confess that I had Father MacGregor’s help in this. He remembered your mother’s pearls so I asked him to search for them when he left a few days ago. I know they probably are not your mother’s, but I hope they are similar and will always remind you of her.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Oh, Alex, thank you. They are exquisite. I will always treasure them. Will you help me put them on?”
She lifted her hair so Alex could help with the clasp, then turned with a dazzling smile and said, “How do they look?”
“Almost as lovely as you,” he smiled.
Maddie giggled and threw her arms around him again. She kissed him thoroughly and said, “I think they will look perfect with my gown. I promise not to remove them today.”
Alex quirked an eyebrow at her comment. “I look forward to your promise, lass.” Changing the subject, he cupped her chin. “You realize what happened to you before was not your fault.”
“I know that now. But Kenneth made me feel guilty about everything I did. He was extremely critical, and Niles was just cruel.” Maddie gazed off into space as she talked.
“But things are different here. People appreciate what I do. I tried to live my life in a loving way before, but I was punished for it. But my mother’s teachings are still in my heart. I cannot change that.”
“Kenneth and Niles were sick, twisted men. I promise you it will never be like that between us. Do you believe me, lass?”
“Aye, I do, Alex.” Maddie reached up, cupped his face and kissed him lightly.
Alex heard yelling below. He brushed her lips with another quick kiss and pulled her back down the stairs. He turned at the bottom and kissed her knuckles, “Until tonight, my lady.”