CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Maddie paced in the great hall with Mac, Alice, Jennie and Brenna. Everyone else had been sent ahead to the chapel. Maddie reminded herself that today was her wedding day and by the end of the day, she would truly be Alex’s wife. She loved him with all her heart and she hoped that maybe with time, he would learn to love her.
Last night, she had considered the possibility of having Alex’s bairns, but she did not want to get herself too excited since the healer at the MacDonald keep had warned Alice that she may have been damaged by the Comming and would be unable to hold a man’s seed. She probably should have discussed this with Alex, but as Alice had said, no one knew the truth except God.
She refused to think about anything negative today. Looking at all the people she loved around her, she realized how fortunate she was to have found the Grants. Mac did a true favor that day when he sent the missive to the Grant chief. Maddie thanked God everyday for her blessings.
Robbie stuck his head in the door and said, “We are ready for you, my lady.”
Maddie smiled and moved to the door. She hoped Alex would think she was as lovely as she felt in her finery. As she moved outside, she noticed little Tommy proudly holding the reins of two white palfreys. One’s tail was woven with pink ribbons and one with blue ribbons. Tommy bowed to Madeline and said, “A gift for you from my laird, my lady!” He held out the reins of the horse with the blue ribbons to Maddie and held out the reins of the horse with the pink ribbons to Jennie. Jennie started to jump up and down, but was quickly chastised by Brenna. She dashed to the front of her horse and gave it a quick hug around the neck. Then Mac helped Jennie mount her horse and Robbie seated Maddie on hers.
Jennie’s finery was angelic, Alice had outdone herself with her stitchery. The sky was blue, there was a light breeze, and the air was warm for fall in Scotland. Tommy led Jennie and Maddie down through the courtyard to the chapel, while Mac, Alice and Brenna followed. Well-wishers greeted them in the courtyard, cheering as they progressed.
Maddie was pleased to see the number of people about, shouting out greetings. When they reached the chapel, Robbie helped her dismount and she waited while Alice and Brenna found their seats. Jennie, Maddie and Mac followed. Maddie stood at the back and waited for her eyes to adjust to the light. When they did, her gaze found Alex immediately at the front of the altar.
Maddie’s breath hitched at how magnificent her betrothed was in his attire. Alex dressed in a white leine shirt and wore his red and green plaid proudly, held with a jeweled brooch at his shoulder. Unable to tear her gaze from him, her body tingled at the sight of him.
Alex heard a few small gasps as soon as Maddie stepped inside. He turned his head to find her. Their gazes locked, and his breath caught at the sight of his beautiful bride-to-be. She turned sideways and he noticed her golden tresses cascading down her back interwoven with tiny flowers. The pearls he had given her draped across her neck. Her blue dress matched her eyes perfectly and when she smiled at him, he had to force himself not to react. The cloth of the dress clung to her curves as she glided toward him, her regal carriage befitting her noble birth. She carried the bouquet of dried flowers Tommy’s mother had given her and wore the beaded slippers that had been a gift. Catching Brodie’s stunned expression next to him, he elbowed him, hoping to jar him and force him to close his mouth.
Jennie skipped while throwing flower petals as she came down the center of the aisle. Alex knew he should be watching Jennie, too, but he could not take his eyes off his Maddie as she came toward him on Mac’s arm. When they reached the front, Mac kissed Maddie’s cheek and stepped back. Madeline placed her small hand in Alex’s large one and he was humbled. Her hands trembled, but when she gazed up at him, she calmed and his heart melted.
They turned together toward a beaming Father MacGregor. The couple said their vows while tears erupted on Alice’s cheeks. When Alex leaned down to kiss his bride, cheers exploded from outside the chapel.
The couple turned and smiled as Jennie rushed in front of them so she could throw more petals. They progressed outside, the vision of a happy couple with their broad smiles, waving to everyone in front of the chapel. Little Tommy handed Alex the reins to Midnight.
“Here you are, Chief!” Tommy beamed as he did his part, clearly proud to be chosen as part of the progression.
Alex mounted his horse and settled Maddie in front of him.
“Finally, you are mine!” he growled into her neck. Maddie proceeded to give him a kiss as the crowd roared.
Normally, they would have ridden around the bailey and even outside the gates. But with Kenneth possibly still at large, Alex had decided not to chance it. They pranced inside the bailey for a bit, then headed to the great hall for the feast.