“Wait a moment, I wanted to introduce my—”
“My wife,” Artair said. “Get your own.” And with a grin he guided her through a welcoming crowd. He leaned over before they reached a large table in front of the hearth and said to her, “I’ll let them know you’re tired and—”
“No,” she said quickly. “They wished to show and share their joy for you. I will not deprive them of that; besides, I’m starving and the food looks delicious.”
“Thank you,” he said, squeezing her close up against his side, the many onlookers smiling wide at the loving show of affection.
Zia immediately knew who Cavan was. Taller than Artair, broader and ruggedly handsome, he had a confident stance and a warm smile. His arm was around a very beautiful, pregnant woman whose smile matched his own.
Before the loving couple could greet Zia, a woman stepped in front of them, beaming. Though sadness lurked in her lovely green eyes, she stood with grace and beauty that age had not marred.
She spread her arms wide, tears glinting in her eyes, and Zia stepped aside so Artair could greet his mother with a hug.
“I am so happy for you,” Addie Sinclare said, her arms tight around her son. When she finally loosened her grip, she looked past him to Zia. “Another beautiful daughter. How lucky I am.”
Zia went to her and gave her a hug. “I’m happy to meet you. Artair has told me much about you.”
Addie turned to Artair and teasingly said, “What gossip do you spread about me?”
“The truth,” Artair replied with a smile. “That you are a loving and wonderful mother.”
A tear spilled from Addie’s eye. She brushed it away and looked at Zia again. “Artair is a good man. I am proud of him. He will make you a good husband.”
Zia squeezed Addie’s hand. “I know. A man who respects and treats his mother well will do the same for his wife.”
Addie nodded. “You were taught well.”
“As you taught your son,” Zia said, and kissing the woman’s cheek, she whispered, “Thank you.”
Addie wiped another tear from her cheek. “Meet my oldest son Cavan and his wife Honora.”
Introductions were made, hugs and kisses exchanged, and finally Zia was able to sit and enjoy the feast that had been prepared for them, while getting to know Artair’s family.
“I am glad Artair wed a healer, and one whose skills precede her,” Cavan said. He and Honora sat across the table from Artair and Zia. “My wife hasn’t been feeling well of late,” he added, and his arm went protectively around Honora.
“Give Zia time to rest,” she protested. “She must be exhausted after her long journey.”
“Husbands usually worry needlessly,” Zia said, noting that Honora’s cheeks were ripe with color, her violet eyes sparkled, and her lips were flushed pink. She looked healthy, which was a good start.
“You but appease me,” Cavan said with concern.
Artair laughed and shook his head. “If it’s one thing Zia doesn’t do, it is appease.”
Zia leaned into the crook of her believed-to-be husband’s shoulder. “He’s right about that.”
“I think I’m going to like you,” Cavan said with a firm nod.
“You looked to be someone I could get along with,” Zia replied with her own firm nod.
Honora laughed. “You will fit well with the Sinclare clan.”
The festivities continued, food and drink devoured at a steady pace, with accompanying shared laughter and smiles. The celebration did not dwindle for several hours.
It was Addie, to Zia’s relief, who suggested that the new bride needed rest.
“Bless you,” Zia said with an uncontained yawn followed by a generous smile when she heard Addie order a bath prepared for her. “You know my thoughts. How wonderful.”
Addie stood. “I’ll help you.”
Zia shook her head as she dislodged herself from Artair. “No need. I can see to it myself. You stay with your sons.” She gave Artair a peck on the cheek and followed the young lass who had been directed to help her.
She was relieved that no one had insisted and followed her. She wasn’t accustomed to so much attention, and preferred the peacefulness of solitude. It gave her time to think or simply empty her mind and relax. At the moment, her body and mind screamed for rest.
The bedchamber she entered reflected Artair’s practical nature. It was orderly, with everything in place, and she laughed softly knowing it wouldn’t remain that way for long with her around. It might not be fair, but he wanted to play at husband and wife so he would have to suffer the consequences.