Page 61 of The Beast of the Highlands

“He is the finest,” Autumn confirmed.

Upon the announcement of their engagement, Flynn had set aside a considerable amount of money for Autumn’s family. Autumn was given the role as executor over that sum, however, providing the family with whatever they needed month to month. It had been something of a sore point for her father, who felt he was being treated like a child, but everyone knew it was for the best.

Maybe he is starting to see that is true…

Reaching the top of the makeshift aisle that had been rolled into place, Autumn smiled at the congregation as they stood for her. Soon enough, however, her gaze fixated on nothing but her beloved. He stood at the end of the aisle, attired in his usual shirt and belted tartan, looking so handsome he seemed like a fluke of nature.

And I am to marry him!

Giddy, she practically floated the rest of the way toward him. As he reached out his hand, taking her from Orwell, who had adopted the role usually held by fathers, Autumn knew all was well in the world. As long as she could bask in his love, everything would be all right.

“Ye look beautiful, lass,” he murmured, trailing his fingertips down the long strands of her loose hair, where wildflowers had been tenderly interwoven by Mary. A penance, of sorts, for her allegiance to Keira.

Indeed, as it turned out, Mary had also been held to ransom by that wicked woman. Keira had threatened Mary’s children and grandchildren and had even kidnapped one as proof that she was serious. If Mary had not given information, there was no telling what might have happened to that poor child, who had since been safely retrieved from Dunn Castle.

Autumn beamed with delight. “You look so delicious; I could nibble on you.”

“After the weddin’, lass.” He laughed heartily, and those in the front rows who had heard laughed with him.

Everyone took their seats and fell silent as the priest began the ceremony. The first recitals fell across the besotted pair, and it seemed like the world itself was holding its breath as they gazed longingly into one another’s eyes. And when the vows came, there were never more sincere words spoken, prompting many of the ladies in the congregation to shed a happy tear. And a few of the men, too. Namely Natters and Willis, who had both crumpled into weeping messes.

“I now pronounce you man and wife,” the priest concluded. “I wish you a long and prosperous life together.”

Flynn picked Autumn up and spun her around, before planting a passionate kiss upon her lips. As she held onto him, feeling deliriously happy, the congregation exploded into cheers. Raucous applause swelled around them as they kissed, and though the noise was deafening, Autumn heard nothing but Flynn’s sweet words.

“I’ll spend me life makin’ ye smile like that, lass.”

Autumn leaned into his ear. “I believe I have something that will make your smile widen, my love.”

“I told ye—after the weddin’.” He chuckled, planting another kiss upon her lips.

She grinned in response and lowered her voice to a whisper. “I am with child, my love. You and I will soon begin a family of our own.”

Flynn stared up into her eyes as she leaned back. “Is this a jest?”

“I would never jest about such a thing,” she replied, brushing his hair out of his face.

“I’m… to be a father?”

She nodded. “You are, my love, and you will be the greatest father.”

A howl of pure, unadulterated glee boomed out of his mouth, as he spun his wife around and around, clutching her so tight she did not know if he would ever let go. As the cheers of the congregation grew louder, the newly married pair gazed at one another in adoration and excitement, knowing that their lives would never be the same.

And that was nothing to fear, so long as they were together.

The End?