Page 107 of Forbidden Knight
“And do you, Thomas MacKelloch, Earl of Kincaid, take Alesone Elyne Buchan to be your lawful wedded wife?” Nicholai asked.
Love filled Thomas as he looked at the woman whom he loved with all his heart. “I do.” Cheers rose within the great hall as he sealed his vow with a kiss. Amidst the roar of approval, he and Alesone turned toward the crowd and drew.
“May I present my wife, Lady Alesone MacKelloch,” Thomas announced.
Yells of approval again filled the chamber, and well-wishers rushed forward to offer their congratulations.
The Earl of Kinlock stepped before his daughter. “The eve I saw you at the Bruce’s encampment, you looked so familiar. Now I understand why.” A tender smile touched his mouth. “You resemble your beautiful mother. King Robert said you were an extraordinary woman, and I am anxious to learn more. There is so much to discuss, so much time to make up, but nae on your wedding day.”
Alesone sniffed. “I look forward to getting to know you as well. My humble thanks for being here to give me away.”
“I wouldna have missed this day, and I wish you every happiness.” Her father’s assessing gaze cut to Thomas. “Our king speaks of you with high praise, a fact that bodes well in my eyes. But, if you make my daughter unhappy, ’twill be me you answer to.”
“I swear that I will cherish her always.” Nor would he mention that Alesone needed little aid holding her own. “You are always welcome within our home.”
Satisfaction glinted in his eyes as the earl stepped back, and the crowd of well-wishers rushed forward with congratulations.
* * *
A short while later, Thomas stood with his Templar warriors, still stunned by his father’s gift of his mother’s book of drawings and stories. He would cherish it always. He downed the last of his wine.
“I am happy for you, Thomas,” Aiden MacConnell said. “Alesone is a beautiful lass, but a woman and a family are nae my desire. I prefer the life of a warrior.”
Cailin scoffed. “One day, Aiden, you may meet a lass who will turn your head.”
“After the battles I have fought,” Aiden scoffed, “I doubt one simple lass will ever present a challenge.”
A smile touched Stephan MacQuistan’s eyes as he glanced at Thomas.
Thomas returned his friend’s grin, remembering how months ago when they’d fled France he’d believed the same. Then he, as Stephan, had found love. His gazed shifted to Alesone, and warmth filled him. Aye he’d enjoyed celebrating with friends, but hours had passed since he’d made love to his beautiful wife, and he’d wait nay longer. “I will see you in the morn.”
“As if you will get any sleep,” Aiden teased.
Thomas winked. “I didna say that I had planned to rest.”
His men laughed, but Thomas ignored them and focused on the woman he loved, the woman who would forever hold his heart. He wove through the throng, and pulled her against him. “Come away with me,” he whispered in her ear. “I want to run my tongue over every naked inch of you.”
A wicked sensual light shimmered in her eyes. “I think turnaround is fair play,” she replied, her voice low, “except this time when I take you in my mouth, I willna show mercy.”
The air left him in a rush as his body went up in flames. He tugged her with him and hurried toward the turret. “I am counting on it.”
With a laugh, she bolted up the steps. Thomas followed, thankful for this woman in his life, one he adored, and one he would love forever.
