Page 73 of The Eagle

Stuart rubbed his hand down the front of his person, willing the member to soften. “How much longer and why am I to remain in here?”

“Yer mother does not wish for ye to see Cait until she walks into the chapel.”

He looked out the window. “It should not be much longer.”

“We are to walk to the chapel now.” His brother motioned to the door. “Everyone is there.”

“Caelan,” Stuart began, “Do ye plan to marry?”

Caelan’s gaze swept past him to the view outside “I do not know. I doubt it.”

“Why?”

“Because I do not believe in love.”

“Ye do not love me then?” Stuart asked smiling. “I am devastated.”

Caelan looked up at the ceiling. “It is different with family. I care for ye and would die for ye. But to say that one feels so deeply for one woman. I find it impossible.”

“Let us go,” Stuart said and walked in front of his brother. He smiled hoping to be present when Caelan ate his words.

Once they arrived at the chapel, the room was crowded, every pew overflowing with family, friends, and villagers.

He’d asked Darach to stand with him, but his other brothers had decided among themselves that they’d also stand at the front. The only one not at the front of the chapel was Duncan, who could not abide small, cramped spaces. He stood at the back by the door, but Stuart knew that he was as happy for him as the other four were.

At the sight of his four brothers in their Ross tartans and crests, he had to blink back proud tears as he walked up and stood to wait.

There was a hush in the chapel, every head turning.

A resplendent Cait appeared at the doorway, it was as if all the air left his lungs. Stuart could not look away from the beauty that seemed to glide down the center of the church on her brother’s arm. A proud Torac escorted his sister, his gaze straight ahead.

When they stopped at the front of the chapel, the warrior met his gaze. “Protect her always.”

Throughout the entire service, Stuart could not pull his gaze from Cait. She was stunning. Her face was serene, but excitement shined from her eyes.

He could barely speak the vows, his voice shaking with emotion. When Cait spoke hers, she smiled up at him as tears slipped down her cheeks.

When the cleric pronounced them husband and wife, his heart could barely contain the emotions. They walked out of the chapel, his hand on the small of her back protectively. This was the woman he would live out his days with and would never allow harm to come to.

A rush of pride came over him when he looked over and met Duncan’s gaze. There was a sense of understanding, acknowledgement of how one becomes a better man with the right woman beside ye.

The guests followed them to the great hall that had been decorated with wildflowers and branches. It looked festive and he looked to Cait who took in the space.

“Is it not beautiful?” she asked in an awed tone. “This is much too special.”

He pulled her against his side. “Ye deserve this and more.”

The rest of the day was filled with revelry and celebration and it was a time that he vowed to keep in his memory forever.

When the musicians played a lively tune, Stuart partnered with his mother. They laughed the entire time while dancing, and when he stole a glance to Cait, she was smiling widely and clapping along.

A hush came over the crowd as Darach carried Isobel into the great room. Everyone cheered when she made a show of waving to them as they passed and settled at the high board.

Greer and her helpers outdid themselves with a wonderful feast. There was plenty of food for everyone to have their fill and wine was poured freely to those in attendance. By the time they finished eating and the music continued, Stuart noticed that Cait was tiring.

“Ye should see about the final celebration,” his mother said as they walked back to the high board. “It is time for us to take Cait away.”

Both of their mothers along with another pair of women ushered his blushing bride from the room.