Page 12 of His Runaway Bride
Chapter 6: Bonds of Sacred Vows
The morning dawnedclear and bright over St.Agnes Abbey, and Ewan stood at the window of the guest chamber gazing at the blue sky.
She had said yes.After months of rejection, humiliation, and wondering if he would ever see this day, Lileas MacDonald had agreed to become his wife.The relief that flooded Ewan was so profound it left him weak-kneed.
He had barely slept, his mind replaying the moment when she had finally nodded her acceptance.That gave him hope for their future.
A soft knock at his door interrupted his thoughts, and Grant entered carrying a basin of steaming water and clean drying cloths.
"Time to make yerself presentable for yer bride, laird," Grant said, setting down the basin."The good sisters have been bustling about since before dawn, preparing everything for the ceremony, and Patrick is readying the horses so we can leave soon afterwards."
Ewan nodded his thanks and moved away from the window."Have ye seen her?"
"Aye, I caught a glimpse of yer betrothed in the garden with Sister Margaret."Grant's expression grew more serious."Are ye certain about this, laird?Taking a wife who ran from ye once?"
"I'm certain," Ewan said without hesitation, beginning to wash with the thoroughness of a man preparing for the most important day of his life."Whatever drove her to flee before, we'll work through it."
***
IN HER OWN CHAMBERacross the abbey, Lileas stood perfectly still while Sister Margaret and two other nuns fussed over her appearance.
"Hold still," Sister Margaret said, working carefully to braid flowers into Lileas's freshly washed hair."Ye'll be the most beautiful bride St.Agnes has ever seen."
"That's not saying much, considering how few weddings take place here," Lileas replied, trying to inject some humor into her voice despite the nervousness that made her hands shake slightly.
Abbess Bethóc, who had been quietly supervising the preparations, moved closer and took Lileas's hands in her own."Are ye certain, my dear?Once the vows are spoken, there will be no turning back."
Lileas met the older woman's eyes steadily, drawing strength from the wisdom and compassion she found there."I'm certain."
"Then ye have a solid foundation to build upon," the abbess said with a smile."Many marriages have flourished from far less promising beginnings."
Sister Margaret stepped back to admire her handiwork."There.Ye look presentable."
Lileas turned to examine herself in the small mirror the sisters had provided, and caught her breath at the transformation.The sisters had drawn her a bath earlier that morning, and she had been allowed the luxury of steaming hot water and fine soap scented with lavender and rosemary.Breathing in the lingering scent helped calm the butterflies in her stomach.Her dark hair had been woven with white flowers and ribbons, and the dress the sisters had found for her was simple but beautiful, made of soft blue wool that brought out the color of her eyes.
"I look and feel...different," she said softly, barely recognizing the woman in the mirror.
"Ye look like a bride," Abbess Bethóc corrected gently."Now come.Yer groom is waiting."
