Page 13 of His Runaway Bride
***
THE ABBEY'S SMALL CHAPELhad been transformed for the occasion.Candles flickered, casting dancing shadows on the ancient stone walls, and the sisters had gathered wildflowers from the gardens, creating simple but beautiful arrangements.
Ewan stood at the altar beside Father Benedict, the elderly priest who had been summoned from the village.He wore his finest doublet, made of deep green wool that matched his eyes, with his clan plaid displayed proudly across his chest.Grant flanked him, both men wearing expressions of solemn dignity.
When the chapel door opened and Lileas appeared, escorted by Abbess Bethóc, Ewan felt his breath catch in his throat.She was more beautiful than he had ever imagined she could be, but it was more than just her appearance that struck him.There was a quiet dignity in the way she carried herself, a calm acceptance that she would stand by her decision.
When Lileas reached him, her eyes met Ewan's and held.He saw nervousness there, yes, but also trust.The knowledge that she was placing her future in his hands, despite everything that had passed between them, humbled him.
Father Benedict began the ceremony that would bind them both for eternity.
When the time came for them to exchange vows, he spoke the ancient promises with a sincerity that surprised him.
"I, Ewan MacNeil, forsaking all others, take thee, Lileas MacDonald, to wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, to protect and cherish, till death us do part."
When Lileas spoke her own vows, her voice was clear and steady."I, Lileas MacDonald, take thee, Ewan MacNeil, to husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, to cherish, and to obey, till death us do part."
The word 'obey' stuck slightly in her throat, but she forced it out, even as she silently vowed to herself that any obedience would have to be earned through respect and understanding.
Father Benedict blessed their union and pronounced them married.
Ewan turned to face his new wife, seeing the slight flush that colored her cheeks.Very gently, he reached up to cup her face in his hands.
"My lady wife," he said quietly, for her ears alone.
"My lord husband," she replied, the words feeling strange on her tongue but not unpleasant.
He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers in a kiss that was chaste and gentle, lasting only a few heartbeats but carrying the weight of promises and possibilities.When they parted, Lileas's eyes were bright with wonder.
The small gathering erupted in congratulations and blessings.
***
THE WEDDING REPASTwas held in the abbey's refectory, a simple meal that the sisters had prepared with obvious care.There was fresh bread still warm from the ovens, roasted fowl with herbs from the garden, and bottles of the abbey's finest wine.
Lileas found herself seated beside her new husband, acutely aware of his presence in ways that were both thrilling and terrifying.Every time his hand brushed hers as they reached for food, every time he leaned close to speak quietly in her ear, she felt a jolt of awareness.
"The sisters have outdone themselves," Ewan said, raising his cup in a toast to their hosts.
"They are dear women," Lileas agreed, watching with affection as Sister Margaret bustled about ensuring everyone had enough to eat."They've been so kind to me these past months."
"Ye'll miss them," Ewan observed, and there was understanding in his voice rather than criticism.
"Aye, I will.But..."She paused, then looked at him directly."I'm ready to see what lies beyond these walls."
"Then I look forward to showing ye."
As the meal progressed, Lileas found herself relaxing in his company.He was intelligent and well-spoken, with a dry sense of humor that matched her own.
***
THE TIME CAME TO DEPARTfar too soon for Lileas's comfort.Sister Margaret had helped her pack what few possessions she had at the abbey, but it was a pitifully small collection compared to the workshop she had left behind at her father's keep.
"I hate leaving with so little," she confessed to Ewan as they prepared to mount their horses."All my notes, my drawings, my equipment...it's all at MacDonald Keep."
"We'll manage," he assured her, helping her mount the gentle mare the abbey had provided for her use.
As they prepared to ride away from the abbey that had been her sanctuary for three months, Lileas felt a pang of loss that was sharper than she had expected.
