“Correction,” Finn said, with a proud tilt of his chin. “I’m yer best friendandman-at-arms. Ye cannae have one without the other.”
Alasdair’s glare was sharp enough to cut steel. “Well, can I have just me man-at-arms today?”
Finn made a show of nodding, all mock obedience. “Alright. Just for today.”
Alasdair muttered athanksunder his breath, but then the doors opened. The creak of the hinges echoed through the hall, and silence spread like a tide.
Lily walked in.
She was wearing a green dress that shone subtly in the lights all around her. Alasdair studied the looks on the guests’ faces, ranging from surprise to shock, and then turned back to Lily.
His brow creased in confusion as he watched her approach.
“That isnae the wedding dress. Nae that I complain,” he whispered almost to himself.
But that was the least of his concerns. The dress Lily was wearing accentuated her curves. The neckline ran low, a tempting sweep beneath her collarbone.
Beside him, Finn let out a low whistle.
“I’ll cut yer tongue if I have to,” Alasdair whispered through clenched teeth.
Finn laughed. “Ye are one very lucky man, Alasdair. That is yer wife.”
Alasdair nodded, his voice softening. “Aye, that is me wife.”
Lily’s eyes remained fixed on him as she crossed the hall, her steps steady and almost measured. He watched the way she gripped the flowers in her hand tightly, and his lips curled into a smile.
Finn leaned close again, his voice sharper this time. “If ye mess this up again, I’ll kill ye and feed yer body to the wolves.”
Alasdair almost smiled. “Daenae worry. Lily’s braithers-in-law already have that covered.”
“Good,” Finn said with a grin, folding his arms.
Lily reached him at last. She handed her bouquet to Sorcha, who had stepped forward to take it, and then faced Alasdair.
He bent slightly. “What happened to yer wedding dress?” he whispered.
“An accident,” she whispered back.
His eyes widened as they ran over her neckline. “Good God. I can almost see down to yer ribcage.”
Her lips curled into a smile. “Aye. ‘Tis the dress Valerie sent me a few months ago. Do ye think I’ll draw attention? That people will look at me?”
Alasdair let out a laugh that surprised even him. “Aye. Let them look. They should ken I’m marrying a masterpiece.”
The priest cleared his throat loudly, and the sound pulled them both forward. The crowd quieted. The ceremony began.
When it came time to exchange rings, Finn handed them over. Alasdair took the band and slid it onto Lily’s finger. The moment it settled, he felt something click into place inside him, like a lock giving way. Lily’s hand was steady as she mirrored the gesture, her eyes never leaving his.
They repeated their vows before the priest. The hall was silent but for the echo of their voices, and the priest eventually lifted his hands and gave the final blessing.
“Ye may kiss the bride.”
Alasdair leaned forward and kissed her softly at first, then harder when she kissed him back. The hall erupted in claps and cheers, but the sound seemed distant. All he felt at that moment was her lips.
When they pulled apart, Lily’s forehead brushed against his.
His breath tickled her ear as he leaned closer to her. “I cannae wait to tear this off ye later.”
