Circle Of Honor Part 30

He took her hand, then faced the crowd. "Twice I have spoken vows with this woman, once as a handfast spouse, and again with a priest. Both times against her will." He smiled at her. "And against my will as well."

Whatever did he plan to do? She implored him with her eyes to give some hint of what was to come, but he only shook his head and graced her with a tender smile.

"Gwenyth Comyn should be my enemy. But she and her cousin have reminded me that a Scot's only real enemy is a dishonorable man, no matter what his birth."

She glanced at the crowd and saw they had moved closer to hear. And still she didn't know why she was standing beside Adam, why he hadn't yet taken the oath.

"Trust me," he mouthed.

She smiled and relaxed. She trusted this man as she trusted no one else on earth. He'd proven worthy of her confidence in him many times over. Aye, she trusted Adam Mackintosh with her life.

And, yes, with her heart as well.

To the crowd he said, "Before I take the vow to be your chieftain, I will marry this woman properly, in front of witnesses, with both of us willing." Then he spoke for her ears only. "If you are not willing, you are free to leave. With Balliol out of the country the king has lifted his sanctions against you. You may seek an annulment on the grounds you were coerced."

She had no time to show her surprise, for he leaned closer and whispered in her ear. "I'll not keep you here against your will and have you resent me and my touch. I love you, Gwenyth. I only wish it was enough to hold you."

A weight lifted from her heart. "Who said it wasn't?"

He gazed at her, his heart written there upon his face for anyone to see. "Gwenyth?"

"I love you, Adam."

As if drawn by the magic of these newly admitted feelings, Gwenyth leaned into his embrace. His lips found hers, and she wrapped her arms about his neck. This was the man she trusted, with her very heart and soul. Soon she would trust him with her body as well.

The priest cleared his throat, and they parted. The look in Adam's eyes promised he'd not wait long to repeat the kiss.

Adam faced his clansmen once more. "Now is the time to voice your objections to this marriage. Now, before I take the oath as chief, while you can still choose another. For I will have Gwenyth as my wife."

She drew in her breath. "You would refuse to be laird?" she whispered, incredulous.

Facing her, holding her hand, he blocked her view of his anxious clan, effectively shutting out the rest of the world. "I would."

"I couldn't let you do that."

"You couldn't stop me."

Her remaining tension melted and she laughed and shook her head. "You are impossible."

With a wicked grin, he agreed. "Aye. Will you marry me anyway?"

"Again?" she teased.

His voice was thick as he replied, "For real, this time. In the name of love, honor, and loyalty."

She threw her arms around his neck. "Oh yes, Adam. Yes."

He kissed her thoroughly, then with a c.o.c.ky nod of satisfaction he turned back to the waiting crowd. "Well?" he bellowed.

Not a soul raised an objection.

A beaming Adam nodded to the priest, who bade them kneel. Then Gwenyth and Adam promised, for the third and final time, to cleave only to each other, forever. When the priest asked if they wished to exchange rings, Gwenyth glanced at her finger where her mother's ring still rested.

She looked in Adam's eyes. "Once I promised you my loyalty for a year and a day. Today I promise that and more. Forever."

His eyes shone bright, and she could swear his hand trembled as he waved to Seamus, who stepped forward and placed another ring in the priest's outstretched palm. He blessed it, then gave it to Gwenyth. There in her hand lay a replica of her mother's circlet, large enough for Adam.

Tears stung her eyes as she fixed it on his finger and watched him push it into place while the priest reminded them, "The ring is a sign of G.o.d's eternal, never-ending love. 'Tis a circle of honor, and it symbolizes a love that even death cannot destroy. G.o.d bless you both."

Gwenyth didn't hear the resta"couldn't hear or see anything or anyone but the man she loved and trusted, with all her heart.

At the end of the ceremony, they rose to their feet and Adam escorted her to stand beside Seamus, whose bemused look mirrored Gwenyth's own fluttering emotions.

Adam moved back to kneel once again before the priest. His voice was strong as he made his pledge to Clan Chattan. "I will uphold and defend my clan with my honor and my life, so help me G.o.d."

And then it was over, and they were surrounded by everyone wishing them well. Emotions ran high, and Gwenyth saw Eva wipe her eyes. Propelled away from her by back-slapping clansmen, Adam nevertheless managed to make eye contact with her. He smiled and winked and said, "Later."

LONG AFTER MIDNIGHT, the sounds of celebration drifted from the bailey to the huge bed in Adam's chamber. Later had finally come, when trust and need overcame reluctance and two had become one.

Gwenyth pulled away from Adam's embrace and chuckled at the evident look of disappointment on his face. Certain of herself, certain of the man she held in her arms, Gwenyth had gladly surrendered heart, soul, and body to her husband. Adam's gentle patience had dimmed the distant memories of Leod's cruelty. She did not fear the future, for Adam would never betray her.

"Tell me about this tapestry you made for my wedding gift. 'Tis beautifula"Daniel in the lion's den, isn't it?"

"I made it to remind me of all that you've taught me, beloved. But none of it would matter had you not reminded me of the most important thing of all."

"And what is that?" Adam asked.

"Victory always belongs to those who do G.o.d's will. No matter how difficult the situation, you must trust G.o.d."

"Aye, sometimes it is hard to know his will, or knowing it, to obey. But it has turned out well for us."

His bemused gaze turned most definitely hungry, his grin roguish. "This last lesson will take many sessions. It can't all be taught at once."

"Then pray we have many years to continue my education."

He pulled her into his arms. "Is this the same woman who so reluctantly accepted my attentions until now?"

"Nay," she whispered. "That woman was a hurting creature who knew nothing of the power of love to heal."

As his head bent to seal their love with a kiss, he murmured, "To everything there is a season . . ."

end.