Chapter 28

CHAPTER 28

Centered in the middle of the makeshift wooden stage, Leona and Caelan stood hand in hand. All around them was a lively throng of friends, family, and strangers whose names neither would likely remember the following day. The music began, soaring and filling the air as voices called out.

As his strong arms encircled her, she felt a rush of both embarrassment and pure happiness. The world around them, as it often did, slowly began to fade into the twilight. He guided her, his steps more sure than her own.

"I dinnae realize that I was wed to such a fine dancer," she chuckled, raising her voice over the music and off-tune singing.

Caelan grinned, his laughter spilling out. "Oh, lass. I am fine in many things, but I'm afraid that dancin' is nae one of them. But," he offered her a mischievous, sly smile. "I am notably better than yerself. Ye keep steppin' on me toes."

Rolling her eyes, she stepped back from him and spun. All around them, couples did the same. Their movements mimicked and repeated.

"May I?"

Standing behind Caelan, with his hand on his shoulder, was Graham. His smile was infectious as he teasingly added, "To save the laird from the broken foot bones."

Caelan nodded and then turned to her. "Save the last for me, lass."

Graham was a much better dancer than both of them, from his practice when it came to courting lassies left and right. He moved swiftly, effortlessly, and did not bother to hide his charm when the pretty servants wandered by serving ale.

Finally, he guided her to the side. "I have a small gift for ye, sister."

Graham reached into the pocket of his jacket, pulling away something rectangular wrapped in parchment. Without even opening it, Leona knew it was a book. She slowly pried the paper away, revealing the fine leatherwork on the cover. She turned it, looking for a title or an author.

"It's blank?"

Graham ran a hand through his hair. "I thought ye'd make yer own."

Leona grinned before throwing her arms around his neck. She hugged him tight and thanked him for the gift, which was perhaps the nicest thing he had ever done for her.

"What's that?" Maisie asked, walking over with Isobel in tow.

Both women had dressed in similar dark navy gowns; even their hair had been styled similarly. Isobel's hair was adorned with flowers like a crown almost formed around her head in shades of pink and yellow.

Leona held up the book. "A gift from Graham."

Maisie gave him a teasing look. "Oh, such a sweet lad."

Graham rolled his eyes and excused himself from them. Leona watched, grinning as he walked away towards a seemingly unoccupied servant. Her gaze scanned the faces of the crowd, looking for Caelan. She spotted him after a moment and smirked. He was standing with her father, who was red-faced and appeared to be rambling on and on.

"Ye look bonnie," Isobel interrupted.

Leona turned, her gown swaying with her. "The dress is truly–"

"She said ye look bonnie," Maisie wagged a finger at her, her tone comically lecturing. "Nae the damn dress. Ye look like the most bonnie bride we have seen."

"Though, I cannae say I've been to many weddin's." Isobel frowned.

"Perhaps Maisie–"

"Nay, daenae ye dare say it," Maisie shook her head, laughter rising.

The three danced most of the night away, sipping on the wine that Maisie had sent for and picking at delectable morsels. Leona did not have much of an appetite, but she did find that she had a thirst.

As the moon moved slowly across the sky, she became more and more aware of the fact that soon, she would give herself to her husband. Her mind was a race of excitement and nerves; she did not know what to expect and was met by the sudden fear of not being good in the sense that Caelan was accustomed to.

With each movement, her body swaying to the music and the songs, she could feel his eyes on her. When she would turn to find him, his gaze was always already on her. There was something hungry, longing, almost begging from the way his eyes stayed on her.

"I believe," his voice said from behind, like a growl. "Ye owe me a dance."

Leona, fueled and brave from the drink, looked up at him. Her eyes narrowed, and she cocked her head to the side. "Are ye nae concerned of me steppin' all over yer feet?" She asked, raising a brow as she reached out, and he caught her.

He is so strong. Her hand wrapped around his arm, feeling the hard muscle underneath his clothing. Without much thought, she let her hand travel up to his shoulder and stepped forward.

Caelan leaned in, his breath hot against her skin. "Would ye like to stand on me toes to keep yer footing? Ye have been spinning for hours and have made even me feel a wee bit dizzy."

She laughed and then looked down at their feet. Carefully, she stepped up onto the tops of his, gripping his shoulders even tighter and with both hands to keep herself upright.

The band began to play. The song was more gentle than what she had been moving to with her friends. It was easier to sway to, turning the moment less comical and more intimate. Leona looked up at him, at her husband. She grinned, letting the word replay in her mind. "Husband."

"Aye?"

Leona chuckled, shaking her head. "I like how it sounds, ye ken?"

"Oh, aye. I ken it well," his voice held promise.

Caelan's hands were firm but still somehow gentle against her; she felt as if there was no way that she could fall if he was there to balance her. She took a deep breath, inhaling him in and letting the musky, pine scent fill her senses. He even smells good.

"Leona?"

"Caelan."

"When I said to stand on me feet, I was only makin' a joke."

Blinking, she quickly stepped down but stumbled . Leona let out a slight yelp as she felt herself reel backward. Her arms remained outstretched, reaching and grasping for him.

Caelan moved fast, stepping forward and sliding his hand around her waist. He steadied her, holding her almost in a dip pose. His eyes caught hers, reflecting the surprise she felt. "Ye caught me," she whispered.

He smiled, his eyes shimmering. "I will always catch ye, lass."

Slowly, he pulled her back up but refused to release his grip on her. His hand on the small of her back felt good. Leona felt her face heating up, wondering how many eyes had fallen onto them in her clumsy moment.

"Leona," his voice turned more firm. "Are ye ready for bed?"