Chapter Five

Alex stared transfixed into Cora's sky blue eyes while the priest spoke words that would bind their lives together. He marveled at how quickly life could change. The day before, he had set out from Sonas clinging to the desperate hope that Clan Ross and MacKenzie might align against a common enemy. And now, not only had an alliance been forged, but somehow the fairest of angels stood before him without fear, pledging to cherish him all the rest of her days. It seemed too good to be true, and yet her warm hand filled his, proving she was not merely the stuff of dreams. She stared boldly up at him, beyond his imperfect facade to the man within, and in her eyes he glimpsed one unmistakable emotion that burned like wildfire deep inside his soul—hope.

With vows exchanged and the final blessing spoken, the priest turned to Alex and bid him kiss his bride. He stepped closer. A slow smile curved his lips. "May I?" he whispered.

Her full lips parted. She reached up and cupped his cheek. Her touch set his already racing heart to thunder in his chest. He dared not breathe as he wrapped his arm around her slim waist and gently pulled her flush against him. Her luminescent blue eyes bore into his. Slowly, he bent his head. Their breaths mingled and then hitched as their lips touched, hesitant at first, but then a blaze of heat coursed through him as her arms circled around his neck. Their kiss deepened, and for a moment the world was forgotten.

Too soon, onlookers surrounded them, calling out words of congratulations. He smiled in return, angling his scars away from the crowd, but to his surprise Cora shrank away from her kin, drawing nearer to him. The closer people came, the further she retreated. Instinctively, he stepped in front of his new bride, and with purpose, he shifted sides so that his scars would greet the clan. The usual surprise crossed peoples' faces, and they became more hesitant. He glanced down at his wife who had tucked closer to his side as though she wished to disappear beneath his skin, to hide away, and for the first time in his life he was grateful strangers kept their distance.

"Have ye no wish to greet your clan, Cora?"

She shook her head.

He grazed the back of his fingers gently down her cheek. "Such deep secrets ye keep." She was heating up in his arms. "I'll get ye inside," he promised. Then he turned to Jamie. "Greet the villagers on our behalf." As off-putting as Alex could be, Jamie was as approachable. His charm and winning good looks put everyone at ease.

Alex passed William who was speaking in confidence with the priest. "We shall welcome your company in the great hall when ye're ready."

Then he turned with Cora on his arm and disappeared behind the altar, leaving by way of priestly quarters to avoid the sea of villagers eager for a glimpse of Cora after so many years. When they at last entered the quiet of the great hall, she moved from his side. He regretted the loss of her touch and heat.

Eyes downcast, she said, "Thank ye. I'm not accustomed to crowds."

"Neither am I. Jamie often accuses me of being more comfortable in the company of animals than I am with people."

She raised a brow at him. "Is that true?"

"That's enough questions for now, Cora," William said as he passed into the room. "Ye'll have time to get to know one another on the journey to your new home."

"I do not wish to rush the Lady Ross—" Alex began, but William interrupted.

"The Lady MacKenzie is anxious to leave."

Alex felt his face warm when he heard Cora's new name. He looked down at her. Her fisted hands belied her calm smile.

"I'll not rush ye, Cora. We could take a fortnight or so here."

William drew closer. "Nay, ye must leave today, now in fact. There's an ill-look to the clouds. They warn of trouble that cannot be far. Do not linger on your journey. Make your way swiftly to Sonas."

Cora's eyes darted to her father and then back to Alex. "How many days ride?"

"A day and a spell if we set a modest pace," Alex said.

"I've packed a bag for ye, Cora." William pointed to a satchel by the gate. Once more Alex was struck by the lack of servants in the keep. He knew a lame man did not manage the entire castle alone, but whoever helped did so unseen.

"Her trunks, dowry, and supplies for your clan will follow after. I will send as much grain as I can spare." William reached out and laid his hand on Alex's shoulder. "Hold fast to who ye are. Do not allow others to turn your head away from your heart."

"I am my own man," Alex said in reply.

William nodded his approval. "I'm counting on it." Then he turned to his daughter.

CORA RUSHED INTO HER da's arms. "Please," she whispered. "I don't want to leave ye. Ye're going to need me. Who will take care of ye? Who will see to your comfort?"

"Ye know I'll be cared for. This is your chance, dear girl. I've had mine." William kissed her brow and held her close. "Everything is going to be fine."

"But what if it's not, Da? What if—"

"'Tis done. At last ‘tis done, and I have peace in my heart. He's the one," William promised.

She nodded, swallowing her fear and doubt. Let her father have his peace. After all the heartache he had known, it was the least he deserved during his final days.

She threw her arms around his neck one last time. "I love ye, Da."

"Cora, my precious girl." He pressed a kiss to her wet cheek. "Nay, love," he admonished gently. "Shed no tears for me. Ye're looking at a happy man. My heart bursts with pride. Go now, my love." William's gaze shifted to Alex. "Ye belong by his side now."

Fighting for courage, she forced a smile to her lips. "I love ye so much," she said, stressing each word. Then she turned and crossed the yard to where Alex waited with a horse. The speckled mare reared up as she approached. Alex grabbed the reins and stroked a soothing hand down the horse's side.

"Hush, lass," he crooned to the mare. After a few moments, the horse quieted. Once more, Cora stepped closer, but the mare retreated, tugging the reins in Alex's grasp. Again, he soothed her with a gentle touch.

"Come," he said to Cora. "Do not be afraid."

She approached again and this time the mare remained still. Alex helped her mount. "We will set a slow pace until ye both get used to each other."

Alex led her beyond the battlements of Dun Brae, the only home she had ever known. Despite how she wished to look back, she kept her eyes trained on the road ahead. She had said goodbye to her father, and in her heart, she knew she would never see him again.