26. Chapter 26 - Ash

CHAPTER 26 - ASH

THE COURTYARD, STIRLING CASTLE - JUNE 18, 1291

A s my foot hit the courtyard after coming down the steps I saw Lochie, he was so handsome, clean and wearing a pale blue tunic that matched mine and we hadn’t even planned it. He also wore a long deep blue cloak that accentuated his gray eyes. His ginger hair was brushed back, the curls laying on his collar, his jawline had a close-cropped beard emphasizing the angles of his face. He was standing with his nieces and nephews. Archie and Ben were talking excitedly. Isla and Zoe were looking up at him adoringly. He was holding Jack in his arms and laughing at something Ben had said, but then he turned and his eyes fell on me. Even from across the courtyard I could see him take a deep breath. Then he smiled.

I smiled back.

He put his hand over his heart.

That was really really really... he was so big and hot, and he loved me so much, he had rescued me, he was my hero, about to be my husband. I had a million things to be afraid of, but it was all gone, looking at him as he stood in the courtyard of a castle in the bright morning dawn of a day in medieval Scotland. He was all mine. And the way he looked at me, it was as if I, Ash, a waitress who worked at the Palace Saloon, were the prize. If I could ask for one thing in this life, it was that Lochinvar would look at me like that to the end of my days.

He passed Jack to Magnus, and said something to his nieces and nephews, then strode toward me and met me halfway.

He said, his voice low and rumbling, “Ye are beautiful Ash, I am the most grateful man that ye are tae be mine.”

I smiled.

He put out his fingers to touch my cheek at my dimple, to lift my chin. He was going to kiss me — he leaned in, but then paused, his fingers brushing away. He straightened and put his hands behind him.

He said, “I look forward tae it.”

Fraoch clapped Lochie on the back and smiled at me. “Lady Ash, are ye ready tae marry our brother, Og Lochie? He’s a bit scrawny, he daena like tae fish, he daena hae a full beard yet, but he makes up for all his many failings with enthusiasm.”

Lochie laughed as red spread up his cheeks.

I met Lochie’s eyes. “Yes, I’m ready.”

He took my hand, enveloping it in his warmth and led me toward the chapel with his family following behind.