Chapter Twenty-Two #2
“All is well, wee lad,” Marion said to him. “You do not need to like the lasses. I am sure you will find out who you like in your own time, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
His little face lit up as she spoke to him, which warmed Alexander’s heart.
The little ones needed a mother figure in their lives, and while Jean had done the best she could, she needed a little mothering herself.
He was grateful Marion would be around to help her prepare for her own wedding which she had indicated she wanted to have during Yuletide as it was her favorite time of the year.
Alexander had gladly approved and would have done anything else she asked, so pleased was he that she did not hold any anger toward him from his mistake.
Once the meal ended, they all sat around the large hearth watching little Archie put on a show of telling stories.
This, right there, was the only blessing Alexander needed to be fulfilled.
They didn’t need any of the extravagance they’d experienced at Linlithgow Palace, and he would be forever grateful that Marion did not expect it or crave it, for it appeared she was as contented as he in spending their time with family in such a modest manner.
“Thank you, again, brother,” Alain said from beside him. “I believe you have made me happier than I could have ever imagined.”
“It is nothing short of what you deserve, my friend. I have always felt you to have the semblance of gentry, despite your heritage.”
“I would have your father to thank for that; you know it to be true.”
“Aye, he saw in you the man you would become, and I am proud to add you to the family. And before long, you will be adding to it even more!” Alexander slapped Alain on the back and grinned.
He’d missed the general teasing that had always passed between them.
Alain usually did the teasing. Well, now it was Alexander’s turn to return the favor.
Alain gulped and offered a wide-eyed glance at his future wife. “How many children do you think she will want?” he asked.
“That will be up to the both of you to determine,” he said in a softer tone, realizing that Alain did not know of such expectations in a family such as this. “You and Jean will have more than a comfortable living no matter how many bairns she wants.”
Alain nodded and clasped his hands together. “You have changed my life.”
“Nay, Alain. You have changed your life. You did not have to accept all the support my father offered. But you did, and you have used it to become an honorable man who is more than worthy of marrying my sister. And I for one am so very glad you had a wash.”
“It was pretty bad.”
“Aye, my horse would not even go near the place,” Alexander said, trying to lighten the moment.
“I’ve asked one of the ladies from the village to come and clean it for me.”
“You can do that, aye, but henceforth, I would see you taking up rooms here at the castle. Far away from my sister until you are wed, mind you, but here where you belong.”
“You want me to live here?”
“Aye.”
“Thank you, Alexander. Thank you.”
Alain left then to go speak with Jean again who, after a few moments, promptly jumped into his arms and then beamed a bright smile Alexander’s way.
He’d done it. He’d fixed his mistake. He’d married the woman of his dreams, and his family were safe and happy. What more could a man possibly hope for?
“You look rather pleased with yourself,” Marion said beside him, taking his hand in hers.
“Aye, I am very pleased with myself, wife. I have everything to be grateful for, including the most glorious woman in all of Scotland.”
“Just Scotland?” she asked in a teasing tone, prompting his gaze to dip to her neckline then back up to meet hers again. He couldn’t believe that just a few weeks ago she’d been mortified to wear a garment that offered such a view, but he loved the way she now embraced her confidence.
“In all the lands anywhere,” he said.
“That’s better,” she said with a smile that would forever melt him.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“I know everything happened with us so quickly we’ve hardly had time to catch our breath, but do you have any regrets?”
“Nay, Alexander, none. I am surprised how wrong I was, though.”
“About what?”
“Marriage. Wanting and needing a husband. Not knowing how that relationship would bloom into a partnership. I had convinced myself I would be fine on my own as a spinster.”
“You would never have been a spinster. But I agree that I had myself convinced that it was my lot to raise my brothers and sisters and look after the castle and the clan. I figured by the time they were all married off, I’d be too old and fat to marry anyone.”
Marion laughed at his comment. “Even old and fat, you would be attractive to me,” she said. “All this hair could fall out and I wouldn’t care,” she said as she ran her fingers through his hair.
“And bald too, you’ll be the death of me, woman.”
“I certainly hope not.”
“And what do you think of marriage now?”
“Every day I get to wake up to a man who excites and fulfills my every want and need. I had no idea this could be possible, or I would not have delayed my coming out.”
“You delayed your coming out?”
“I did and I was convinced I would be forced to marry some old, bald, fat man.”
“Stop your teasing, lass, or I will have to punish you.”
“Oh! And what do you have in mind?” she asked.
His body reacted immediately to her teasing. All she had to do was lower her tone just a little, sounding husky, and his body was practically ready to take her again.
“You’ll see if you keep that up, and we have hours yet before we can retire.”
“Oh, there must be a quiet, dark corner around this old castle somewhere.”
“Do you want to find out?’
“Aye, my husband. I believe you have a study, do you not? Maybe we need to review some of the accounts that cannot wait.”
“I believe you might be right,” he said and took her hand, practically dragging her to the study.
If anyone noticed, they said nothing, and in truth, they were not gone long enough for anyone to raise any alarm, but what was raised was swiftly satisfied and the sentiment returned.
Alexander thought about all the nooks and crannies a large castle like this one would have.
And he would explore each and every one of them with her for the rest of their lives.