Extended Epilogue
Two weeks later
Tears gathered in her father’s eyes as Alicia hugged him for the first time as Lady MacLachlan. His arms wrapped so tightly around her that she could hardly breathe, but even as she groaned in protest, her father refused to let her go, as though he feared he would lose his little girl the moment she stepped out of his embrace.
“Faither,” Alicia said, trying to pull back just enough to breathe. “Ye are crushin’ me.”
“Ye can handle it,” her father said, choking back a sob.
Patting him gently on the back, Alicia slowly managed to extricate herself from his grip, only to have him grab her hands and hold her there with him. The ceremony of her wedding had only just finished—a small affair, attended only by their close family and friends—and even though it was now time for the feast for the whole clan, her father seemed reluctant to move or to allow her to leave.
Ever since he had given her and Samuel his blessing, the relationship between the two men was smoother, closer to what they originally had had. Much to Alicia’s surprise and delight, her father had softened, and now she didn’t have to worry about any arguments between him and Samuel or to expect any of his bad moods as he processed his feelings on the matter.
Of course, now there was a different issue, she realized. With Katherine the only of his daughters still unmarried, he was bound to latch onto her. At least Alicia hoped this would mean she would never have to face the possibility of an unwanted marriage, as her father’s only concern would be Katherine’s happiness.
Once he finally let go of her, Alicia threaded her arm around Samuel’s, who had come to join them. For a moment, the two men only stared at each other, before her father clapped Samuel on the shoulder as he hastily wiped the tears from his eyes.
“Ye’ve done much fer me daughter,” he said. “Ye even saved her life an’ I’ve yet tae thank ye fer it.”
“Ye dinnae need tae thank me fer it, Gavin,” said Samuel. “Ye ken I would dae anythin’ fer Alicia an’ fer yer family. An’ fer ye.”
Her father hesitated for a moment, but then he nodded, his hand wrapping around Samuel’s arm. “An’ I fer ye,” he said. “But I am still grateful. If ye hadnae been there, if ye hadnae put yerself in harm’s way, who kens what would have happened tae Alicia? Ye’re the reason she’s safe an’ I… I appreciate that. Truly.”
It had been a long time since Alicia had last heard her father be so open and affectionate with Samuel, but now it brought a smile to her lips. Samuel, too, was happy, she knew—happy and relieved to have his friend back, to know that even after everything they had been through, they would always be close.
With the wedding party heading back to the castle for the feast, Alicia and Samuel walked back hand in hand, at the very back of the group. Everyone else gave them the opportunity to be alone for those short moments before they would have to entertain the entire clan for the night, and Alicia wanted to make the most of it, basking in the joy of the day.
“Did I tell ye that ye look so very bonnie today?” Samuel asked, smiling from ear to ear. “Such a bonnie lass.”
Heat creeped over Alicia’s cheeks at the compliment. Though she was used to receiving them, she didn’t think her reaction to Samuel’s loving words would ever change. She was glad, though, that he had noticed. She had picked the dress she wore just for him—his favorite color on her, a deep blue that he always said complimented her eyes, the silhouette flattering her figure—and knowing that he liked it only pleased her even more.
Samuel, too, looked as handsome as always, Alicia thought. The events of the past few months had taken a bit of a toll on him, and grey hairs had begun to grow along his temples, but she found it incredibly charming. It suited him, she thought, giving him a sign of maturity when he generally looked younger than his age. She couldn’t help but find him irresistible, but then again, that had never changed.
When they all entered the great hall of Castle MacLachlan, every important member of the clan was already there. The tables were filled with platters of roasted meats, vegetables, and pastries, towers of food resting on their surfaces, and the wine was already flowing freely, creating a jolly atmosphere in the room. The cheers that accompanied Alicia and Samuel to their table at the far end of the room were deafening, filling the four walls entirely, and then they were followed by the first notes played by the musicians tasked with the night’s entertainment.
Alicia took her seat next to Samuel, though she knew it wouldn’t be long before she would have to greet everyone in the room and accept their good wishes. From the corner of her eye, she saw Katherine and Emmeline taking their own seats a few chairs down the table, right next to their father, and they, too, were sporting wide smiles, excited for the day.
Alicia only wished Emmeline could have had a day like this, filled with love and joy. Even now, she was alone. Her husband had refused to attend the wedding, claiming the journey was too long and difficult, and he hadn’t even let his daughter visit, even though Emmeline loved her like her own daughter.
But perhaps it’s better this way. At least her husband isnae here.
Any respite she could get from him was better than nothing.
“What’s on yer mind?” Samuel asked her quietly, and it was then that Alicia realized that her displeasure for Emmeline’s husband must have been clear on her face and easy to misinterpret as something else. She turned to him and smiled, her hand coming to rest over his own, and then leaned close to whisper in his ear.
“I am simply glad ye’re me husband,” she said. “I was thinkin’ how terrible me life would be had I wedded Laird MacTavish.”
A matching smile appeared on Samuel’s lips as he leaned in to kiss her. It was a chaste gesture, nothing more than a peck, but Alicia knew it for the promise it was. Later, when they were alone, they would have a long night ahead of them.
“Trust me, lass,” said Samuel, his hand coming up to cradle her cheek. “Me life would be just as terrible.”