Epilogue
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Annabelle said as she stood in the small bedchamber that she’d used when she’d first gotten to this time and place.
It had been a little more than a month since she, Jamie and the others had gone out searching for Maeve. It had flown by, especially after Jamie had proposed to her. She’d been over the moon and gone right to the girls to ask for their help in planning the wedding. Jamie hadn’t wanted to wait, but Annabelle wanted to do it right, so she’d asked for a month to put things together.
“Well you had better believe it.” Jen laughed as she helped Annabelle into the traditional plaid dress of the Donald Clan. Bridie had made it especially for her. “You’re getting married in just a short while.”
“Try some of this, Lady Annabelle, tis a scent, just dab it on your neck and wrists.” Sally offered her a vial.
Annabelle took it and pulled the cork topper then lifted it to her nose. It smelled of lavender mixed with heather. “That’s pretty,” she said, doing as Sally said and put it on her neck and wrists. “Thanks, Sally.”
Sally smiled.
Annabelle looked at her reflection in the ornate mirror before her. Her eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation. Her cheeks bore a natural rosy hue, a testament to the joy that had filled her heart since the moment she met Jamie MacDonald.
Jen, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "You look positively radiant. A vision of Highland beauty and grace."
Annabelle replied, "It's all thanks to your efforts, Jen. I never imagined I'd find myself going back in time, falling in love and preparing to marry a man from the past.”
“None of us did,” Mae said with a smile.
“Here’s your bouquet.” Catherine handed her the bundle of wildflowers tied with a ribbon made of the Donald tartan.
“Thanks, Catherine.” Annabelle lifted the bouquet to her nose and felt joy at the scent. It reminded her of Jamie. Of being here in this special place.
“Are you ready to go?” Jen asked.
Annabelle nodded. As they left the chamber and ventured through the echoing corridors of the ancient fort, Annabelle's heart thrummed with a mixture of nerves and excitement. In the quiet corridor a subtle clearing of the throat caught her attention. She turned to find Dub Sith standing there. He had played a significant role in her journey to this place, to finding Jamie and falling in love.
"You! Where have you been?" Annabelle was both amazed and flabbergasted at his appearance. She looked back at Jen, Mae, Sally, and Catherine who were all smiling.
“We’ll just wait over here.” Jen pointed down the hall as they moved off giving Annabelle a moment alone to speak with the Fae man.
Dub Sith regarded her with his enigmatic smile. He seemed curious and yet, all knowing. "So, lass, do you feel you made the right decision in letting me bring you here to this time and place?"
Annabelle hesitated, recalling how she’d felt when she first arrive, disoriented and in shock. It had soon gone though and she’d quickly not only fallen in love with this land and its people, but she’d found Jamie. She couldn’t deny that this place was indeed special and she held it and them in deep affection. Jamie especially had stolen her heart, and she had never been more glad of it. He’d healed her from the damage Edward had done and made her life so much better with his love. “I absolutely do. I love this place, this time, and the man I’m about to marry. Jamie is everything I could ever want in a partner.” She smiled.
Dub Sith, ever the perceptive presence, probed further, "And what of Edward, lass? Do you regret leaving him and your time?”
“I don’t regret leaving him in the least. He didn’t love me, he only loved himself. He’s not a good man, he never was,” Annabelle replied.
“Do you wish to know what becomes of him?” he asked, his gaze meeting hers.
Annabelle paused. At one time she recalled wondering exactly that. Actually hoped that he was blamed for her disappearance, but now she couldn’t care less what happened to him. Anything that happened was on his own shoulders and didn’t involve her. “You know what, I don’t. I don’t care what happened to him. I don’t care if he goes on to find someone that makes him happy, I don’t care if he gets the blame for my disappearance, I don’t care to know anything about him.”
“And if he were to go on to do to someone else what he did to you?” Dub Sith asked.
Annabelle’s voice caught in her throat, and she met his gaze as she paled. “Please tell me he didn’t.” She couldn’t imagine someone else going through what she had at Edward’s hands.
Dub Sith smiled. “You have a good heart, Annabelle. I’ll just say that did nae occur. You’ve nae need to worry about any other unsuspecting woman falling for his charm and deceit.”
“Thank you. It wouldn’t have changed my mind about being here, but I would feel guilty for putting that on someone else.”
The mysterious man nodded in understanding. “Congratulations on your pending nuptials, lass. I know you will live a long an’ prosperous life with Jamie MacDonald. You have my blessings.” And with that, he vanished into the shadows, leaving Annabelle with a sense of closure and a heart full of anticipation for the life that awaited her as she embarked on this new chapter with Jamie MacDonald.
Jen, Mae, and Catherine rejoined her, but Sally had gone off to make sure things were ready at the small church at the bottom of the hill in the small village where Annabelle and Jamie would be married.
“Wow, he actually offered to tell you what happened when you left, and you didn’t ask to know? I don’t think I could have done that,” Mae said with a laugh.
“I admit it was tempting to ask, but I’m just glad he assured me that other women are safe from his abuse. Anything other than that and I really don’t care. I’m actually happier here than I have ever been in my life. I’m marrying the man of my dreams, and I have you all as my sisters, and I couldn’t ask for more.” Annabelle smiled at them.
“Well, let’s go get you married,” Catherine said, hugging her.
The path down the hill to the church was lined with the vibrant colors of wildflowers, their petals glistening with morning dew. The fragrance of heather and thistles perfumed the crisp Highland air, infusing Annabelle's senses with the intoxicating essence of the Scottish moors. She couldn’t have picked a better day for her wedding if she tried. It was absolute perfection.
As the church came into view, its stone walls weathered by time but still standing strong, Annabelle's heart swelled with a deep sense of gratitude. The Highland winds whispered their blessings, and Annabelle knew, without a doubt, that she was exactly where she was meant to be.
As Annabelle entered the church, she saw Jamie, her rugged Highlander, looking dashing in a kilt and plaid of the Donald Clan's tartan. His tousled curls framed a face that was now graced with a contented smile, a stark contrast to the stern warrior she had watched take part in a fierce battle with bandits a little more than a month ago. His eyes lit with joy at the sight of her walking toward him and Annabelle’s heart leapt with the love she had for him.
The ceremony, presided over by the local priest, was a blend of the ancient Scottish tradition of handfasting, and the solemn vows of the church that bound their hearts together. The hymns and prayers filled the sacred space with a sense of reverence, and when the moment came for Jamie to put a ring on her finger, she nearly gasped.
Annabelle had never seen a ring more lovely than the one Jamie placed on her finger. It consisted of three, interlocking bands of gold and was adorned with a fiery ruby at the center surrounded with both small diamonds and blue sapphires. It took her breath away as she looked from it to him.
As he slid it onto her finger, Jamie said, “Annabelle, this ring represents my passion for you in the ruby, our unbreakable commitment to one another in the diamonds, and the heaven you’ve brought me here on earth in the sapphires. I will love you and protect you till death do us part.”
As they sealed their love with a tender kiss, the church erupted in applause and joyous cheers. The newlyweds turned to face their beloved friends and family, the bond between them strengthened by the sacred oath they had just taken.
Following the church ceremony, Fort Donald came alive with festivities. The dining hall, adorned with colorful banners and fragrant flowers, was filled with the hearty laughter and lively chatter of the celebrants. The tables held the weight of a sumptuous feast, a feast fit for a Highland wedding.
Platters of roasted meats, from succulent venison to tender lamb, glistened enticingly in the warm candlelight. Baked fish and seafood piled on platters. Bowls of hearty stews and fragrant herbs perfumed the air, as guests helped themselves to the bounteous fare. The sweet melodies of fiddles and pipes filled the hall, and couples swayed in joyful dance.
Toasts were raised, and goblets brimmed with fine Scottish whisky were clinked in celebration. The guests regaled the newlyweds with songs and stories of their shared adventures, forging new memories to be cherished in the years to come.
In the midst of it all, Jamie and Annabelle, now wed, basked in the love and warmth of their clan. The joining of their souls had brought about a union not just between two individuals but between two worlds, bridging time and history in the name of enduring love.
* * *
Curled up together in the soft embrace of their marriage bed, Annabelle couldn’t help but admire the ring Jamie had given her. She’d never been one to wear much jewelry in the past, but she couldn’t help looking at it and recalling Jamie’s words as he put it on her finger. “Where did you find this ring? I’ve never seen anything as beautiful as it.”
“I had it made especially for you, though I think you’re wrong, love.” Jamie cuddled her close.
Annabelle frowned and looked up at him. “What am I wrong about?”
Jamie grinned. “You are more beautiful than any ring. It pales in comparison to the wonders of your eyes. To your glorious smile, to the passionate heart that lies in your chest.”
Annabelle moved into his arms and kissed him. She could not get over how much she loved this man. Her man. Her Highland warrior. “I love you forever,” she murmured between kisses.
The day had been long and joyous, filled with celebrations and the well-wishing of friends and family. After making love again, and then enjoying the nourishment that had been left for them on the table under the window, they were once more cuddled together in bed.
Jamie's strong arms held Annabelle close, and she sighed contentedly. "Do you remember when we first met?" she asked, her voice soft and filled with affection.
"Aye," Jamie replied with a grin. “You appeared like a vision, love, in your strange attire, with your fierce spirit. You looked like an angel sent down from heaven jest for me."
Annabelle chuckled, her fingers tracing lazy circles on Jamie's chest. "And you took my breath away, my brawny Scottish warrior with a heart of gold."
They shared a quiet moment, lost in their memories.
“I know that Malcolm got away, but I think the two of us together make a good team. Even during the most harrowing moments, I never doubted that,” Annabelle said, leaning into him.
“Aye, love. And we’ll find him because we do indeed make a good team.” Jamie kissed her temple.
Annabelle smiled, her heart swelling with love. "I'll always remember these moments, Jamie, no matter how challenging things get. The love I have for you can withstand anything.”
Annabelle had no idea what the future held for them, but she knew with Jamie by her side, she could accomplish anything. The love they shared was deep and pure and true and would stand the test of time. She knew without any doubt that together they would defeat any foe, and bring glory and honor to the clan.
Leaning into his chest, Annabelle looked up at the man she loved and smiled. “I love you, Jamie MacDonald.”
Jamie pulled her even closer and kissed her breathless. “I love you forever, Annabelle MacDonald.”
* * *