Chapter Twenty
“Ye look beautiful, lass,” Morgan said.
She took a deep breath as he reached for her hand, and they turned to face the priest. Years from now she was certain she would never remember the vows they took. Especially with thoughts churning through her mind on what awaited them when they entered Clyth Castle.
It took no time at all for her life to be changed forever. After the priest declared them man and wife, Morgan cupped her face in his large, warm hand and gently kissed her. Since they had an audience, she was glad it was not like the kisses they’d shared before.
Beth was the first to hug her and wish them well.
The others did the same, with Megan saying a tearful goodbye to Gregory.
Emma felt sorry for the lass, since she and her husband had so little time together, and now he was off again.
’Twas obvious that they had a love match, even though theirs was not exactly an arranged marriage, but certainly a somewhat arranged marriage.
She shook her head. She was getting her brain all muddled.
How wonderful it would be if love grew between her and Morgan. She thought it possible, but she was not at all sure about her husband.
They certainly hadn’t had a good start, with him in pain and grousing all the time, demanding to be returned to his men, and her still angry about the death of her da at the hands of a Gunn at a border raid years before.
She hadn’t thought about that for a while. With her becoming a Gunn and the chance to have a good marriage and life, it was time to forgive and forget.
After the congratulations and best wishes, Morgan pulled her to him, his hands wrapping around her waist. “’Tis sorry I am that we cannot have a celebration, but we must be off. The men and your belongings are all packed and ready to go.”
She nodded, since she’d known this was not going to be a normal wedding.
Gregory was giving his wife a very tender farewell and Megan was looking quite distressed. He was leaning close to her, speaking softly, one large finger wiping the tears running down her cheek, while his other hand rested on her shoulder.
Is that what happens when you love someone?
Morgan walked up to her. “I have decided to ride my horse.”
“Nay! I doona think that’s a good idea. Yer muscles are probably not strong enough.”
He shook his head, determination stiffening his body. “I can no’ longer think of myself as a convalescent.”
“Morgan, please, ye’ve come this far, ye doona want to ruin what ye’ve accomplished.”
He turned and walked away from her, and, without aid, mounted his horse. She shook her head. Not even married a full day and already they were at odds. If he tore his wound open, she decided, she’d try not to enjoy telling him that she’d warned him. Stubborn mon.
They were no more than a couple of hours into their trip when Emma grew bored and uncomfortable. As a healer, she oftentimes traveled to her patients’ homes, but she’d never had to travel so long that the sun moved far in the sky.
This she found to be torture.
She was sleepy from not able to rest last night, knowing what she faced today. She shifted again and gave out a very loud yawn.
Morgan rode at the head of the group, with Gregory alongside him. The rest of the men formed a circle around her, which one of them told her was the normal way a group of warriors escorted a lass on a journey.
She suffered for another span of time before Morgan held up his hand as a signal to stop. She slumped over the horse’s neck and took a deep breath.
Ezra, one of the warriors with them, helped her off the horse and then walked up top, where Morgan and Gregory were speaking. He said something to Morgan, who then turned his head toward her and nodded.
She stumbled over to a fallen log and sat down with a groan. There wasn’t a place on her body that didn’t hurt. And she could hardly keep her eyes open.
Morgan walked over to her and looked down at her. “Lass, are ye able to pass out the food we brought from Castle Leod?”
She nodded, and even though she tried very, very hard, her eyes filled with tears that she angrily brushed away. Morgan bent to take her hands in his. “What’s wrong, wife?”
A lone tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. She tugged one of her hands out of his grip and swiped over her eyes to remove the rest. “Nothin’.”
“It seems to me that ye haven’t ridden verra much before today.”
She shook her head. “Nay.”
He studied her for a moment then took a deep breath. “I am feeling a tad out of sorts myself. I’m thinking I might ride in the wagon for the afternoon, and ye can join me.” He winked at her. “I make a comfortable pillow.”
He must have been in quite a bit of pain to offer to ride in the wagon. ’Twas for the best, however, since she knew he was going to be hurting. At least he was man enough to admit it.
Despite her pain she grinned. “And I can take nap.”
Each of the warriors wandered into the wooded area and relieved himself. When it was her turn, Morgan went with her. “I can take care of my body’s needs by myself,” she groused, embarrassed.
“I’m sure ye ken, wife, but no area is safe for a woman by herself. I willna have someone grab ye while yer no’ paying attention.”
She waved her hand. “That’s silly. I will be fine with all of ye here.”
Morgan growled. “Ye will do as I say, wife. I doona want ye going anywhere without one of the men, and since yer doing something private, that mon will be me.”
Too tired, sore, and hungry to argue, Emma huffed and ambled into the woods. At least Morgan had the decency to turn his back.
She washed her hands in the creek behind where they camped and slumped against one of the trees. Morgan, now aware of her discomfort ordered Jacob, a member of the group, to distribute food to the group. He took a sack out of the back of the wagon and passed out cold chicken, cheese, and bread.
Even though she had to force herself, Emma made sure to eat. She yawned the entire time, which she was able to hide since the men were busy speaking to each other, and Gregory and Morgan were deep in conversation. Most likely about arriving at the castle.
“Emma, wake up, lass.” Emma opened her eyes to see Morgan standing in front of her.
She had apparently fallen asleep after finishing her meal. She started to rise and said, “I’m sorry, I should have helped clean up.”
Morgan shook his head. “No need, lass, there was nothing to clean since the food is all gone.” He reached out and Emma took his hand. She stood, brushing away the crumbs from her meal that had landed on her lap. “How is yer leg? Should I take a look at it?”
“Nay. It’s a wee bit stiff and sore, but taking a break by riding in the wagon this afternoon will help.”
“I’m so glad ye decided to do that, Morgan. I was really concerned about yer leg. And yer ribs.”
He grinned. “Well, when my wife tells me to do something my first response is nay. However, when my healer says something, I listen.”
Morgan leaned close to her ear. “And as soon as we can get somewhere private, ye will be my wife in truth.”
Emma could feel the heat starting in her woman’s place and moving through her body and up to her face, causing Morgan to chuckle. “Come, ’tis time to get back to our journey.”
He led her to the wagon and held her arm to support her as she climbed in. Then he got in behind her, pulling her against his massive, warm chest. He reached down to take a plaid from one of the men who held it up, then wrapped it around her. “Get some more sleep, lass.”
She was happy, but also a tad leery at how cheerful and sweet her husband had been acting. Just this morning, he’d been giving her orders but only a few weeks earlier, he’d been arrogant and complaining and arguing with her. Now he was thoughtful and kind.
As she drifted off to sleep, a thought teased her tired mind. Who is Laird Morgan Gunn?