Page 39 of Sailing Free at Loch Tunnagan (Loch Tunnagan #1)
The loch glittered in the sunshine, creating a backdrop that no form of artificial lighting in any wedding venue could hope to compete with. Jess absorbed the beauty of it and took a deep breath, letting the scents of the fresh spring air calm her racing heart.
The music started and her dad leaned in, “Are you ready?”
With one last reassuring look from her dad, they stepped towards the floral arch that marked the start of the aisle.
A sea of smiling faces turned to watch as she made her way down the aisle.
Jess grinned when she spotted some familiar guests from her first wedding with Cal.
The orangutan, t- rex and one-eyed bear sat next to Amelie who was the most perfect little flower girl.
They had chosen a small, intimate ceremony and she was glad of it when she glimpsed a look at their closest friends and family all sitting on the delicate white chairs that faced out over the loch. She felt a rush of adoration and affection for each and every one of them.
However, when she locked eyes with the man that stood waiting for her, everything but him melted away into the background. Cal looked beyond handsome in his Jacobian style kilt. The tartan sash that emphasised his broad shoulders, matched the tartan on MacTavish’s collar.
“Hey,” she whispered as she came to stand next to him.
“Hey.” Cal's voice sounded strange and when she looked up she was shocked to see that tears brimmed at his eyes.
“You’re beautiful,” he smiled.
“Thanks,” she leaned up to kiss him.
The minister cleared his throat, “We’re getting a wee bit ahead of ourselves. The kissing normally happens after I’ve pronounced you husband and wife.”
There was a gentle ripple of laughter from the guests behind them.
“Oops, sorry,” apologised Jess.
“I’d better get started, shall I?” grinned the minister, “I can see you’re both eager.”
He cleared his throat again and continued,
“Two years ago, to the day, a storm blew over Loch Tunnagan and changed the course of Jess and Cal’s lives forever.
The tree stump that we stand in front of, is all that is left of the giant oak that fell on that stormy night.
It had stood at the centre of the village for hundreds of years and the villagers miss its presence.
However, the end of one being's story is often the beginning of another’s. Not only did it lead to the boat race which brought a new zest of life to the village but more importantly it led to life in the form of the little baby that resides in Jess’ stomach.”
Jess looked down at her round stomach and smiled. Her hand automatically moved up to stroke the side of her bump. She marvelled at how she could feel so much love for this little human being who she was yet to meet.
*
The ceremony went by in a beautiful dreamy blur; theyperformed the traditional Celtic handfasting then exchanged vows with Dawn and Olivia acting as witnesses.
A sudden gust of wind lifted Jess’ veil, she turned her head slightly and smiled back at Lorna who was being diligent with her bridesmaid duties and sorting the delicate lace edges so that they fanned out perfectly on the grass again.
The distraction had caused her to lose track of what the minister was saying. and she zoned back in, just in time.
“Dawn, do you have the rings?”
Cal had gone down the less traditional route and chosen Dawn as a ‘Grooms woman.’ She stepped forward, offering the dainty cushion that held the rings, up to Jess and Cal.
A flicker of excitement coursed through her as Cal took her hand gently and slid the ring onto her finger.
“Having made your vows and exchanged the rings, it is my honour to pronounce you husband and wife. You may now seal your marriage with a kiss.”
A huge grin broke out across Cal’s face as he tenderly held the side of her face and bent down to plant a soft kiss on her lips.
Hand in hand they made their way back down the aisle as cheers erupted from the crowd. Showers of colourful confetti rained down upon them and Cal ducked his head as they left through the arch. He then stopped dead in his tracks,
“What have they done to my truck!”
Jess laughed. The truck was covered in colourful streamers and ‘Just Married’ banners. Tin cans were tied to the back with string to ensure their journey through the village would not go unnoticed by anyone.
“Do you like it?” asked Dawn.
“I love it!” cried Jess.
“My feelings are slightly less positive.” Cal gave Dawn a reproachful look but failed to hide the glint of humour in his eyes.
They had arranged to get their photos taken up the glen and decided totravel in the truck themselves so that they could spend some time alone before heading back down for the meal at the hotel.
Cal turned to Jess, “Do you think we could make a quick pit stop at the house? I really want to show you something in the bedroom.”
A voice piped up from behind them, “Hey guys, I know you’re just married but can you check that no one is around before you start that kind of talk.”
Cal rolled his eyes at Dawn then pulled at Jess’ arm. He had an almost childlike excitement about him, “Come on, I’m desperate to show you.”
*
They pulled into the driveway and Jess exclaimed, “Oh, we'd better put the chickens in before we go back to the hotel.”
Cal and Jess had bought the house from Nancy when she’d moved into the village and they’d become extremely fond of their new feathered friends - even Ninja.
“Wait there,” instructed Cal. He quickly rounded up the birds then jogged back over to open the passenger door for her.
“What are you doing?” she asked as he looked at her expectantly.
“I’m going to carry you over the threshold.”
Jess laughed, “Cal this dress weighs a ton, plus are you forgetting that I'm heavily pregnant, the emphasis on heavily . Do you think you’ll even be able to carry me?”
He flashed her an incredulous look before scooping her with ease out of the vehicle. It took a bit of manoeuvring to get her dress through the front door but once they were in, Cal placed her down, “Close your eyes.”
She could hear the door to their bedroom open and he guided her gently in. The warmth of his hands seeped into her shoulders as he repositioned her slightly.
He inhaled deeply, “Ok, you can open your eyes.”
Her eyes fluttered open to reveal a masterpiece before her.
“For the baby,” smiled Cal.
Jess stared in awe, “Cal, this is unbelievable.”
She ran her hand over the wood, marvelling at how smooth it was despite the intricate carvings that ran along its edges.
Woodland animals decorated the outer part of the crib.
Little field mice ran up the side while bunnies frolicked at the base.
She pushed down on the edge gently and watched transfixed as it rocked smoothly in place.
“How long did this take you?”
Cal stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “The timing’s been a challenge.”
He rested his chin on the top of her head, inhaling the scent of her hair, “I’m actually surprised the varnish isn’t still sticky," he chuckled.
“You’ve picked a beautiful grain of wood for it.” She touched the wings of a swallow perched at the head of the crib.
“It’s the wood from the oak tree that fell in the village,” he replied softly.
“The one that brought me you. I figured it must be magical so I trust that it’ll keep our baby safe too.”
Thank you so much for reading!