Page 25 of See A Highlander (A Highlander Across Time #10)

“ There they are. It is good to see you again, lad and lass,” Jacob said.

Marjorie came out of the little cottage and greeted them. She whispered in Annie's ear, "Was I right about the wee bairn?”

"Yes, you were. I’m going to have a baby,” Annie said.

"Oh joy and blessings,” Marjorie said.

"Come sit and have tea,” Jacob said inviting them to sit upon the chairs outside.

The couple sat down and greeted the various families that came to greet them.

“We have news. I have asked this beautiful lass to marry me. You are all invited to the castle for our wedding next week,” Tom said.

The group cheered and thanked the couple for inviting them.

Later, after the others moved on and it was just her and Tom visiting with Marjorie and Jacob, Annie pulled the book with the portrait from the large pocket in her skirts.

"Jacob, Marjorie, I must tell you both a secret. However you must keep it to yourself and tell no one outside of the MacLeod Clan,” she said.

"You have my word, lass,” Jacob replied.

“Mine as well,” Marjorie agreed.

Annie told them about how Bella was banished by Scathach. She informed him that she believed Bella to be the selfish woman from the legend that Jacob had told her about. She then showed them the book with the story and the portrait.

Jacob took the book from her and seeing it was in Gaelic, he began to read it, translating it to English for her. “And you are sure this is your cousin?” he said, eyeing the portrait.

“Oh yeah, it’s definitely, Bella.”

“Tis an amazing thing to see and have proof of, lass.”

Tom and Annie made their way back to the castle after sharing lunch with Jacob and Marjorie. Along the way she picked up shells and driftwood pieces.

“Whatever is that for?” Tom asked.

“I'm going to make a mobile to hang over the crib for our child. We have them in my time, and they are quite beautiful. Children enjoy looking at them.”

“That is beautiful. I am very lucky to be having a child with the woman I love,” he said.

The following week, the day of Annie’s wedding, she woke anticipating the morning sickness, but it didn’t come. Feeling grateful, she cautiously sat up and rubbed her stomach. “Thank you, little one, for granting your mama an easy morning,” she murmured.

As she climbed out of bed and moved to wash up, there was a knock upon the door. She wondered if it was Tom, since he hadn’t spent the night with her, having joined the men of the castle for drinks that night as was tradition. She opened the door to see the other women of her time there.

“Good morning bride-to-be, we’ve come to get you ready for the festivities,” Maria announced.

Annie laughed. “Come in, come in.”

They spent hours chatting, and then did her hair and got her into her dress. It was made of the clan tartan, and she loved it. Soon it was time to head down. Maria had assured her that the Dining Hall had been decorated for the festive occasion and that every member of the MacLeod Clan would be in attendance.

They left her in the great hall, outside the doors and when the music began to play, she entered. Walking down the center to where Tom stood with the Laird. The ceremony was a blur. She recalled her hand being tied to Tom’s and words of celebration and joy spoken by the Laird. Her vows she’d memorized and had said them at the proper time, but it was all over before she could blink. A moment in time that would be imprinted on her brain forever.

She’d never been so truly happy as she was right at that moment. As Tom swung her into a Scottish reel, she couldn’t help but smile up at him. “I love you, husband,” she shouted to be heard over the musicians.

Tom grinned. “I love you, wife.”

And that was everything to Annie. Tom loved her. They were having a child together. Life was perfect.