Page 68 of Taken By the Highland Villain
Lily stepped forward next. “I, Lily Blackwood of Clan MacKane, come this day to stand as witness for my sister, Valerie Blackwood.”
She placed Valerie’s hand in Jude’s, and he turned to face his bride. Tears shimmered in her eyes, offset by the brilliant smile on her lips.
There were no protests, though he half expected one, and not a word as the priest recited a blessing, then made a short declaration about the sanctity of marriage. Jude listened halfheartedly, his attention focused on Valerie, until he heard the words he’d been waiting for.
“Ye may now say yer vows.”
Jude cleared his throat. “When ye came into my life, it was like the sun was finally shinin’ again. I didnae ken aught about ye, but soon, ye became everythin’ good in my life. Ye dragged me out of the dark and the shadows of grief so I can live my life again. Ye bring me peace, and because of ye, I can finally follow my heart again, because I ken ye’ll keep it safe. Ye are a marvel, Valerie Blackwood, with more than just those sewing needles ye wield so well. Ye’ve given me my life back, and now, Iswear to give that life, along with my heart, my soul, my dreams, and everything I am, back to ye. I swear to love ye, cherish ye, support ye and care for ye, nay matter what darkness may come, for as long as we’re both still alive.”
A tear slid down her cheek, and he gently wiped it away.
Valerie’s smile widened, then she took a deep breath and spoke. “I came to ye seekin’ shelter and respite, kenning only that I wanted to escape. Ye gave me that escape, and so much more—more than I ever dreamed of. My maither once told me that I should never surrender my independence to any man, but now, with ye, I see how surrender is also freedom, and how giving oneself can make one so much richer.
“Ye’re the rock, the stability, the safe harbor I never kenned I needed, the warmth I never kenned I was missing. Ye gave me a new outlook on life, and now, I swear to give that life, along with my heart, my soul, my dreams, and everything I am, back to ye. I swear to love ye, cherish ye, support ye and care for ye, nay matter what darkness may come, for as long as we’re both still alive.”
Muted cheers sounded on both sides. Jude paid them no mind, all his attention focused on Valerie as the priest recited another blessing, and another short sermon on marriage, and vows, and the importance of keeping their promises to each other.
Then, the MacKane sash was removed, and Craig and Lily draped the new MacFinn sash across Valerie’s shoulders.
And, finally, the priest said the words he’d been waiting to hear since the moment he left his rooms. “Ye may now kiss the bride.”
Jude didn’t hesitate. He leaned forward and took Valerie’s lips in a deep kiss, indulging fully in the sweet taste of her. Valerie sighed happily against his mouth, parting her lips to give him full access as she leaned into his arms and wound her own around his neck.
Jude could happily have remained in that position for hours, but a discreet prod to his back forced him to pull away and turn around.
His man-at-arms gave him a small, knowing smile. “I ken ye’re happy, My Laird, but there’s a wedding feast awaitin’ us.”
Jude growled playfully at his friend, but Valerie was smiling, so he smiled in turn as he took her arm, and the two of them pivoted to face their guests as the priest called out, “I give ye, Laird and Lady MacFinn!”
That was their signal to start down the aisle, to greet the guests and accept their congratulations, but Jude couldn’t help hesitating, turning to Valerie with a smile. “Ye ken I love ye, aye?”
Valerie’s smile was like the first sunlight of spring after a long, cold winter. “And I love ye.”
The warmth in her voice matches the sunlight in her smile… Is there any doubt that Valerie is the sunshine in my world?
Heart light, Jude led his bride forward to receive the congratulations of their friends and family as the last shadows of grief melted away.
He was finally where he belonged.
The End?