Page 6 of The Icy Highlander's Virgin

"Aye. Is that a problem?"

"Nae at all." He smirked, his countenance turning into something that might have been called wicked. "We'll marry tomorrow."

Her eyes widened. "Tomorrow?"

"Ye said ye were in a hurry. I'm simply accommodatin’ yer request." He stepped back, enjoying the way she blinked in surprise. "Unless ye've changed yer mind?"

"Nay. I... nay. Tomorrow is fine."

"Good." He turned toward the door, then paused. "Oh, and Erica?"

"Aye?"

"Welcome to Castle Kinnaird. A maid will show ye where to rest."

As he walked away, he could feel her eyes on his back, and he found himself looking forward to tomorrow in a way he hadn't looked forward to anything in years.

I have a feelin' life just got much more interestin'. Marriage to ye, Erica McLaren, is going to be anythin' but borin'.

CHAPTER THREE

"Hold still, lass, or I'll stick ye with a pin," Ada murmured, her weathered fingers working carefully through Erica's dark hair.

Erica sat motionless in the chair, staring at her reflection in the polished silver mirror. The woman looking back at her seemed like a stranger—face pale but composed, eyes bright with an emotion she couldn't quite name. Was it fear? Anticipation? Both?

"Ye look beautiful, me lady," Ada said softly, weaving another strand of hair into the intricate braids that would frame Erica's face. "Yer mother would be proud."

At the mention of her mother, Erica's throat tightened. How different this day would have been if her parents had lived to see it.

"Ye're as good as a thousand mothers to me, Ada. I daenae ken what I would have done without ye."

Ada's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "This is the happiest day of me life, watchin’ ye take yer place as a proper lady."

"Tsk, Ada. Ye must remember it's all arranged," Erica said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's nae as if there's any romance expected. This is just... business."

"Och, lass." Ada's hands stilled in her hair. "I saw how handsome yer husband-to-be is. And I caught him lookin' at ye, and it dinnae seem like business to me..." She resumed her braiding with a knowing smile. "Ye never ken what might bloom from practical beginnin's."

"Ada—"

"Hush now. There's nay reason why this cannae become somethin’ more." Ada's voice grew gentle. "Sometimes the heart surprises us, even when we think we have it all planned out. And ye deserve a chance to be happy, lass."

Erica smiled, amused at Ada's romantic insinuations. Lachlan saw her exactly the way she saw him. Business to move their clan’s ambitions further.

"Almost time," Ewan said from his position by the door, his weathered face solemn. He'd been standing guard since before dawn, though Erica doubted anyone would disturb them. Still,his presence was comforting, a familiar constant in this strange new world.

"Where's James?" Erica asked, realizing she hadn't seen the councilman since they'd arrived at Castle Kinnaird.

"Breakin’ his fast with the other guests," Ewan replied. "He wanted to give ye privacy to prepare. Said ye'd need time to gather yer thoughts."

Erica nodded, grateful for the older man's consideration. James had traveled with them from McLaren lands, but he'd made himself scarce after her meeting with Lachlan, giving her space to process what was about to happen.

"There." Ada stepped back, admiring her handiwork. "Perfect."

Erica rose from the chair, smoothing her hands over the gown she'd chosen for this day. It was her finest dress, made from cream silk. She'd decided to come with the dress at the last minute, in case the laird wanted to have dinner with her or introduce her to his council for further negotiations. It turned out to be her wedding gown.

The fabric shimmered in the morning light, and intricate gold embroidery decorated the bodice and sleeves. The neckline was modest but elegant, and the fitted waist showed her figure without being improper.

Over it, she wore her mother's ornate silver brooch that had been passed down through generations of McLaren women. The color brought out the darkness of her hair and eyes, and she knew she looked every inch the Highland lady she was.