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Broc and Merryn

A few days after Alasdair and his family had returned to Grant land, Broc kissed the beautiful lass next to him and climbed out of bed, quietly making his way down to the kitchens to grab two cups of warm broth, something he and Merryn had liked doing every day now.

Dyna almost bumped into him as he exited the kitchens. “Oops! Sorry, Broc.” Then she stepped back to take a full look at him. “Nice. I like it. I know you’re self-conscious about that scar, but it’s hardly visible, even with your beard gone. And congratulations on your happiness with Merryn.”

“My thanks, Dyna. I’ve never been happier. And thanks for finding us a private chamber now that we are married.”

“There are no priests here, so what else could you do? Handfasting started a long time ago on Grant land. Who was the first?” She paused to tip her head back.

“Aunt Jennie, mayhap? Or Uncle Brodie and Aunt Celestina? I’m not sure.

Come join us for the midday meal.” Then she headed into the kitchens, calling out over her shoulder.

“And the girls are more than happy to have Shealee with them for another night. She slept like a wolfhound in Torrian’s pack. ”

Broc chuckled but left to go above stairs to their chamber, being careful with the broth. He managed to open their door without spilling anything, but he set them down on a chest immediately, his eyes wide.

“Merryn, what’s wrong?” Merryn sat in a chair next to the bed sobbing her eyes out.

Did she regret their marriage? Had he done something wrong last night? He’d enjoyed every moment, but she had been quite reserved.

At first. She wasn’t reserved in the middle of the night.

She continued to sob but handed him a piece of parchment, careful letters written. Even Broc had been surprised at how hard she worked to learn to read and write. He took the note and read it, Merryn’s letters beautifully formed:

“I love you so much, Broc. Thank you for loving me because I love you more than I can express.”

Broc set the parchment down and said, “I love you too. But why are you sobbing? You’re making me feel badly. Was it something I did?”

Merryn climbed out of the chair and tugged him over, pushing him down before she settled herself onto his lap. She used a linen square to swipe at her tears, then managed to say between hitching breaths, “Tears of joy. I’m so happy.”

He nuzzled her neck and whispered, “As am I. But why cry now?”

“Because.” She stopped to wipe her tears again, hitched and gasped twice, then continued. “Nara had told me awful things about the marriage bed, and I was so afraid. Yet with you, it was wonderful.”

“Nara married the wrong man, love.”

“I know, but I feel so badly for her that she lived with him for so long. I hated him so. Did you find your dagger in the hall?”

“Nay, I don’t need it. It can stay wherever I left it. You’re sure you are happy, wife?”

She grinned at her new title. “I like that name. Broc’s wife. I love it.”

“Whew! I’m so glad. You nearly sent me into a panic when I heard you crying. I thought you wished to leave me.”

“Never, Broc MacNicol. You are mine forever.”

The End