Page 31 of Trapped by the Wicked Highlander (Lairds of the Loch Alliance #2)
EPILOGUE
T he day of Cassandra and Hunter’s wedding arrived, the sun shining brightly over the hills of McDougal Castle. The air was fresh with the scent of wildflowers, and the sky was clear, as if the very heavens themselves had blessed this union.
The guests gathered outside, the soft hum of conversation filling the air as they awaited the ceremony. The stone courtyard, decorated with vibrant garlands of heather and ivy, was a sight to behold, with a large fire pit crackling at the center, its warmth providing a comforting glow in the cool autumn air.
Hunter stood at the front of the gathered crowd, his eyes filled with anticipation as he waited for Cassandra to appear. His broad shoulders were squared, and his jaw was set in determination, but there was a softness to his expression that only those who knew him well could see.
The McDougal and McAllister clans, along with their allies, stood in eager silence, all of them awaiting the moment when the two would be joined in matrimony. Among the guests was Laird MacKinnon, Ruben Miller, a tall and imposing figure who had long been an ally to both clans, his dark hair and sharp eyes a testament to his strength and experience.
As the music began to play, Cassandra emerged, her heart racing as she walked toward Hunter. Her gown was simple yet elegant, woven with threads of gold and deep green, the colors of her clan, and a veil of sheer fabric draped over her face. The soft sound of her footsteps was drowned by the gentle whispers of the wind through the trees. As she approached, Hunter’s breath caught in his throat, his heart swelling with love and pride as he gazed upon the woman who would soon be his wife.
The ceremony began with the traditional handfasting, an ancient Scottish custom where the couple’s hands were bound together with a ribbon, signifying their union. Hunter’s large, calloused hands enveloped Cassandra’s delicate ones as the priest spoke the sacred words, a vow of loyalty and devotion.
“With these bonds, unite these two souls together in matimony.”
The crowd stood in hushed reverence as the priest invoked the blessing of the gods and spirits.
“I call for the couple’s love to be strong and unyielding. With each knot tied, the bond between Hunter and Cassandra is bound and sealed.”
The final knot was tied, and the priest declared them –
“I declare these two husband and wife by the power vested in me.”
Hunter leaned down to kiss Cassandra, the crowd erupting in cheers and applause. The kiss was long, filled with a promise of a future built on love, trust, and a shared life together. As they parted, Hunter’s hand found Cassandra’s, and they turned to face their guests, their hearts beating as one.
After the ceremony, the celebrations began in earnest. The great hall was filled with laughter and music, the long tables laden with roasted meats, fresh bread, cheeses, and the finest wines. The McDougal and McAllister clans mingled, their alliance cemented by the marriage, while Ruben Miller stood nearby, speaking with some of the older members of the clan. The atmosphere was joyous, filled with the warmth of unity and friendship, and Cassandra couldn’t help but smile as she looked around at the people who had come together to witness their love.
As the feast continued, Cassandra found herself drawn away from the crowd by a gentle voice calling her name. Turning, she saw Jessica, approaching with a smile on her face. Cassandra had grown to admire her during their time together at McDougal Castle. The two had become close over the months leading up to the wedding, and now, Jessica was offering Cassandra a comforting, sisterly embrace.
"Ye look radiant, Cassandra," Jessica said, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "I cannae believe this day has finally come." She took Cassandra’s hand and led her to a quiet corner of the courtyard, away from the noise of the celebration. “I just wanted to say, ye’ve become like a sister to me. I’ve never seen Hunter so happy, and I ken he’s a lucky man to have ye."
Cassandra’s eyes softened, touched by Jessica’s words.
"I’m lucky to have him as well," Cassandra replied, her voice thick with emotion. "I’ve never known a love like this, and I’m grateful for every moment."
Jessica smiled, her eyes glistening with tears. “Ye deserve this happiness, Cassandra. I’ve seen the way Hunter looks at ye, and I ken he’d do anythin’ to protect ye. It’s a bond that’s unbreakable.” She hugged Cassandra tightly, a bond of sisterhood forming between them in that simple gesture.
The words hung in the air, and Cassandra felt a deep sense of belonging in that moment. She had come to this castle as a healer, a woman with a past full of heartache, but now she was part of something much bigger. She was part of Hunter’s world, his family, and it was a place where she could finally be herself. The love between her and Hunter was more than just a union of two people; it was the joining of two clans, two hearts, and an unspoken promise of loyalty and devotion.
As they stood there, Cassandra could hear the laughter and music from the hall, the sounds of celebration echoing through the courtyard. The joy of the day wrapped around her like a warm blanket, and she knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together. She looked up at Jessica, her new cousin by marriage, and smiled. “Thank ye, Jessica. I’ll always be here for ye.”
Jessica squeezed her hand, nodding with a grin. “And I’ll always be here for ye, Cassandra. We’re family now.”
In the distance, Hunter’s voice rang out, calling for Cassandra to join him. The time had come for their first dance as husband and wife, and Cassandra’s heart fluttered at the thought of being in his arms again. With one last hug, Cassandra turned to join him, the weight of the day’s emotions still settling in her chest. As she walked toward him, she knew that this was where she was meant to be—by his side, now and always.
As the evening wore on, Hunter found himself in a quiet corner of the great hall, away from the bustling celebration. The flickering firelight cast shadows on the stone walls, and the noise of laughter and music seemed distant now. He was joined by Daniel, who had been by his side through thick and thin. Daniel watched the revelry around them with a knowing smile.
“Ye ken, Hunter,” Daniel began, his tone light but serious, “I always thought ye’d be a hard man to find love, given how ye carry the weight of this clan. But now, look at ye—ye’ve found someone who can make ye smile like ye’ve never smiled before. See, ye can have love, after all.”
Hunter turned to face him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He had spent so many years focusing on the responsibility of his clan, the weight of being laird, that he’d never fully allowed himself to entertain the idea of love. But now, standing with Cassandra as his wife, everything had changed.
“Aye, I suppose ye’re right,” Hunter said quietly. “I never thought I’d have a chance at it, but I cannae imagine me life without her now. She’s... she's me everythin’.”
Daniel clapped him on the shoulder, his smile widening. “Aye, lad, I thought as much. Ye’ve finally let yer heart lead ye. It’ll make ye a stronger laird, too, I reckon.”
Hunter nodded, feeling a shift deep within him. The weight of leadership no longer felt so heavy when shared with Cassandra. The thought of her, of their future together, filled him with a warmth that gave him the strength to face whatever challenges might come.
Meanwhile, across the hall, Cassandra stood with Holly, as the two watched the guests celebrating. As they chatted, Holly smiled at Cassandra, her voice full of affection.
“Ye’ve settled into this life well, Cassandra. I’m so glad to see ye so happy.” Holly’s tone was warm and genuine, her eyes sparkling with excitement for her. “Ye’ve become a part of McDougal. I’m just glad ye’ll be around McAllister here and there.”
Cassandra smiled. “Thank ye, Holly. I never expected all this… all this warmth. It’s more than I ever thought I’d have.”
Holly’s eyes softened. “Well, they're stuck with ye now, lass, so ye best get used to it,” she teased, giving Cassandra a playful wink. “And as for Hunter—ye’ve made him the happiest man in all of Scotland.”
Cassandra chuckled, her heart swelling with joy at the thought of Hunter. “I hope so,” she said softly. “I’ll do me best to make him happy.”
As the conversation continued, Cassandra’s gaze shifted across the room, landing on Elena. The little girl skipped toward her with a smile on her face.
Elena’s innocent eyes lit up. She hesitated for a moment before running to her, throwing her small arms around Cassandra’s waist in a hug that made Cassandra’s heart ache with love.
“Cassandra…” Elena’s voice was soft and hesitant, “Are ye... are ye me new maither?”
Cassandra knelt down to Elena’s level, her heart swelling with affection. She gently took Elena’s hands in hers, gazing into the child’s big, trusting eyes. “I would like that very much, Elena,” Cassandra said quietly. “I’d love to be your maither, if ye’ll have me.”
Elena’s face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes shining with joy. Without a word, she wrapped her tiny arms around Cassandra once more, holding her tightly. Cassandra returned the embrace, her own heart full as she held the little girl close.
“I’ll always be here for ye, Elena,” Cassandra whispered, her voice full of love. “And I promise ye, forever.”
Elena pulled back just enough to look up at her, her smile wide and full of trust. “I’m glad,” she whispered. “I’m so glad.”
Cassandra’s eyes softened, and she brushed a stray lock of hair from Elena’s forehead. “Ye daenae have to worry about anythin’, sweetlin’. We’re family now. And I’m here to stay.”
As the two shared their quiet moment, Cassandra felt a surge of love that only deepened her connection to Hunter and his family. She had found her place here, and it was a place filled with love, laughter, and a future full of promise. She knew, without a doubt, that this was where she was meant to be.
The sounds of the celebration around them seemed distant now, but in that moment, all that mattered was the warmth of Elena’s embrace and the love that filled her heart. She stood, taking Elena’s small hand in hers, and together, they returned to the heart of the celebration, where Hunter waited, his eyes full of pride and love.
As the wedding feast came to an end, Cassandra felt a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation settle in her chest. The great hall was still filled with laughter and music, but all she could focus on was Hunter’s hand wrapped firmly around hers. When Hunter finally stood and took her hand, a shiver of excitement coursed through her as he swept her into his arms.
The great hall erupted in cheers as Hunter carried her toward his bedchamber, his grip strong and sure. Cassandra clung to him, her breath hitching at the feel of his powerful body beneath her fingertips. The corridors blurred past them, but all she could focus on was the man who now belonged to her entirely.
"Ye look bonnie this night. I love ye, lass," Hunter said.
"Aye, and I love ye, husband."
The heavy wooden door shut behind them, sealing them in the intimate quiet of the candlelit room.
Hunter set her down gently, but his hands never left her, his fingertips grazing the curve of her waist. His eyes burned with an intensity that sent a thrill down her spine.
“Ye’re mine now, lass,” he murmured, his voice thick with desire. Then he crushed his lips to hers, kissing her with a passion that stole the very air from her lungs.
Cassandra melted against him, her fingers slipping beneath his tunic to explore the hard ridges of his six-pack abs. His muscles tensed under her touch, a low growl vibrating against her lips. Heat pooled deep in her belly as his strong arms pulled her closer, pressing her against the solid wall of his chest. Every fiber of her being ached for him, for the raw power and tenderness combined in his embrace.
Hunter’s hands roamed down her back, tugging at the laces of her gown with eager precision. The fabric loosened, slipping from her shoulders, exposing the heated skin beneath. His lips left hers only to trail down her throat, planting open-mouthed kisses that made her shudder.
“I’ve waited long enough for this,” he rasped, his breath hot against her skin.
Her gown pooled at her feet, and her breath hitched as Hunter stepped back to take her in. The hunger in his gaze sent another rush of desire through her, making her knees weak. He reached for the hem of his tunic, pulling it over his head in one swift motion. Cassandra’s fingers trembled as she reached out to trace the defined muscles of his chest, marveling at the strength beneath her hands.
With a sudden movement, Hunter lifted her once more, carrying her to the bed, his body pressing her into the soft furs beneath them. Their mouths met again, tongues tangling in a feverish dance. His weight above her felt like both a comfort and a promise, his touch igniting every inch of her skin. She arched into him, her body surrendering as he claimed her completely.
Time blurred as passion overtook them, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. Cassandra clutched at his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin as pleasure consumed her. Every kiss, every touch, every whispered word bound them tighter, sealing their union in more than just vows.
When the night finally faded into the early hours of morning, she lay curled in Hunter’s arms, utterly his.
His fingers brushed lazily over her bare back as he pressed a kiss to her temple.
“I’ll never let ye go, Cassandra,” he murmured, his voice filled with quiet conviction.
She smiled against his chest, her heart full to the brim with love for the fierce, devoted man beside her. In the safety of his arms, she knew she had found not just passion, but a home that would always be hers.
The End?