THE MORNING OF their bonding, Payton woke in Brodie’s bed, sprawled on his chest. Technically, her birthday was tomorrow, so she’d need to wait until midnight the following morning, but they’d decided to celebrate today and bond at midnight. Brodie stirred, his arms tightening around her, and she kissed his chin. “Hi.”
“Hi yourself,” he said, stroking her back. “You realize you’ve slept in here since you arrived.”
“I know. And now I’ve also realized I really am a strumpet. It’s a good thing you’re binding me at midnight.” She smiled. “I don’t think I would have been able to wait much longer, and now we’ll be “allowed” to do whatever we want… in bed or out.”
“Technically, it’s a good thing I’m binding you at midnight because it’s virtually impossible for me to sleep in the same bed with you and not ravage you.”
“Ooh, ravage. I like that word. I hope there will be some ravaging at midnight.”
Brodie chuckled. “Your wish is my command, love.”
She set her chin on her hand. “I should probably call Niall.”
“He texted to say he was fine,” Brodie said. “He’ll call you later today.”
“I would feel better hearing his voice.”
“You would, would you?”
She nodded and Brodie reached for her phone and handed it to her.
Payton called Niall, but got his voicemail, so left a quick message and hung up.
Brodie set her phone back on the table and kissed her quickly. “We should probably shower and get ready.”
“Oh? Are we doing something today?”
He grinned. “Aye, little Miss Nosy Pants. Fiona, Sam, and Pepper will be here in less than an hour.”
“Does this have something to do with the tarp that’s been obstructing my view of the loch from the bedroom window?”
“Maybe.”
“You’re really not going to give me any hints?”
“Nope.” He sat up and slid her onto his lap. “Just know that if it all goes as planned, it will be a very needed distraction from yesterday.”
“What will be?”
“Nice try.” He climbed out of the bed and donned a T-shirt. “Let’s eat and then you can shower. I’ll send the ladies up when they get here.”
Payton followed him to the kitchen and after a quick breakfast, headed to the shower. She emerged from the bathroom to find Fiona, Sam, and Pepper, sitting in three of the four salon chairs.
“I thought you’d never come out,” Fiona complained and rushed to hug her. “I’m glad we didn’t have to send a search party.”
“I’m just glad I didn’t walk out naked,” Payton said, and noticed the woman standing by the empty chair. “Hi, Marie. It’s lovely to see you.”
Marie smiled back, her hazel eyes twinkling with mischief. “Hi, Pay—I mean, soon to be Your Highness.”
“Nope, always Payton. I really don’t want that to change.”
“Well, I suppose in private, it won’t be such an issue,” Marie said.
Payton nodded. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to get you ready for today,” she said.
Marie Brown had worked for the royal family for almost a hundred years. She was the royal stylist, chosen by Fiona, and Payton had developed a relationship with her through her friendship with Fiona and then while working for Kade.
Three other women awaited their instructions, one per “station,” displaying various makeup, brushes, and hair products. Payton recognized no one other than Marie, but smiled and greeted the others warmly.
Marie waved her hand toward the chair. “Time to get you ready, Payton.”
Fiona grabbed Payton’s hand and dragged her to the chair by the window. “Makeup first, then hair, then we dress you.”
Payton took a seat and Marie spun her to face Fiona, who’d sat next to her. Samantha and Pepper were in the chairs at the other end and were going through magazines to figure out how they wanted their hair.
“His Highness has asked for a certain style for you, Payton. Unless you have an objection,” Marie said.
Payton shook her head. “No. That’s fine. I’m at your mercy.”
She texted Brodie. *What are you up to?*
*Trust me, sweetheart. You will love it.*
Payton bit her lip. *No hints? None?*
*I love you, Payton.*
“Payton? Hellooo,” Fiona droned.
“Sorry, what?” Payton said.
“We need to know which color you prefer.” Fiona grinned and nodded toward the portable dress forms by the window. They each had a different fabric draped over it, one in her favorite lilac, another in dark grey, and yet another in red.
“For what purpose?” Payton asked.
“Nice try.” Fiona shook her head. “Just pick, Pay.”
Payton groaned. “I think the dark grey.”
“What?” Sam exclaimed. “No… red… right? I might have misheard you.”
“You didn’t mishear me. Dark grey,” Payton said again.
“But, but, red’s so nice,” Sam tried again.
Payton pointed to her head. “I’m a little over seeing red every day, myself.”
“Pay up, Sam,” Pepper said. “You owe me ten bucks… I mean, pounds.”
“But you’re gorgeous, Payton. I’d love your hair,” Samantha stressed. “Are you sure you don’t want to change to red?”
Payton giggled. “Flattery would normally work, Sam, but since I don’t actually know what I’m choosing, I’ll stick to the grey.”
“Dang it,” Samantha said, and handed Pepper the money.
Pepper held the bill up to the light and then slipped it into her pocket.
“You could always pull the queen card,” Fiona said to Sam.
Samantha raised an eyebrow. “Ooh, yes, I could, couldn’t I?”
“Don’t give her any ideas, Fi,” Pepper admonished. “’Cause then she’ll just get mad when it doesn’t work.”
Samantha giggled. “Tough crowd.”
Payton grinned. “We promise we’ll treat you with all the respect of our queen at the coronation.”
“But not before or after,” Pepper said. “Just to be clear.”
Sam threw a makeup brush at her friend. Pepper caught it midair with a laugh.
“Scotland doesn’t use stocks anymore, right Fiona?” Sam asked.
“Nope, sorry.”
Sam frowned. “Dang it.”
“You still have the dungeon at your disposal, though,” Fiona said.
“Don’t help her,” Pepper warned. “She’s all quiet, shy, and oh, so demure, but the mind of a serial killer lurks inside that head.”
Payton snorted. “Oh, please. She can’t be nearly as bad as Fiona.”
“Hey,” Fiona snapped. “You weren’t supposed to tell.”
Payton grinned. “Sorry.”
Sam laughed. “We’ll keep your secret, Fi. Promise.”
“Done!” Marie said. “Time to dress you.”
Payton leaned toward the mirror, but Marie blocked her. “You’re not to see yourself until everything’s done.”
Payton wrinkled her nose. “Please make a note that I’m being very, very patient. Right, Fiona?”
“Oh, are you?” she countered. “Your leg hasn’t stopped bouncing since you sat in that chair, and don’t tell me you haven’t been compiling a list of things to complain to Brodie about this whole time. I’d venture a guess you’ve been grilling him mercilessly with how fast your fingers are flying on your phone.”
“Not that he’s responding.” Payton sighed. “He won’t tell me a bloody thing.”
Fiona giggled. “And so he shouldn’t. It’s supposed to be a surprise.”
“You’re right,” Payton conceded. “I’ll relax and enjoy it.”
“Well done,” Fiona said.
Payton rose from the chair and followed Marie to her private dressing room. “Go ahead and put on what’s behind the screen,” Marie instructed. “Once you’re ready, let me know and I’ll have you close your eyes to put on your gown.”
“Okay.” Payton stepped out of view of the stylist and when she saw what awaited her, she felt the heat creep up her neck. She picked up the tiny whisper of lace that was supposed to be underwear and shook her head, feeling the heat climb up her neck.
Brodie Gunnach, what did you do?
She studied the sheer white bustier with embroidered cups that matched the underwear and wondered how she’d ever be able to fit in it. The bust appeared to be at least a size too small.
“My word,” she whispered.
“How are you doing in there?” Marie called.
“Not sure how I’m going to fit into this to be honest,” Payton said.
“Bend at the waist and scoop those puppies in, love. Like I showed you when you were seventeen.”
“Right.” If it was possible for Payton’s face to heat more, it did. She undressed and slid on the tiny g-string underwear, then wrapped the bustier around her waist and secured it from the front. Once the hooks were closed, she twisted it around her body and proceeded to “scoop” the puppies in. Her breasts weren’t small in her opinion, although she could never be described as “busty,” but in the lingerie, she felt like Dolly Parton.
“There’s a robe in there somewhere, Payton,” Marie said. “Slip it on when you’re ready. We’ll take it off when you’ve got your frock on.”
Once Payton pulled on the silk stockings, she secured the robe and stepped out from behind the screen. Marie stood with one of the other assistants and smiled at Payton.
“Time to close your eyes,” Marie instructed.
Payton did as she was instructed. The whisper of fabric was all she heard as Marie and her assistant moved around Payton, having her raise one leg, then the other, stepping into soft, cool material, and then the tickle on her skin as it was raised to her waist.
“Robe off now, Payton,” Marie said.
Payton undid the sash and someone slipped it from her shoulders.
“Lift your arms,” Marie directed.
Payton did and waited as the ladies secured and tightened the gown.
“Right, love. You can open your eyes now.”
Payton nodded and took a deep breath. Opening her eyes, she couldn’t stop a gasp as she was met with her reflection in the mirror. “A wedding dress?”
“Aye,” Marie said.
“We’re having a wedding?”
Marie chuckled. “Aye, love. You’re having a wedding.”
She sighed as she studied the gown. The ivory silk gown had a full skirt and sweetheart neckline that covered everything she wanted covered, but showed enough to feel sexy.
A knock at the door brought her sisters, all dressed in matching dresses of grey.
“Oh, Payton, you look amazing,” Samantha said, hugging her gently.
“I can’t believe you remembered everything,” Payton said to Fiona.
“Really? You’ve only been mooning about a wedding the whole time I’ve known you.”
Payton giggled. “I suppose I have a bit, eh?”
“Aye. Until Brodie came home, that is. I was a bit nervous you’d changed your mind, but Brodie said to make the plans anyway.”
“He was right.” She studied the group. “I love the grey. I’m so glad I didn’t go for the red.”
“Neener,” Pepper retorted.
Samantha rolled her eyes as she took a velvet box from her bag. “This is from Kade and me. It’s your “new,” and Pepper has your blue.”
“I do?” she asked.
“Pepper,” Samantha groaned.
Pepper grinned. “Kidding.”
“And I have your old and borrowed,” Fiona said.
“From the royal collection,” Samantha said, and opened her box.
Payton gasped. Inside was a tiara nestled in dark blue silk, adorned with diamond-encrusted Scottish thistles. Rather than sitting high upon the head, it wrapped Payton’s crown and provided a perfect anchor for the veil to attach to.
“This is from me and Con,” Pepper said, and opened a box to reveal a diamond-and-sapphire bracelet. “To keep,” she clarified.
“And this is from me,” Fiona said, handing her a pearl ring set in yellow gold. “It was your great-great grandmother’s. Angus wants you to wear it today.”
“It’s beautiful. Thank you,” Payton said.
“We should head down,” Fiona said.
“Can I just have a few minutes alone, please?” Payton asked.
“Of course.” Fiona frowned. “Are you okay?”
Payton nodded. “I am. Just need to take a few deep breaths.”
Fiona smiled and ushered everyone from the room. Payton grabbed her cell and dialed Niall.
“Well, hello,” he said, cheerily.
“Hi,” she whispered.
“What’s wrong?”
“Do you know what Brodie’s done?”
“Aye, lass.”
Payton bit her lip. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
“Why not?”
“Because this is a big commitment, and what if we find out that I’m not really Brodie’s mate? I will have married him and stolen him from the one person who truly deserves him.”
“Payton,” Niall said. “You are Brodie’s true mate, lass. And there’s no one more deserving.”
“How do you know?” She blinked back tears. “How does he? What if I go through all of this and I lose him? I can’t lose him, Nye. And I don’t know what it feels like to know, you know? I love him more than anything, but I don’t really know if he’s my mate.”
Niall chuckled. “Outside of the fact that he can heal you, calm you with his touch, and all other manner of proof, you mean?”
“Yes, all of that.”
“He knows he’s your mate,” Niall stressed. “You just need to let yourself relax and have faith.”
Payton stared at the ceiling. “What does it feel like? The knowing?”
“I don’t know how to describe it. For me, it’s more that I know who isn’t my mate, but now that I can feel her, my heart beats differently in a way. I’m reaching for her.” He sighed. “Brodie changed when he met you. Truth be told, he changed the year you were born.”
“He did?” Her heart felt considerably lighter.
“Aye, he did.”
“How?”
“Little things, really. Or big, I suppose, depending on how you look at it. He grew up, stopped doing things… well, we don’t really need to go into that.”
“Thank you,” Payton said, and smiled.
“And after he met you the night of the ball, everything he did was about and for you. Brodie’s a lot of things, lass, but he’s not a liar, and if he knows you’re his mate, you’re his mate.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m so sure, I’d put money on it,” he said.
A knock at the door elicited a groan. “I think I have to go,” she said. “Thanks, Nye. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Of course.”
She pulled open the door and laughed through fresh tears. “You’re here.”
“I couldn’t miss my best friend’s wedding, now could I?” Niall grinned.
She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. “I love you, Niall MacMillan… in a very appropriate and platonic way.”
He laughed. “I love you too, lass. Now, come on. I don’t wear a kilt for just anyone. And you’re far too stunning to be in a closet.”
She nodded and took the handkerchief he offered.
“I have something for you.” Niall reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a note. “From your father.”
Payton ripped open the envelope and unfolded the letter.
Payton, I want you to know that even though I’m not there with you today, I wholeheartedly bless your union with Brodie. I would be there to give you away, but as I’m sure you’re aware, circumstances make that impossible at the present. I hope Angus will be an adequate stand-in. Once this mess is sorted with your sister, lass, we’ll sit down and have a long chat. I love you. More than you could ever imagine, and I’m so very proud of you. You’ve been the best daughter a father could have. Enjoy your special day. Da.
Payton smiled through more tears.
“You okay?” Niall asked.
“Yes. Very much so.”
Niall grinned. “Good. Let’s get you married. Angus is waiting to give you away.”
“I can’t believe you’re here. After everything.” She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. “I would have understood if you couldn’t make it.”
“What would that make me if I’d missed this? Besides, after burying Kinnon, I need a good memory to take with me back on the road.” Niall smiled, and led her downstairs. “We leave tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Nye. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”
They arrived in the foyer to find Angus and her bridesmaids waiting for her. Angus hugged her gently and kissed her cheek. “You are beautiful.”
Payton smiled. “Thank you.”
The other men did the same for Samantha, Pepper, and Fiona, and the family made their way to the awaiting limo.
“Where’s Heather?” Payton asked as she got herself settled inside the car.
“Brodie asked her to stay with him. She’s waiting with the flowers,” Niall explained.
“As long as she’s not left out,” Payton said.
Fiona smiled. “She’s not left out, Pay. We made sure.”
“Thanks.”
Once everyone was buckled in, the car took off toward the loch. As they rounded the corner, Payton couldn’t stop the prick of tears. A gazebo had been erected overlooking the water and white lights had been strung up each column.
“This is why I had to close my eyes.” Payton glanced at Fiona. “You told him, didn’t you?”
Fiona shrugged. “I did, but it was years ago. I’m surprised he remembered.”
“I’m not,” Samantha said, smiling. “Those Gunnach men miss nothing when it comes to us.”
“That’s very true,” Payton said.
The car came to a stop and the group filed out of the car, Payton last, and Niall blocked her from Brodie’s view. She peeked over Niall’s shoulder, catching Brodie’s grin, and then he turned around. Niall made his way to the front to stand with Brodie while Angus slipped Payton’s hand into the crook of his arm.
“Ready?” Angus asked.
“Very,” she said.
Angus waited with Payton just out of sight of the small crowd until the wedding music began and then he walked with her down the aisle.
Heather stood next to Fiona in matching grey and Payton’s heart swelled to see her soon-to-be sister included in the wedding party. Angus delivered her to Brodie, kissing her cheek again and making his way to stand with his brothers.
Brodie kissed her cheek and whispered, “Beautiful is inadequate, love. You are stunning.”
Payton beamed as she took in his formal kilt. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
“You’re the only one I will wear this for willingly.”
She giggled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
The parson cleared his throat and Payton felt a blush as they faced him. She didn’t remember much about the ceremony, as she just spent her time blissfully studying the face of the man she loved.
She managed to say, “I do” and respond, with enthusiasm, when the parson said, “You may now kiss your bride,” but other than that, she simply mooned over Brodie.