Vida woke before the sun on the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, her wedding day. Even though she had technically been married for a few days, they were finally going to be married in the eyes of the church and her family. She could barely contain her excitement. She lay in her warm bed, thinking back over the last few days.

The Christmas celebration had been one of the most joyful that Vida had ever experienced. The clan had been thrilled to have Lady Katherine and her family home. But they’d been equally thrilled when Laird Ruthven announced on Christmas Eve that he would be granting his title to Sir Tomas MacIan when he and Vida were married on the Feast of St. John.

To Vida’s surprise, her father had been exceedingly gracious. After the Mass of the Angels at midnight, he stood before the assembly. “I have had reason the last few weeks to consider a great many things. The work of running a clan and a successful business at the same time has proven to be quite a challenge with neither endeavor getting my full attention. The time has come to make some changes to ensure our continued prosperity. God, in His goodness, saw fit to bring Sir Tomas to us. He is a fine man and a skilled warrior, who has a deep affection for this clan. And by God’s grace, Tomas and Vida have grown to love each other.”

He had looked into Vida’s eyes, and caressed her cheek. “Vida, my darling, I adored your mama. She was my heart and my soul. I made some choices that I’m not proud of in order to have her at my side, even if only briefly. There is no greater blessing that I can ask on your behalf than for you to share your life with a man you love.”

The he had turned his attention back to the gathered clansmen and women. “Vida has demonstrated her love and commitment to this clan from the time she was but a wee lassie. Between them, I believe Vida and Tomas will lead this clan with strength, wisdom, and love. Therefore, once they are married, two days hence, I will relinquish my title as Laird of Clan Ruthven to Tomas MacIan.”

Vida had embraced her father with tears in her eyes. She whispered, “I love you, Papa, and I swear to you, I’ll never give you cause to regret this.”

He returned her embrace, then kissed her on both cheeks. “I know you won’t, my precious lass. You are your mother’s daughter and I am so very proud of you.”

After that, nothing could have spoiled the festivities.

Then on the day after Christmas, St. Stephen’s Day, the MacIans introduced Clan Ruthven to the Highland tradition of blessing the horses and livestock. Father Michael blessed baskets of hay, salt, and oats during Mass.

Beitris explained that the blessed items should be distributed to the farmers. “They can be given to sick or injured animals throughout the year.”

“I’ve never heard of this custom,” said Vida. “Why is it done on St. Stephen’s Day?”

Katherine laughed. “I hadn’t heard of it either until my first Christmas in the Highlands.”

Tomas nodded. “I remember Da telling me a legend that St. Stephen had a horse he loved, but the horse became very ill. Christ cured St. Stephen’s beloved horse and that is why Stephen’s faith was so strong.”

James laughed. “Aye, but Da doesn’t believe that legend do ye, Da?”

Niall chuckled. “Nay, son.”

“Then why do ye bless the beasts on St. Stephen’s Day?” asked Vida.

“Da says,” piped up Alex, “that back in the days when heathens roamed the land, horses were sacrificed at the solstice. When Christians put a stop to animal sacrifices, the horses in the Highlands, being good Christians themselves, were exceedingly grateful and thanked the first saint whose feast day fell soon after the solstice.”

Tomas grinned and added, “St. Stephen would have been an ungrateful sot if he had refused to be their patron. So it was really a case of the Highland horses picking the saint as opposed to the other way ’round. At least, that’s what Da says.”

Vida had laughed, but she loved the beautiful tradition. “I’m sure the lowland horses will be happy enough to share the saint’s devotion.”

The Christmas celebration had continued that night with another feast.

But now, the day she’d looked forward to for weeks was here. As always on the Feast of St. John, Father Michael would bless kegs of wine that morning. The wine was referred to as “The Love of St. John” and would be served later at the feast. The fact that it was to be their wedding feast was a double blessing.

A knock sounded at the door, interrupting her musings.

“Come in,” called Vida.

The door opened and Emma entered, with Lady Katherine, Beitris, and a stream of servants carrying a bathtub and buckets of hot water. She spent the next few hours being bathed and otherwise pampered in preparation for the wedding.

“This is a wee bit different from your wedding day, wouldn’t you say, my lady?” said Emma to Lady Katherine.

Katherine laughed. “Just a bit. If I recall correctly, it was an unmercifully hot day. I had a quick, cold bath, and ye kept bursting into tears.”

Emma laughed. “Oh, aye, you remember correctly. Now, I won’t promise not to cry later, my lady. ’Twill be like watching a daughter of my own marry.”

When they were finished, Vida didn’t think she had ever looked more beautiful. Over layers of silk undergarments, she wore a snow-white kirtle made of the softest lamb’s wool. On top of that, she wore a rich velvet surcoat of bright blue. Her hair was arranged in intricate braids and covered with a sheer silk veil, held on by a gold circlet.

“Oh, Vida, you are radiant,” said Katherine, handing her a bouquet of herbs to carry.

“Thank you. Thank you for everything.”

“You are very welcome. Before we go downstairs, may I have a private word with ye?”

“Aye, of course.”

When everyone had left, Katherine sat on the bed and motioned for Vida to join her.

“Vida, as was mentioned earlier, in many ways my wedding couldn’t have been more different than yers, and not just because of the time of year and the weather. Ye’re marrying a man ye love and together, ye’ll lead this clan. I was marrying a man I’d never met, I wasn’t particularly happy about it, and I was being forced to leave my home and clan.”

“Katherine, I’m so sorry.”

Katherine smiled and took her by the hand. “It certainly was none of yer doing, and I didn’t intend to upset ye. Everything ended perfectly, even if it didn’t seem to start that way. But what I want to talk to ye about isn’t the way in which we’re different, but the things we have in common. My mother died when I was young, as did yers. I had been responsible for this clan for years as you have been. I had no idea how to be married nor anyone to help me learn.”

Vida nodded and glanced down at her hands. “Aye, that has occurred to me as well.”

“So, if ye don’t mind, I’d like to tell ye what I will tell my own daughter on her wedding day. Choose love. Always. When things get hard—and they will at times—remember that this is a man ye love. He might infuriate ye occasionally. He might seem thicker than a stump at times. But he loves ye too. Remember he’s a human who, like us all, makes mistakes. And perhaps the worst thing is that he might make the same mistakes over and over again.”

Vida laughed and Katherine gave her a “what can you do?” smile.

“The fact is, you’ll make mistakes too. But this is key, don’t let hurts fester. If something is bothering ye, talk about it. If ye realize ye’ve made a mistake, apologize. There is no reason for petty misunderstandings to go on for days. I’m certain ye’ve had to handle Uncle Ambrose with care over the years and ye’ve probably decided it’s better to hide some things from him. But he isn’t yer husband. Tomas will be. Don’t hold anything back from him.”

Vida canted her head. “Even if it’s for his own good? To shield him from pain or heartache?”

Katherine smiled. “Tomas is the man who will share yer bed, who will know ye more intimately than anyone on earth. I swear to ye. Together, ye can handle anything better than either of ye can handle it alone.”

She’d never thought of that, but when Katherine put it that way, it seemed simple. What on earth would she hide from the man who has held her as she shattered in climax? A hot blush rose in her cheeks.

Katherine chuckled. “I see ye ken what I mean.”

Vida sputtered, “I…uh…we…uh…well we were worried…that is to say—”

Katherine threw her head back and laughed. “Ye made a plan to outwit Uncle Ambrose because ye’re both bright and very much in love. Did ye handfast? Niall and I wondered if ye had. We’d decided it’s what we would have done in yer circumstances.”

Vida smiled. “Aye, we handfasted the night Father Owen and Will arrived. We worried that once Papa’s problem simply disappeared, he might change his mind about allowing us to wed. And aside from loving Tomas deeply, I do truly believe he is the best possible leader for this clan.”

Katherine nodded her approval. “I think that showed great wisdom. So ye understand my point. Really, at the end of the day, if ye both always remember that ye love each other, ye never intentionally set out to hurt the other person, and ye talk to each other openly, any upsets will be mild and easily weathered.”

“And that’s all it takes for a good marriage?”

Katherine’s brows shot up. “All it takes? That’s quite a lot. You’d be surprised how difficult it is to love a man who’s being hard-headed or thoughtless.” She grinned. “But do it anyway.”

Vida hugged her. “I will.”

“Good. Now, we have a wedding to get to.”

~ * ~

Tomas had waited in the great hall with his father, brothers, Ethan, and Drew until it was time for the wedding. At one point, his father pulled him aside for a private chat.

“Son, I’m very proud of ye. I’m not certain I would have been able to step in and aid Ruthven in the first place. But you did, out of love for your mother and the clan into which you were born. You are a better man than I am in too many ways to count. So, it is probably arrogant of me to offer ye any advice, but I will. I always believed it was my responsibility to put my clan first, to consider their needs above all else.”

“Aye, Da, I know ye put the clan first.”

“But I don’t, son. I put your mother first. In all things. Because I know what’s good for her, is good for our clan. I may be the clan’s strength, but your mother is its heart and soul. In a few short days, it’s become clear to me that Vida, like yer mother before her, is the heart and soul of Clan Ruthven. Be their strength. Be their shield and defender. But always treat as precious what’s most important to them. If ye’re loyal to their lady, they will follow ye into the jaws of hell for her sake.”

Tomas looked into his father’s eyes. “I will, Da.” It was a sobering thought.

Other than that brief moment of seriousness, Tomas spent the morning laughing and talking with his friends and family. It had been decided that Ethan would stay at Cotharach as Tomas’s right hand. Drew too would stay for a while, but Tomas needed to discuss the long-term plans for that arrangement with Laird MacLennan. Niall also agreed to leave six of his men-at-arms at Cotharach for a while, to help build a strong garrison.

At last, just before noon, Beitris, Emma, and the servants who had been attending Vida entered the great hall and announced that she would be down in a few minutes. Tomas’s father said, “That’s yer cue. I’ll wait for yer mother, but ye and Ethan should go now and wait in front of the chapel.”

Tomas picked up the gift he had for Vida and left the keep. A jubilant crowd had formed, among them old friends, like Manus and Moyna, as well as new ones. All were waiting to celebrate the wedding. He thought back to the day his parents were married in the same chapel. He hadn’t witnessed it. Lady Katherine had told him to wait for them outside the village. With everything turning upside down in her life, she had been worried about him. Tomas also thought about what his father had said about always putting Vida first and he understood why. She, like his mother, would always think of others. So, she needed one person who would always think of her. Between the two of them, the clan would be well served.

Father Michael met them at the steps of the chapel. “It’s a bitter wind today, lads.”

“Aye, Father, it is,” said Ethan. “Maybe we could talk ye into moving this inside?”

“I’m sure God wouldn’t mind,” said the priest.

Tomas shook his head. “Nay, but Vida would. These are her people, she’ll want them to witness our vows, and they all won’t fit inside the chapel.”

Father Michael nodded. “Aye, you’re right about that. So, I’ll do the next best thing.”

“What’s that?” asked Ethan.

Father grinned. “Talk fast.”

All three men chuckled.

It wasn’t long before a hush fell over the gathered crowd. Tomas looked toward the keep and saw his parents, his brothers, and Will descending the front steps and moving through the throng. Then his sister, who would be standing with Vida, left the keep, and the crowd parted for her. Finally, the doors opened for Vida and her father. She was so very beautiful, it took Tomas’s breath away. He drank her in and didn’t think he’d ever get his fill.

The fact that she was on the arm of a man he had once considered to be a monster no longer bothered him. Ambrose Ruthven was her father. He was flawed, and stubborn, and had a terrible temper. But he was also a loving father and in the end, he had chosen Vida’s happiness and the good of the clan over his own wants. Tomas was willing now to leave the past where it belonged.

When they reached him, Father Michael asked, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

Tears stood in Ambrose’s eyes and his voice trembled a bit as he said, “I do.” Then he leaned down, kissed Vida’s cheek, and guided her gently to stand beside Tomas.

Tomas unfolded his gift, a length of thick warm plaid, made by MacIan weavers, and placed it around her shoulders. “I thought I told ye not to leave the keep without a wrap,” he whispered and winked at her as in pinned it in place with a silver brooch resembling a ring of flowers.

“It’s beautiful,” she said fingering the brooch.

“The flowers are periwinkle. They’re a symbol of Clan MacIan.”

“Thank you, Tomas,” she said.

“It’s my promise to ye. I’ll always protect ye, whether it be from a highwayman, an invading hoard, or a wee blustery winter wind.”

He took her hand in his and turned to face the priest.

Father Michael had an amused look on his face. “That was a lovely promise, lad. Now I have a few more for ye to make before we can get in out of this wee blustery wind. So, Tomas MacIan, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife? Wilt thou love her, and honor her, keep her and guard her, in health and in sickness, as a husband should a wife, and forsaking all others on account of her, keep thee only unto her, so long as you both shall live?”

“I will,” he answered.

“Davida Ruthven, will ye have this man to be thy wedded husband, will ye obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others on account of him, keep ye only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”

“I will,” her voice sounded strong and clear in the chilly air.

“Is there a ring?” asked Father Michael.

Vida looked momentarily shocked. “N-nay Father. With everything…I…I forgot.”

Tomas grinned. “But I didn’t, Father. Turns out we do make a pretty good team.”

“Aye, I’d say you do,” said the priest, taking the simple gold rings from Tomas. He blessed them and gave one to Tomas who placed it on the third finger of Vida’s left hand. “With this ring, I thee wed, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

Father gave the other ring to Vida who placed it on Tomas’s left hand with the same words. Then Father blessed them and led them into the chapel, followed by all of the family and as many clansmen and women as would fit.

After saying Mass, Father gave them a final blessing, pronouncing them husband and wife. “You may kiss your bride.”

Tomas cradled her face in his hands and kissed her gently. A resounding cheer went up and he whispered, “We’ll continue this later.”

She smiled, and to his delight, blushed.

“Are ye ready for our other announcement?” he asked, also in a whisper.

She nodded.

Tomas motioned to the crowd for silence and they obliged.

“Thank ye all for the joyous good wishes. We are honored and humbled. We would also like to take this opportunity to make one more announcement. We would not be here today had Will, the cabin boy on the Mermaid Queen, not been brave enough to travel back to Scotland and tell his tale, even though it meant impugning the honor of a nobleman. Will, we owe ye everything, and if ye’re willing, we’d like to give ye a home here with us, just as the MacIans did for me.”

The lad looked stunned. “You mean…as my parents?”

Vida laughed. “Aye, as your parents. Would you like that?”

“It’s kind of a family tradition,” added Tomas.

“Oh, aye, I’d like that a lot.” He threw his arms around them both and another deafening cheer went up.

The entire assembly made their way to the keep where a great feast awaited them.

They partook of the wonderful food and danced through the afternoon and well into the evening.

At one point, when Vida and Tomas took a break from dancing and sat at the table with his parents, Uncle Ambrose approached them. He had been a bit subdued all day. He made his way to Katherine’s side.

“Katherine, my dear, may I have a word?”

“Of course, Uncle.”

He took one of her hands in his. “I have waited far too long for this. I am truly sorry for everything you suffered at my hands. I know you have heard the full story by now. I saw you only as an obstacle to my happiness and, honestly, I hated you for it. It was wrong and exceedingly unfair. I regret, with everything in me, the pain I caused you. And yet, I do not regret what I did to gain your title.”

She smiled. “I don’t either, Uncle. The MacIans were able to prosper as were the Ruthvens. I have been happier than you can imagine, married to Niall and having Tomas as a son.”

He nodded. “I know you have. And I too found love and happiness, and was blessed with my precious daughter. I don’t really have the right to ask this, but can you forgive me for the way it all happened?”

“Of course, I can Uncle. I forgave you long ago.”

He leaned in and kissed her cheek. Then his brow furrowed. “You know, when I was just a lad, I overheard an old crone talking to someone. She caught my attention because she was toying with some sort of gold disk in her hands that was like nothing I’d ever seen. She said something I didn’t quite understand at the time, but I always remembered it. She said, ‘The universe unfolds as it should.’ I think I understand that now. I was never meant to lead this clan. I don’t have the skills it takes. It was only mine to steward for a while. And as hard as I worked against that fate, it was futile. You too were not intended to be Lady Ruthven for long. You had another destiny, and it was partially my own scheming that allowed you to find it. Still, you have left your mark here and you raised the man who is intended to lead Clan Ruthven into the future. Over the last few days, I have come to believe that the universe is, in fact, unfolding as it should and that sure knowledge has given me a peace that I have never known before.”

Katherine smiled. “I think ye’re right. What’s meant to be has happened and we can either drag our heels or rejoice in it. I chose the latter years ago. I’m glad you feel the same way now.” She leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

Tomas watched the entire exchange in amazement. Things had truly come full circle since that hot June day and everyone was the better for it. But the idea that he might have been destined for this left him in awe.

Vida reached out her hand to cover his where it rested on the table. He glanced towards her. Tears stood in her eyes. Clearly, she was as stunned as he. He turned his hand palm up, wrapping his fingers around hers and giving a squeeze.

His father cleared his throat. “I think it’s time we bid this young couple goodnight and send them off to bed.”

Murmurs of assent spread through the hall.

Before the crowd could take over and carry them both up to the bed chamber, Tomas stood and scooped Vida into his arms. “Father Michael, I need no further encouragement. Lead the way.”

Father Michael nodded and headed toward the door. Tomas followed, carrying Vida. Then many of the assembled clansmen and women fell in behind them, calling out a range of bawdy suggestions.

When they reached Vida’s chamber, Father blessed the bed and gave a final blessing to the couple for a long, happy, and fruitful marriage.

Then Tomas put his beautiful bride down and with Father’s help, chivvied everyone out of the chamber.

Finally, he turned to Vida. “Well, my lovely lassie, ye’re all mine now.”

She laughed. “I’ve been all yours for days, weeks even.”

“Aye, ’twas the same for me.” He closed the distance between them and gathered her in his arms. “And I have been truly blessed.”

He kissed her softly, then more insistently. When he broke the kiss, he fingered the brooch that still held his plaid around her shoulders. “As much as I love seeing ye wrapped in my plaid, I think it’s time we removed it.”

She grinned. “Oh, aye, it is. But now that you mention it, how did you get all of this? My plaid and brooch…and the rings?”

“When I sent the message asking for my parents help, I also asked for them to bring the plaid, brooch, and rings.”

“You never feared that this might fall through?”

He laughed. “Nay, but you did. That’s why we’re so perfect together.”

“Aye, I have to agree. Now, let’s see if we can harness this perfection and create our legacy.”

He gave a low throaty growl. “Oh, lass, ye needn’t ask me twice.”