Part 30 (1/2)

He took her hand, then faced the crowd. ”Twice I have spoken vows with this woman, once as a handfast spouse, and again with a priest. Both times against her will.” He smiled at her. ”And against my will as well.”

Whatever did he plan to do? She implored him with her eyes to give some hint of what was to come, but he only shook his head and graced her with a tender smile.

”Gwenyth Comyn should be my enemy. But she and her cousin have reminded me that a Scot's only real enemy is a dishonorable man, no matter what his birth.”

She glanced at the crowd and saw they had moved closer to hear. And still she didn't know why she was standing beside Adam, why he hadn't yet taken the oath.

”Trust me,” he mouthed.

She smiled and relaxed. She trusted this man as she trusted no one else on earth. He'd proven worthy of her confidence in him many times over. Aye, she trusted Adam Mackintosh with her life.

And, yes, with her heart as well.

To the crowd he said, ”Before I take the vow to be your chieftain, I will marry this woman properly, in front of witnesses, with both of us willing.” Then he spoke for her ears only. ”If you are not willing, you are free to leave. With Balliol out of the country the king has lifted his sanctions against you. You may seek an annulment on the grounds you were coerced.”

She had no time to show her surprise, for he leaned closer and whispered in her ear. ”I'll not keep you here against your will and have you resent me and my touch. I love you, Gwenyth. I only wish it was enough to hold you.”

A weight lifted from her heart. ”Who said it wasn't?”

He gazed at her, his heart written there upon his face for anyone to see. ”Gwenyth?”

”I love you, Adam.”

As if drawn by the magic of these newly admitted feelings, Gwenyth leaned into his embrace. His lips found hers, and she wrapped her arms about his neck. This was the man she trusted, with her very heart and soul. Soon she would trust him with her body as well.

The priest cleared his throat, and they parted. The look in Adam's eyes promised he'd not wait long to repeat the kiss.

Adam faced his clansmen once more. ”Now is the time to voice your objections to this marriage. Now, before I take the oath as chief, while you can still choose another. For I will have Gwenyth as my wife.”

She drew in her breath. ”You would refuse to be laird?” she whispered, incredulous.

Facing her, holding her hand, he blocked her view of his anxious clan, effectively shutting out the rest of the world. ”I would.”

”I couldn't let you do that.”

”You couldn't stop me.”

Her remaining tension melted and she laughed and shook her head. ”You are impossible.”

With a wicked grin, he agreed. ”Aye. Will you marry me anyway?”

”Again?” she teased.

His voice was thick as he replied, ”For real, this time. In the name of love, honor, and loyalty.”

She threw her arms around his neck. ”Oh yes, Adam. Yes.”