Gordon’s eyes filled with wicked merriment, something that she was beginning to understand was a major facet of his nature.
“Brides used to wed in their shifts to demonstrate their submission to their groom.”
His hand was still out, and she placed hers in it before digging her fingernails into his skin. He choked on his amusement.
“Well, I suppose that if you see naught wrong with every man seeing my body through the thin fabric of my chemise . . . I believe the light is just right to shine through and show every curve I have.”
“Barefoot is submissive enough.”
“Too much for me.”
His hand closed around her, and his expression became pensive. “Then why did ye come, Jemma? Somehow, I doubt it was my promise to return to yer bed even if I believe that ye know I mean to do exactly as I said.”
She raised her face and stared at the joy that was still glittering in his eyes. Her heart absorbed that single emotion and cradled it close.
“You are correct that I am not here because you promised to take my innocence tonight. Maybe I am here because you left me a virgin last night.” She offered him a guarded look. “It is possible that I do trust you even if I detest the idea of wedding you barefoot.”
“I rather like the notion.” He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “It means I’ll be able to undress ye so much faster.”
She dug her fingernails into his skin once again, but the priest narrowed his eyes at them both.
“Are ye ready, lass?”
“As ready as I am ever going to be, I believe.”
Gordon took the first step, leading her by their joined hands toward the church and the priest waiting to bless their union. She forbade herself to think, trapping her emotions down beneath all the reasons why taking her vows was the correct thing to do.
And in an impossibly short amount of time, she was wed.
The Barras clan was waiting for them when they made their way out of the church. Jemma was astounded at the number of people crowded into the yard. They were straining to see her and Gordon, fathers lifting their sons up to sit on their shoulders while rows of children stood on the few wagons dotting the area. A cheer rose when they followed the priest out of the sanctuary. There had not been one inch of pew space left inside, either. The small procession that preceded them included the altar boys; one held up a crucifix and one held a small painting of the Virgin Mary. The priest followed while swinging the incense burner to spread the fragrant herbs over those who came to see their laird wed.
They were led all the way to the great hall and then inside. The priest remained until she and Gordon sat at the high table. The man gave a final blessing, and the hall erupted into cheers. Jemma couldn’t contain her smile because there was just too much merriment surrounding her. The cheering died down and the music became louder, and her toe began tapping beneath the silk skirt of her dress.
“Ah, something that pleases ye.” Gordon reached out to capture her hand beneath the table. He gave it a soft squeeze. “I’ll have to be remembering that.”
Large platters were brought toward them from the long tables in front of the hearths. The cook was turning back linens draped over the food to decide the order it was to be served in.
It was far more effort than she had anticipated. While she had been bathing, there must have been a flurry of activity in the kitchen.
Gordon squeezed her hand once again, and she turned to discover him watching her.
“Did ye think I’d just take ye upstairs straightaway without celebrating?”
Her cheeks heated because she had been completely focused on the next important part of marrying.
The consummation. Her mind offered up the fact that tonight she would do far more than feel his cock. She could expect her groom to remove his clothing. That idea deepened her blush, and the warm fingers clasping hers gently stroked her fingers.
“As much as I’m eager for that, lass, ’twould be a blackguard that did nae offer ye a wedding feast.”
“But there was so little time.”
He leaned in so that his words remained between them. “Aye, there was indeed, but look, Jemma, it seems that everyone is very eager to lend their effort to making tonight special for us.”
“I did not expect such, but thank you.”
One of his eyebrows arched arrogantly. “Have I given ye the impression that I do nae know how to celebrate, Jemma? Well, that is something that is going to have to change.”
His tone suggested that he was more serious than teasing. Her eyelids fluttered because it was another hint of tenderness she had no idea how to accept. He released her hand and a moment later cupped her chin to raise her face. His eyes simmered with happiness.
“I can see that it is definitely something I am going to have to work on proving to ye, for I care not for the fact that ye doubt me.”
“There has been little happiness between us.”
He tilted his head to the side. “Aye, well, it was a wee bit of an intense moment that I found ye in, Jemma.”
