“What of Ian though?” Cleo asked reaching for Jude’s arm to hold him there.
“Rest, he’s well taken care of,” Jude said molding his hand to hers.
“How?” Cleo asked as fear pricked her. She glanced between the two of them before training her sights on Jude.
“In the hole for now,” Jude said, “but danae worry yerself. He willnae be harming anyone ever again.”
Slowly, Jude lowered himself and pressed his lips to Cleo’s forehead. She knew that Jude wouldn’t let anything happen to her. Jude rose slowly and panic filled her.
“Don’t go,” Cleo said tightening her grip on Jude’s hand.
“I’ll stay with ye always,” Jude answered. “Until me dyin’ breath.”
Epilogue
Three Weeks Later
Jude pulled in a deep breath as he kept his eyes locked on the oak doors. He could feel every nerve in his body firing as he shuffled his feet on the stone floor. As his heart pounded in his chest, his ears perked to the sound of the distant bagpipes that seemed to bounce off the castle walls as they drew closer to where he was. He was drawn in by their haunting melody as he knew precisely what they represented and what they were bringing to him.
“Faither,” Hugh whispered as he tugged on Jude’s trews. “Are ye doin’ all right? Yer face is flushed and ye look as if ye’re about to pass out.”
“I’m fine,” Jude said.
“Ye sure? Ye’re lookin’ a wee bit nervous. Ye’d think ye havenae done this before.”
“The boy is right,” Felix said nudging Jude with his elbow. “If ye want, I can stand in yer place.”
“Nae a chance,” Jude said glancing over to Felix.
In the depths of his being, Jude couldn’t control the emotions that raged within him. He knew he was beyond thrilled for this day, but also what it meant for his clan.
After all, he never expected to be marrying an English Lady, yet, as the music drew closer, he knew that was exactly what he was about to do. His only regret was the fact he hadn’t asked her father for permission. It was tradition after all, but nothing about his relationship with Cleopatra had been traditional.
Glancing to Hugh, Jude flashed his son a smile.
“If ye have doubts about this union son, now’s the time to get it off yer chest. I willnae go through with this unless ye’re certain ye want Cleo a part of our family.”
“Come now, faither,” Hugh said with a huge smile. “She’s perfect. She makes ye happy, does she nae?”
“Aye, that she does, son, that she does.”
“Then are ye havin’ second thoughts? Ye seem a bit off.”
“How else am I to feel? I never thought I’d find meself in this situation a second time. Or even be able to fall in love with another after I lost yer maither. Yet, here we are.”
“Do ye love her?” Hugh asked, keeping his eyes locked on his father.
“Aye, I do,” Jude said as he felt his chest swell.
“Then why are ye lookin’ so nervous? Ye’re actin’ like she’s goin’ to run.”
“She just might,” Jude said with a chuckle. “I wouldnae put it past her.”
“Come now,” Hugh whispered as the doors opened. “Ye and I both ken she isnae goin’ anywhere.”
“I hope nae,” Jude said as his eyes widened.
Suddenly, it was as if heaven itself opened for them as Cleo stepped out of the castle. Although her face was shrouded by the white veil, Jude knew there was an angel waiting for him.
Cleo moved slowly between the rows of people who had stood for her. Although she hadn’t fully healed from jumping into the raging river to save Hugh, she didn’t want to wait any longer. Truth was, Jude couldn’t wait any longer either. He longed to have her as his wife, and finally after everything they had been through, she was on her way to being his.
“Are ye all right?” Jude whispered as Cleo made it to him and reached for his hand. She nodded without saying a word. Although Jude couldn’t see her face, he feared if she was in pain.
“I’m fine,” she whispered as she leaned closer to him. “Are you? You’re looking a bit under the weather.”
“I’ve never been better,” Jude said as he turned to face his uncle.
The wedding proceeded and the moment Jude lifted the veil off Cleo’s head, his heart soared. She was as stunning as she had ever been. With her hair pulled back and small braids drifting around her neck, Jude knew in his heart she didn’t belong with anyone other than him.
“Ye’re never goin’ to get rid of me now,” Jude said as he leaned closer to her.
“I hope not,” she answered as the crowd cheered the moment their lips touched.
Jude found the reception full of laughs and cheers, but he was waiting for the moment where he could take Cleo into his arms and claim her forever.
Finally, after the sun had set, he scooped her up. Cleo slapped his chest as he laughed at her.
“Ye couldnae hurt me when I first held ye,” he said, “what makes ye think it will hurt me now?”
“I don’t expect to hurt you. In fact, I never want to,” she said pressing her lips to his cheek.
“Can I have ye?” Jude asked as he spun her around. Cleo’s laughter thrilled him as he came to a sudden stop.
“Forever,” she answered as she held him tighter.
“How about now?”
Cleo scanned the crowd before allowing her eyes to drift back to him. She gave a sharp nod. The smile on Jude’s lips stretched further across his face as he carried her through the crowd and back into the castle. With all the merriment going on outside, the castle seemed like a whole other world. There weren’t any sights of servants rushing about, nor any other sounds. It was just the two of them alone, the way Jude had always wanted it to be.
“Tonight,” Jude
