Father Anselm watched as Shaw paced back and forth in the knave of the chapel.
For at least the hundredth time, Shaw peered out at the assembled. His eldest brother, Dillon, and his wife, Leonora, were seated in the first pew, along with Robert the Bruce and his entourage, who had journeyed from Edinburgh. Behind them sat Sutton and his bride, Sabina, both of whom wore identical smiles of pure bliss.
In the third pew sat Shaw’s sister, Flame, who looked somehow different since her journey to Edinburgh. There was a polish, a sophistication, that had not been evident before. But beneath the latest gown and perfectly coifed hair, he could detect the impish gleam that still lurked in her eyes.
Across the aisle sat Upton Lamont, his hair and beard trimmed, his scarlet tunic and cape as fine as any king’s. Beside him sat Edan, who seemed to have grown overnight from boy to man. He had even assisted the workmen in the restoration of the burned-out chamber, which was now a magnificent library.
“I know you are restless, but sit a moment, Shaw,” the old monk urged. “’Twill be our last chance to talk, for I must soon return to the monastery.”
“Aye.” Reluctantly Shaw sat in a chair and accepted the goblet of wine the old priest held out to him.
“Despite your nerves, you appear happy, lad.”
“I am, Father.”
“I had a chance to visit with your lass. She is, as I expected, quite special. Though I must admit, I was certain the lass didn’t exist who could tempt you.”
Shaw smiled then, and the old monk saw the love in his eyes. “Aye. Merritt is unlike anyone I have ever known.”
The priest decided to broach an important subject. “Before you wed, would you like me to hear your confession?”
Shaw’s smile deepened. “You’d like that, would you? To know how many commandments I’ve broken since I’ve been away?”
Father Anselm’s eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. “You cannot blame an old man for trying to live through another. It’s been too many years since I dreamed a young man’s dream, or followed a young man’s course.”
Shaw set down his wine and adopted a more solemn pose. “Then hear me, Father, for I ask your blessing.”
Father Anselm clasped his hands in prayer and lowered his gaze.
“I have killed,” Shaw said softly, “not once, but several times. I’ve stolen sheep and horses.” He saw the monk’s eyes widen, though he said not a word. “And I’ve taken the virginity of my enemy’s daughter, though it was done for the noblest of reasons—love. Thus, I am a sinner. And, if truth be told, an unrepentant one, for, though I have remorse for those I’ve killed, I feel not a shred of regret for my other transgressions. As Merritt so often pointed out it was not stealing to retrieve sheep and horses that had originally belonged to her family. As for the other, how could I regret loving Merritt Lamont?”
“Aye,” the old monk said with a sigh. “How indeed?” He paused a moment, then lifted his hand in a blessing. “For those sins for which you ask pardon, I grant it, in the name of our heavenly Father.”
They heard the sound of the heavy chapel doors being thrown wide and got to their feet.
“It is time, Shaw. Have you any doubts?”
Shaw chuckled. “None. Let us make haste, for I have waited a lifetime for this moment.”
As they made their way to the altar, the strains of a lute filled the air and a vision in a gown of white satin and lace began to walk slowly up the aisle.
The old priest turned to Shaw. “The Church has lost a man of vision and courage, who would have made a splendid leader.”
“Rome holds no appeal for me,” Shaw whispered, his gaze fixed on Merritt.
“Aye. I can see that.”
When she paused beside him, Shaw turned to greet his bride, and lifted the veil away from her face. As he took her hand in his she murmured, “Has the good priest persuaded you of your folly yet?”
“He has tried. But I have told him that it would be impossible to leave all this excitement for the quiet life of a monk. Besides, my lady, if I am to begin my life with you honestly, I must admit I love you far too much to leave you ever again. Let our love seal the pact between the Campbells and the Lamonts forever.”
Forever, his heart sang as the vows were pledged between them. He had come to this place to find his brother, and to exact justice of the notorious Highland Avengers.
But what he had found had shaken him to the very core. His father’s enemy, who had become a trusted friend. A lad who had taken all of life’s cruel blows and risen above them. Two women who had done anything necessary for the survival of their family, and one of them this amazing woman, who had taken his quiet, careful life and turned it inside out. And with her fire, her zeal, her courage, had filled all the empty places in his heart.
The End
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Thank you!
Ruth Ryan Langan
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