Boyett-Compo, Charlotte - WesternWind 01 - Wynd River by Sinner (Ellora's Cave) Page A

as much joy of
    her as me Noel did of me!”
    “Moira McDermott, hush!” the priest growled.
    “Póg mo thóin! “ Moira snapped.
    A few people who understood the old language chuckled and the priest’s face turned red, but he did not
    admonish the old lady.
    “Tell her the meaning of it, son,” the old woman said, her wrinkled lips pursed at the priest.
    Cynyr turned the ring so it was the correct way in his fingers. “This symbol ring is called a claddagh and
    it is as ancient as the hills.” He slipped it only as far as Aingeal’s first knuckle. “The heart is to signify our
    undying love for one another.” The ring went over her second knuckle. “The crown stands for our loyalty
    and lasting fidelity—one to the other—and the hands clasping the crown mean ours is not only a love but
    an enduring friendship.” He slid the ring with the crown, hands and heart facing Aingeal all the way on his
    love’s finger. “Worn in this fashion, it states to the world our love has been sealed and we belong one to
    the other.”
    Aingeal could not stop the tears that fell down her cheeks. She looked at the old woman and thanked
    her with eyes that spoke more than words could have said.
    “You’re welcome, lass,” Moira McDermot said and stepped back, waving her hand for the priest to
    continue. “They ain’t got all night, Willie!”
    Father O’Malley rolled his eyes. “I pronounce you husband and wife.” He frowned at Cynyr. “You have
    the right to kiss her,” he said.
    Cynyr was aware his hands were shaking as he put them on Aingeal’s cheeks. Her smile was so bright
    he was nearly blinded by it. His heart was thudding loudly and he wondered if she could hear it.
    “I love you,” she said, and realized it was true. How it could be when she’d known him barely
    twenty-four hours she didn’t know, but as soon as the words left her mouth, she heard the truth in them.
    “Love at first sight,” he said as he lowered his lips to hers.
    Every woman in the room sighed at that kiss. Despite the fact the man was feared, he was as handsome
    as any had ever known. The woman whose body was pressed to his was a beautiful little thing with light
    brown hair that swung to her small waist. Together, they were a delight to the eyes.
    Swinging Aingeal up in his arms, Cynyr headed for the stairs. He was surprised when applause rang out
    over the assemblage and he stopped to look back at those gathered. Aingeal’s head was on his shoulder,
    her arms around his neck and he felt as though he had won the greatest prize in the entire world. He
    smiled broadly, letting everyone there know the extent of his happiness then began to climb the stairs.
    Everyone in the hotel lobby had seen Reapers before. Some had actually spoken to the fierce bounty
    hunters, though none had ever had reason to be privy to a Reaper’s private life. Neither had anyone ever
    seen a Reaper smile, and it was an eerie sight that made the hairs stand-up on many an arm.
    “The gods help that poor girl,” some man said, but Moira McDermott swatted him on his arm hard
    enough to make the poor fellow wince.
    “The gods help any man foolish enough to try to take that gal from him,” Moira said. “He’ll fight to the
    death, he will.”
    Rain was pelting the window of their room when Cynyr carried his lady over the threshold and to their
    marriage bed. He laid her down gently and stood there gazing at the beauty that was now legally his. Her
    beauty made his heart ache and he wanted to tear the clothing from her and ravish her until they were
    both exhausted, but her cheeks were bright with color, her nose red and she looked as though it hurt for
    her to swallow.
    Aingeal sighed as he waved his hand over the wedding finery in which he’d garbed her and the soft
    flannel gown once more covered her. She was aching from the top of her head to the soles of her feet,
    but she wasn’t about to complain. She wanted her lover to consummate their