Love Letters from Largs: Brodie and Celestina (Highlander Clan Grant Series Book 3) by Keira Montclair Page A

in our clan for him to witness.”
    Celestina stared at Laird Alex Grant, who was a staggeringly handsome man in his own right, but not as appealing to her as Brodie. She smiled at him, unsure as to what exactly he would do. She had never been to a wedding before, so she had no knowledge of what was to come. Even though Inga had explained at length, it was a different matter to actually experience something in the flesh.
    Brodie stood to Celestina’s right and clasped her hand in his. The others formed a circle behind them. “Och, hold on for a moment, lass.” He released her hand and ran to his horse. He returned with one of his clan’s plaid, which he held out for her to see. “Mayhap ‘twould be nicer than the breeks you are wearing?”
    Celestina blushed and stood still while Brodie wrapped her in his plaid, finally tossing the last part over her shoulder. The red and green colors were beautiful, and she beamed at her betrothed, so satisfied he thought to bring it with him.
    Alex s tarted to speak while Brodie finish arranging the tartan’s folds. “Lass, the handfasting is a pledge to marry at some later point. ‘Tis a Scottish ceremony that can be done with or without witnesses. However, due to the special circumstances surrounding your betrothal to Lord Ivarsson, I insisted I stand as witness to your handfasting with my brother. Have you any questions?”
    She shook her head, lost in the excitement of what was about to happen. Glancing at her husband-to-be, she vowed to be everything to him a wife could be, though she wasn’t completely sure what that involved. His thick brown locks nestled over his leine, and she wanted to run her hands through them. She thought about how it would feel to have his muscular arms wrapped around her waist later and blushed.
    Alex began again. “ This ceremony is that of a betrothal or a promise. You are pledging to marry each other at a later time, but once you have consummated the betrothal, you are considered wed. This holds true for both the church and Scottish law.” He glanced from Brodie to Celestina. “Is that understood by both of you?”
    They each nodded their agreement. Brodie took her right hand in his left and Alex held another Grant plaid and wrapped it over and around their hands.
    “Do you both partake in this relationship of your own free will?”
    Brodie answered aye and waited for Celestina’s answer. Alex continued after she uttered a shy aye of her own. “I bind your hands together as evidence of the binding of your spirits. I bind them together in love and in trust, and I wish for many happy years and many happy bairns for you. Your love has chosen a difficult road, but you must allow no man to put your love asunder, as it is a gift from God. We stand as witnesses to this pledge.” Alex nodded to each of the witnesses.
    “Do you, Brodie Grant, pledge your troth to Celestina Lunde in the presence of God and these witnesses?”
    Brodie responded, “Aye, I do.” He squeezed her hand and smiled at her. Each of his smiles tore down a little more of the barrier around her heart.
    “Do you, Celestina Lunde, pledge your troth to Brodie Grant in the presence of God and these witnesses?”
    She whispered, “Aye, I do.” Her heart soared with her declaration, as if her spirit was now indeed bonded with her beloved’s. Tears misted in her eyes when she glanced at her husband. Immersed in the solemnity and importance of the ritual, she clung to his hand and his strength, somehow more aware than ever of the very meaning of this ceremony.
    Alex smiled. “Congratulations, you are now considered trothed to each other in the eyes of the lord.”
    Brodie gave her a chaste kiss on her lips, and Alex leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Welcome to the Grant Clan, Celestina,” he said, “and to our family, too. We all pledge to stand by you.” He then clasped his brother’s shoulder and hugged him. “You have chosen well, brother. Many happy days to