Total pages in book: 119
Estimated words: 111362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 557(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 557(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
“Now let’s be quick,” Willow ordered. “James has sent for a cleric from the friary. He’ll be here within two hours and all must be ready. James insists this be done as quickly as possible.”
“There’s no need to rush,” Sorrell said. “James says John and I are to wed, so he will be sure to see it done.”
“Unless the Lord of Fire objects and decides to pay a larger sum to someone else to wed you,” Willow explained. “And while James would prefer to send the missive to Tarass after you and John wed, he knows Seth will see that Tarass learns of what happened immediately.”
“Your brother is an honorable man. I owe him much,” John said.
“You will be a fine help to him,” —Snow smiled— “It is good to have you part of the clan.”
“Now, come,” Willow urged with a tug to Sorrell’s arm. There is much to be done before the ceremony.”
“Wait for me,” Snow said and, tucking Thaw in one arm, she stretched out her hand and Sorrell took hold and wrapped it around her other arm.
John was glad they would wed quickly. He wanted nothing to prevent this wedding. He intended to have Sorrell as his wife, and he’d let nothing stop that from happening.
Chapter 12
Sorrell stood, looking out the window of her bedchamber, still trying to comprehend that in a short time she would be John’s wife. Though she was pleased, she was also apprehensive. John was a good man, but would that make him a good husband? And what about the solitude he had seemed desperate to find? He would not have that once he took her as his wife.
“All ready?”
Sorrell turned to see that Willow had entered the room. A twinge of uneasiness ran through her and she reached her hand out to her sister, the person who had always been there for her. The one who had healed every one of her wounds, defended her against anyone and everyone, listened to her complaints, and held her tight in her arms and wept with her when their mum and da died. Willow was the rock of the family and Sorrell was grateful she was her sister.
Willow took hold of Sorrell’s hand and pulled her into a tight hug. “I am so pleased and relieved that you will wed John. You will do well together, and I am thrilled that you will make your home here.”
Sorrell turned a joyous smile on Willow. “I hadn’t realized that benefit of marrying John. We stay together.”
“Till I wed, but at least Snow won’t be alone now. She’ll have you, John, and Thaw,” Willow said with a soft laugh.
Sorrell pulled her into another hug. “James promised he’d keep us close. You won’t be far from us.”
“Aye, but enough about me. It is your day and you look beautiful. That was Mum’s favorite garment and it fits you perfectly.”
Sorrell ran her hand over the soft green, wool tunic. The neckline, edges, and hem were trimmed with an intricate, gold thread stitching as was the pale yellow shift beneath.
“Mum would be so proud and happy to see you wearing it,” Willow said, tears gathering in her eyes.
Seeing the tears in Willow’s eyes brought tears to Sorrell’s eyes, and the two sisters hugged again.
Repeated yelps announced the arrival of Snow and Thaw before they reached the door.
The little pup came running into the room and yelped as if announcing Snow’s arrival, ran back out, and entered again in front of Snow, then ran straight to the hearth to plop down and fall immediately asleep.
“His tiny yelps exhaust him,” Sorrell said with a laugh.
“He’s sleeping by the hearth, isn’t he?” Snow asked, turning her head toward the flickering shadows. “His favorite place.” She held up a slim wreath fashioned of heather and lavender. “I made this for you to wear.”
Sorrell felt more tears gather in her eyes. “It’s beautiful, Snow.” She took the wreath from her sister and placed it on her head. Her raging red curls refused to allow it to sit perfectly balanced on her head. No matter how many times Sorrell tried, it tilted to the side.
“Let me,” Willow said and moved a few strands of curls to fall gently near the wound on her forehead and positioned the wreath to hold them there, setting it straight.
“How does it look?” Snow asked.
“See for yourself,” Willow said and took Snow’s hand and placed it on the wreath.
Snow smiled as she moved her hand over it. “Perfect.”
Sorrell reached out and drew Snow into a tight hug. “I am so grateful.”
“I am too,” Snow said, sniffling back tears. “I am grateful you will be staying here with us. I hope you and John have a whole lot of bairns I can spoil.”
Sorrell hadn’t given that much thought to bairns. Of course she wanted them, but it was Snow who had talked about having a bunch of them and her blindness had stolen that dream.