He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) (26 page)

My dad nudges me and I take my direction from him. With slow steps we walk into the church, and stop. And I see him, for the first time today. Standing just in front of Father O’Conner, with Michael by his side. His dark brown eyes smiling, drawing me in. I smile as I run my eyes over him. Not what I expected him to wear, I had hoped though.

He stands at the end of the aisle, in a full traditional Stewart tartan. And yes I have to admit, he really suits the kilt, as does Michael. Now I wonder if he is following Scottish tradition? A true Scotsman would have nothing on underneath the kilt. I smile with the thought running through my head, as we start walking again toward the man, who has captured my soul.

A cheeky boyish grin spreads across his face, as if sensing the thoughts running through my mind. His eyes never leave me. His smile grows with each step closer I take. Only now, do I take notice of our closest family and friends. My poor mother is sobbing uncontrollably on one side of the aisle, while Sarah’s tear filled eyes watch me walking, the now short distance to her son.

My dad squeezes my arm, in reassurance. I turn my gaze to him, and smile. I feel myself start to shake again. Closing my eyes briefly I try to compose myself again. I open them and the only person I see is Alex. All eyes of the church, are focused on me as I walk the last few steps to him.

And then I stop.

It’s only now I notice, Alex’s eyes are brimming with unshed tears as he stands gazing at me. Oh my poor man, “I love you,” I tell him, as Father O’Connor starts to speak. I’ve stunned Alex into silence, I catch Michael from the corner of my eye, grinning with amusement.

“Are we getting married?” I whisper as Alex takes my hand from my dad.

“I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU MAN
and wife. You may kiss your wife.”

I turn to face him, his touch is gentle against my skin, as he takes me in his arms. Our lips meet, with no hurry, soft and loving. As the church erupts with a round of applause.

“Mrs. Mathews, you look breath taking and so beautiful, as you always do,” he whispers as his lips leave mine.

“About time you said that Mathews, I was beginning to think I would be saying that to your wife first.” Michael teases, which earns him scowl from Alex. “Congratulations Libby.” Michael kisses me on the cheek. “And you do look amazing.”

Alex, Michael, Kirsty and I head off with Father O’Connor to sign all the documents, before making our way out of the church. We had invited Father O’Connor back to the hotel, but he declined, something to do with a certain football game, that made me laugh. Alex gave his hospitality tickets away to staff at the casino. I did try to tell him we should postpone the wedding, once we realised it was the same day as the old firm game. I know how excited he was when I gave him the tickets for his Christmas. Alex was having none of that.

Outside in the cold winter sunshine we pose for some photos with family. I’m glad the weather has brightened up after the recent weeks. I don’t really get a chance to talk with my parents or Alex’s, as we are directed into position for pictures.

Connor and Emma are the first, to offer their congratulations. Today is the first time in over three months, since Alex has seen his brother. Emma isn’t as frosty to me today as she was when I was in New York. She also quietly congratulates me on the pregnancy, and she does seem genuinely happy for us. She also hints, that she hopes, it won’t be long after her wedding, that she will have the same happy news. Maybe we could end up being friends. Connor takes me in his arms and welcomes me to the family with a kiss.

Next is Stephen on his own. Sally is working day shift at the hotel, but will join us later tonight. Stephen seems happy and not just because of Sally, maybe some of it has to do with seeing his best friend happy.

I stand with Alex’s arm around me, watching Jack take pictures of Ethan, Sophie and Lucy. The three of them look so happy together. I know Ethan has missed Sophie terribly, while she was back home in New York. I shake feeling a little cold.

“You okay?”

“No, I’m starting to get cold.” I tell him.

“Michael.” Alex calls. “Can I leave you with Michael, for a few minutes and I can speak with Jack. I think the rest of the pictures can be done at the hotel.”

He releases me to Michael, and walks toward Jack, but he does get stopped several times on his way.

“Do you want my jacket, Libby?” Michael asks unbuttoning his jacket. He doesn't let me answer, before putting it on my shoulders. “So Mrs. Mathews, you managed to silence your husband today. And if I’m not mistaken, he had tears in his eyes. But I think you had that effect on everyone in the church.”

“What can I say to that. I know how to manage my man.”

“Of that I have no doubt,” he laughs. “You’re the only person capable, of managing him. You’ve brought him to his knees and I’ve already told you I love seeing how he is with you.”

I don’t get a chance to answer him, because Alex is back at my side. “Come on baby, let’s get to the car.”

“Alex I feel bad.” I shrug out of Michaels jacket and hand him it back.

“What’s wrong?” He asks, with panic in his voice.

“Nothing, it’s just I haven’t spoken with my parents or yours yet.”

“They will understand. We will be with them soon enough. Now come on, I have a surprise for you.” I raise my eyebrows, questioning him. A slow smile spreads on my face, as I think of what could happen during our car journey.

“You can wipe that look, from your face. Not happening,” he says flatly as we walk toward the waiting car. “You forget Mrs. Mathews, I can read your mind fairly well it would seem.”

I hand Alex my flowers, as I gather my dress and climb into the car as elegantly as I can. He has a quick word with Michael, although I don’t hear what is said, before joining me. There is champagne, fizzy water and orange juice in the car. Alex lifts the champagne and I shake my head.

“You can have a little.”

“No, maybe later on.” Alex hands me two glasses, and he opens the water and pours.

“A toast. To the most beautiful woman in the world, who has just made me the happiest man alive. Mrs. Mathews I love you.”

I take a long drink, from my glass as I sit wrapped in Alex’s arm. I finally feel relaxed for the first time today, gone are the nerves I had before the ceremony.

“Happy,” he asks me, squeezing me tighter.

“Of course. I am always happy, when I’m with you.” He drops a soft kiss on my lips, seeming happy and content with my answer. “So what’s this surprise?”

“Well you will just need to wait and see.”

My mind races as I think about what he’s up to. Because he is up to something, the mischievous grin on his face, gives him away. It has me wondering about our honeymoon. The destination he refused to reveal to me. All I know is Joan has packed for me, and we leave tomorrow around noon, after spending tomorrow morning relaxing with our family at the hotel. The only thing I have been told, is we won’t be home until after Connor and Emma’s wedding. Which has me thinking, I hope Sophie has something in her shop suitable for me to wear to that wedding.

“So how are my babies today?” he asks with a growing smile.

“I believe, they are well.”

“I can’t wait to feel their first movements.”

“It will be a few more weeks before I feel that, I think. Although with there being two, I don’t know I might feel them sooner.”

“You have the hotel covered, for your absence in the next few weeks?” he asks

“Of course I have. Kieran has everything in hand. Although I would like to give him some extra time off when we come home. I know he has a two week holiday that he is taking, but I think he deserves more after all the extra he’s put in, in recent weeks.”

“That he does. But I’m not prepared to have my pregnant wife, working seven days a week. You will have to sort something else out for when he’s off.” He narrows his eyes, making his point. “I mean it, Libby. Your health is something I won’t risk, even for the sake of your beloved hotel. If I have to step in and help I will.”

I smile at my very bossy man. Knowing he means every word he’s said. And given all our recent discussions, about the hotel, I’m sure he would do a fine job if he had to step in.

“Now. Talking of the hotel. Congratulations.”

“I still can’t get my head round it. I own Stewart Estate.”

“That you do. But you have to promise me something.” I nod at him. “Promise me if things take a turn for the worse, you will let me know. I won’t interfere in the running, but I will always be here to help in any way I can.”

“I promise,” I say before kissing him.

“What was that for?” he asks sounding playful.

“Just because. Do I really need a reason, to kiss my sexy husband who I might add really looks hot today.”

“Sexy and hot. I thought that was how I looked most days.” Teasing he lifts his hand to his chest. “You’ve wounded me with your words woman.”

“Not my intention to wound you with my words. A question, is this hired?” I run my free hand down the length of the kilt. “Or did you buy it?”

“So it’s the kilt, that’s done it for you today. Not my hair or my eyes, but a skirt.”

“It’s so much more than a skirt. Something really sexy about a man in a kilt. I hope you have bought it because you do suit it and all the events you go to, you would get to wear it. So answer the question.”

“Of course I bought it.” He’s blunt and straight to the point. “But can I let you in, on a secret?”

The smile on his face widens.

“Yes.”

“It’s mighty cold under this here skirt,” he whispers in my ear. I gasp. Well it would seem my husband, has followed tradition, but I’ll have to wait to find out as we pull up at the hotel. “We’re not going straight into the hotel.” Alex tells me.

He gives me the briefest of kiss, before getting out the car. My door is opened, by the driver and Alex is waiting to take my flowers and hand. As I step out, I notice Murphy is standing by Alex’s car with the door open I thought when Alex said I wasn’t going straight into hotel, he meant getting some more photos done, but instead it looks as though we are going somewhere else.

“Mrs. Mathews.” Murphy smiles. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you Murphy, where’s Joan?”

“Traveling with your family. She seems to have taken on the role of taking care of young Miss Stewart today,” he says warmly. Lucy seems to have this effect on everyone. I’m very well aware, that Joan dotes on my niece. “Are we ready to go?”

I glance between Alex and Murphy, puzzled at what’s going on.

“Where are we going?” I ask Alex.

“All will be revealed. It’s my surprise.” He helps me into the car. Alex and Murphy speak for a few minutes, before he joins me. Murphy starts the engine and we’re off. Although we don’t turn to leave the estate, instead we take the trail road and drive further into the grounds.

Alex keeps hold of my hand, gently stroking it with his fingertips. His face is giving nothing away, as I try to work out where we’re going. We’re not heading for a boat ride as we’ve drove past the jetty. That also rules out a trip in the sea-plane. To say I’m puzzled is an understatement, as we drive deeper into the estate.

We’ve driven past the stables, and heading in a direction of the estate I’ve not ventured to for years. Even the trail road is all over-grown. I now know why we changed cars, there’s no way the wedding car would’ve got down this bumpy road. I think I should have a look at re-developing this part of the estate, although not sure what I could do with it. It’s very secluded.

I watch Alex as the car comes to a stop. His expression remains unreadable. I have no idea, what he’s thinking or what we’re doing this far away from the hotel, when we should be welcoming our guests to our wedding reception.

“I imagine you’re wondering what we’re doing away down here?”

“Of course, especially when we have guests at the hotel.”

“I wanted to give you my present just now. But we will come back tomorrow when we can walk around.” I frown not understanding. “I don’t want you getting your dress dirty.”

“Alex, maybe it’s my baby brain, or maybe it’s just today, but can you just tell me what it is.”

“Look through the clearing, tell me what you see?”

I turn away from him, and focus my attention, on the clearing. Staring through, I see an old building. An outhouse I think. Then I remember there was an old derelict building, an old cottage.

“There’s an old building, a cottage or an out building,” I tell him, turning my attention back to him.

“Yes there is. There is both, along with a lot of private land and a private access road. And fantastic views of the loch.”

That makes me smile, views of the loch. “So I think you need to elaborate a little more.”

“This is my wedding gift to you. I have contractors coming in over the next few weeks to start clearing the land.”

I’m still having a little trouble with what I think he’s saying. I just want him to spell it out. “Alex please just say it.”

“I hope this is going to be home, for us all. I’ve had an architect look over the whole site, he has already started drawing up some plans. What do you think? There is also a few houses further down the access road. So we wouldn’t be here, alone and I want to speak with you about Ethan.”