Free Kara Griffin - Gunn Guardsmen by On Highland Hill Page B

to you.” Kenneth didn’t know what else to say.
    “And I’m supposed to want to wed you because you wish to protect me?”
    He nodded, and leaned against the rock next to her. He considered her question for a moment, tenseness coming over him. “There are worse reasons to wed. There’s something about you that I…” Kenneth leaned close. He didn’t realize he was going to kiss her until his lips found hers. His mouth hovered for a slight second before taking full possession of the sweetest lips he’d ever kissed.
    The softness of her lips moved against his. Kenneth didn’t mean to ravish her, but honest to God, that’s what he was about to do. The soft mewling sound she made deep in her throat hardened him and he wanted nothing more than to keep kissing her. He embraced her in his arms, feeling all of her curves cuddled next to his hardness. With his hands splayed on her lower back, he pulled her close. God, how she could kiss. He liked the way she tried to control him. His tongue melted with hers akin to a summer storm that wouldn’t let up. He wouldn’t allow her to shrink away when she pulled back.
    “Gracious, Kenneth, I … I don’t know what you think you were doing but …”
    Kenneth didn’t like that she flustered. He took a lock of her hair between his fingers, admiring the brightness and texture. He set the tress on her shoulder and let his hand rest upon it. The distraction seemed to settle her. Aye, she was a red-haired temptress.
    “Elisa, we need to get back. You will wed me, won’t you? I won’t have you harmed. And Grey won’t give up until you wed one of us. You must decide right now.” Kenneth hoped he’d gained her accord, but women weren’t so easy to read and he was uncertain.
    “If I have to wed one of you, then I am glad it will be you. But I make no promises to be a good wife, for I don’t know what is required.”
    He frowned. “Then that makes two of us, for I have no idea what is required of a husband. I will make no promises.”
    He took her hand and led her back to where Father Geoffrey waited impatiently. She ran to keep up with him, so Kenneth slowed his pace. He stopped short before the group and tugged her to stand by his side. No one said a word and watched eagerly as if something miraculous was happening.
    “Father, we’re ready. Let us finish it.” Kenneth took his tartan and wrapped their clasped hands together. He took a quick glance at his friends and not seeing any opposition, nodded.
    “We shall dispense with confession until I return. For I must hasten and don’t have time now. Kenneth, will you speak your vow?” Father Geoffrey made the sign of the cross and bowed his head. “Repeat after me.”
    “I, Kenneth McInnish of clan Gunn, take thee, Elisa, daughter of the clan MacQuarrie, to be my wedded wife. To have and hold from this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and health, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance, and thereto I plight thee my troth.”
    James, Sean, and Colm cheered until Grey gave them a stern look. Kenneth couldn’t bring himself to say the words love and cherish. He wouldn’t make a vow he couldn’t keep and the word love hadn’t ever crossed his lips. He’d be damned to declare it now.
    “Lass, your turn.” Father Geoffrey beamed happily, his eyes looking adoringly at her. “Repeat after me.”
    Kenneth thought she’d fall to the ground before she’d speak a word. She fiddled with her sleeve with her free hand and bit her lower lip. He moved closer and squeezed her hand. At that moment he wished they were alone so he could kiss her again.
    “I, Elisa of clan MacQuarrie, take thee, Kenneth McInnish for my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God’s holy ordinance, and thereto I plight thee my troth.” Her voice didn’t waver one single bit during her