Christmas In Delight: Delight Book Four Read online

  “We’re to have not one, but two handfastings.”

  The two couples joined Ross by the hearth. Amy and Avery handed him their cords.

  “Cassie, will ye help, please?” Ross asked.

  Cassie took one of the cords and followed what Ross did. They wrapped the cords around the couples’ hands as they faced each other and as Ross recited, “Hands to hold ye. Hands to protect ye. Hands to soothe ye. Hands to guide ye. Hands to care for ye. Hands to love ye. Ye are now bound to each other for a year and a day.”

  “I want to say something.” Amy looked into Gavin’s eyes. “This is the happiest day of my life. I can honestly say that. You have touched my heart. You are kind, caring, fun-loving and the sweetest guy I’ve ever met. I hope I can make you as happy as you’ve made me.”

  Gavin’s sweet smile broke into an ear to ear grin. “Amy, I love ye. I believe I have from the moment I saw ye standing by yer car on the road. Ye have made me verra happy. I will work hard each and every day to be the man ye believe me to be.” Their lips met in a sweet and tender kiss.

  Avery gazed down at the cord wrapped around their hands and smiled. “Conall, I was sure my life would never be special again. You proved me wrong. We haven’t known each other long, but it doesn’t matter whether it’s been one week or one year. I knew right from the start who you were – a good man with a kind heart. You might not let people see it, but I know it’s true, just like I knew that you were the man for me. I love you so much and I’m happy that we’ll be going on this journey through life together.”

  Conall cleared his throat and took a moment before he spoke. “I’m no’ a man of many words, I know ye ken it.” He looked into Avery’s eyes and held tightly to her hands. “I’ve never truly been in love before. It took a woman like ye to show me what love could be and now I ken what it is. I ken because I love ye, dear Avery. Ye are me heart. Ye have shown me how sweet ye are, how kind ye are, and how loving ye are. I’m happy to be bound to ye whether ’tis for a year and a day or for the rest of our lives.”

  There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Cassie passed the box of tissues around. “It looks like we’ve got two more Christmas weddings to look forward to.”

  Congratulations and good wishes came from all around the room.

  “I think this calls for champagne,” Ross said, popping the cork off of a bottle and pouring flutes for each of them. “To love!”

  “To love!” They all clinked glasses and drank a toast to the couples.

  Avery leaned into Conall. She hadn’t imagined that a day like this would ever come again in her life and now that it had, she couldn’t imagine it not. “I love you,” she said, loud enough for his ears only.

  “I love you, too,” he replied, taking her in his arms and kissing her.

  She allowed all the feelings she had for him to pour out into that one kiss, knowing there would be many more to come.

  “Let’s eat!” Cassie called. “I’ve set up a buffet at the kitchen island. Help yourselves and then sit wherever you like.”

  Christmas music played in the background and the sounds of happy people enjoying themselves filled the room with joy and warmth.

  Crystal and Payton were the first to break away and congratulate them. “This was quite the surprise,” Crystal said.

  “I’m happy for ye, cousin,” Payton said.

  “I hope we didn’t steal your thunder,” Avery said to Crystal.

  “No, you absolutely did not. Yesterday was our day.”

  “Are you sure?” she asked.

  “Positive. Seeing you all so happy and knowing that it wasn’t expected, makes it so much more special.”

  “This just might be the happiest Christmas ever experienced here in Delight,” Amy said.

  “I think you’re right.” Cassie and Ross joined them.

  “Can we get everyone’s attention, one more time?” Cassie asked. “Ross and I just want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!”

  As if they’d planned it, the people of Delight raised their glasses and together said, “Merry Christmas!”

  Also by Jennae Vale

  The Thistle & Hive Series

  A Bridge Through Time - Book One

  A Thistle Beyond Time - Book Two

  Separated By Time - Book Three

  A Matter of Time - Book Four

  A Turn In Time - Book Five

  All In Good Time - Book Six

  A Long Forgotten Time - Book Seven

  Awakened By Time - Book Eight

  Saved By Time - Book Nine

  In Time For Edna - Book Ten

  A Thistle & Hive Christmas

  The Mackalls of Dunnet Head

  Her Trusted Highlander - Book One

  Her Noble Highlander - Book Two

  Her Mysterious Highlander - Book Three

  The Delight Series

  Wanted - Book One

  Watched - Book Two

  Wounded - Book Three

  Other Books by Jennae Vale

  A Highlander In Vegas

  Ross - The Ghosts of Culloden Moor (prequel to The Delight Series)

  Raider of the Deep - Pirates of Britannia Connected World

  A Note From Jennae

  Thank you so much for reading Christmas In Delight. If you enjoyed this story and have a minute to spare, I would really appreciate a short review on the page or site where you bought the book. Your help in spreading the word is greatly appreciated. Reviews from readers like you make a huge difference in helping new readers find stories similar to Christmas In Delight.

  If you’d like to know when my next book comes out and want to receive occasional updates from me, then you can sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/w4j6s3

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you to my editor, Reina Robinson, for all your help and for making the editing process a fun experience.

  Thank you to my cover designer, Sheri McGathy. Your amazing cover designs are always so beautiful.

  About the Author

  Jennae Vale is a best selling author of romance with a touch of magic. As a history buff from an early age, Jennae often found herself day-dreaming in history class and wondering what it would be like to live in the places and time periods she was learning about. Writing time travel romance has given her an opportunity to take those daydreams and turn them into stories to share with readers everywhere.

  Originally from the Boston area, Jennae now lives in the San Francisco Bay area, where some of her characters also reside. When Jennae isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and her pets, and daydreaming, of course.

  To learn more about Jennae and her books, visit her website: www.jennaevaleauthor.com