What’s going on? Gavin asked as the girls swept her away from the hall and up the stairs.

It felt good to be in her element, her life, without the crushing intensity of everyone around her. Instead of answering her husband’s question, she offered. You’re a smart man, Gavin Kincaid. You’ll figure it out.

Amber peeked over her shoulder to see Gavin’s brow narrow before Duncan and Fin moved in and clasped him on the back.

“C’mon, Amber. Move it,” Lizzy slapped her bottom through her dress to move up the stairs faster.

The tradition of escorting the bride to her chambers before her husband followed wasn’t something many of the MacCoinnich marriages had the privilege to experience.

Instead of tucking Amber in the chamber she called her own for the past half dozen years, they took her to the room she and Myra often shared as children. The larger room already had a fire burning and the shades were drawn. Candles lit the walls and the coverings of the bed had been turned down…inviting.

Tara, Lizzy, and Myra pushed Amber into the room.

Amber turned full circle and laughed.

Tara and Lizzy stared at her, and started to bust out laughing while Myra held her belly and laughed along with them.

“This has to be the most absurd tradition of this time,” Tara said.

Escorting the bride to her room to dress and get her ready for her husband so they could consummate their vows would have terrified Amber to death if she hadn’t already shared some intimacies with Gavin.

“The first time is scary enough without everyone downstairs thinking you’re upstairs going at it.” Lizzy must have realized what she said and promptly closed her mouth. “Not that you should be worried.”

Amber waved a hand in the air. “Don’t fret. I’m not at all frightened.” She wasn’t, which surprised her.

Myra moved behind Amber to help her unlace her gown. “I know it sounds strange, but I’m happy you’re here so we can share this with you.”

“I am, too,” Tara agreed.

A knock sounded on the door before Lora tucked inside to join them.

Tara helped Myra pull the layers of fabric over her head leaving her in her underclothes.

“Is he already on his way?” Amber asked.

Her mother smiled. “You have some time. The men are pouring more spirits for him while they boast about their own wedding nights.”

“I’m sure that’s not all they’re boasting,” Lizzy said.

One layer at a time, her sisters helped her peel away her clothes before dressing her in a long silk nightdress. The silk was a luxury brought back from one of the many trips in time. It’s dusty rose color complimented her coloring and hugged her figure.

Lora bid her to sit so she could remove the flowers from her hair and brush it out. The pampering wasn’t something Amber had an opportunity to enjoy when she was last in the Keep.

Tara and Lizzy carefully folded the dress to pack away.

Lora caught Amber’s gaze through the mirror. “When you were a child, I would sit for hours brushing your hair. Both of you.” She smiled at Myra and continued with long strokes as she talked. “Myra was less tolerant of my hands, but you…you’d sit with me chattering about everything from the barn cats to the meat pies you were so fond of eating.”

“I still love meat pies.”

Lora smiled but there was a hint of sorrow behind her eyes. Or maybe Amber’s gift was once again leaking in.

“I knew there would be a day I wouldn’t be able to do such a simple task. I didn’t realize the reason why. Such is the way of my gift. I don’t always know the why…or the when.” Lora stopped brushing and caught her eyes again.

Amber reached a hand to hold onto her mother’s. The touch brought a wave of longing. Her mother had knowledge of something and was keeping it to herself.

“What is it?”

Lora kissed the top of her head and stepped back. “You’ll be leaving tonight.”

Tara sighed.

“I thought we’d stay a little longer,” Amber said.

“I don’t know why you’re leaving, only that by morning you’ll be gone.”

Amber sighed and resolved herself to what her mother said. Her premonitions were never wrong.

Lizzy walked over and pulled Amber to her feet. “I’m getting really tired of all these goodbyes,” she teased. “But seeing how we just did this a few days ago and you’re already back, I’m not going to stress out about it.” Lizzy pulled her into a hug. “Tell my son we love him and to take care of his wife and child.”

Amber refused to feel sad with her impending departure. This day was for happiness, for her future, her marriage. For family. “I’ll tell him.”

Tara pushed forward. “My turn.” She hugged her and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Bonded sex doesn’t hurt the first time. Just thought you’d like to know that.”

Amber laughed and said a phrase she’d heard Lizzy repeat more than once. “Thanks for sharing.”

Tara pulled back laughing. “I love ya.”

Where the other women were smiling, Myra was tearful. Her hug was longer. “I’m so happy he found you and brought my sister back—even if only for a short while. We can move on in life knowing you’re happy.”

Lora hugged her last but didn’t cry. From the pocket of her skirts, she removed the necklace Gavin had taken off her neck when she arrived. Amber pulled her hair back and allowed her mother to join the clasp. “You know where we are should you ever need us.”

Amber couldn’t help feeling she’d see them all again. Such a contrast from the last time they’d parted ways. “Does father know I’m leaving?”

“Aye. And he wants you to know he trusts the man you’ve married. You’ve grown stronger with him by your side, and I can’t help but feel that will only improve. Trust your instincts and remember the bonds of this family.”

“I will. I wish Cian would accept my husband.”

“We all do. Perhaps one day.”

Amber couldn’t dwell on her brother’s grief. Not with her husband waiting to join her.

“Gavin’s waiting.”

After one more group hug each of them left her room so she could await her husband’s arrival.

Only a few minutes passed when the sound of boots and shouting men, well into their cups, escorted her husband to her door.

The tradition really was barbaric.

“Don’t keep her waiting!”