Laird of the Mist by Foery MacDonell

lit as Hamish placed Cat‘s hand into his.
―Go, lass,‖ Hamish whispered as he kissed her.―Be happy always.‖
―I will,‖ Cat replied as she fit her hand into Carrick‘s and turned to face him, a gentle smile in her eyes.
―We are gathered to witness the marriage of Caitriona Eilean MacPhail to Carrick Alasdair MacDonell,‖ the priest began. With most of the formalities complete, the priest took the end of his stole and wrapped it loosely around Cat and Carrick‘s joined hands.
―I bless this marriage and the fruit of it,‖ he said solemnly.―And I pronounce ye husband and wife.‖ He removed the stole and nodded to Carrick.
Deliberately, Carrick swept Cat into his arms and kissed her fervently. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him in equal measure.
―Ahem...‖ Hamish interrupted the kiss, lest it last all day.―I have a gift for ye, Carrick.‖
Reluctantly, Carrick broke from Cat and turned to Hamish.―Aye?‖ he said quizzically.―A gift? But I have nothing to give ye in return.‖
―My Caitriona‘s joy is all the gift needed,‖ Hamish said as he opened the long, mysterious box lying nearby.
He withdrew an old basket-hilted sword and extended it to Carrick with both hands.
―I present ye with the family sword,‖ Hamish began.―To welcome ye to the family, and in faith that ye will use it to protect Caitriona.‖
Moved by the gesture, Carrick bowed his head to Hamish.―I gratefully accept both honors, sir‖ he said humbly.―I will protect her forever, I assure ye,‖ he vowed as a large, jet-black raven landed on the branch above his head. Carrick gave a slight shudder at the bird and said, ―May it no come to the sword.‖
―What‘s with the raven?‖ Olivia whispered as Carrick kissed Cat again.
―An omen of war,‖ Hamish whispered back. ―Not good.‖
―Oh! But...‖Olivia began.
―Shhhh...‖ Hamish quieted her.
Carrick ended the quick kiss and raised the sword with respect to Cat.―I have a wee gift for ye, Caitriona,‖ he said and handed the sword to Hamish.―If you would, sir,‖ he said, removing a small package from his sporran.
―This is rightfully yers,‖ he explained as she took it.―It will serve to remind ye that I will keep ye safe and provide for ye always.‖
Cat‘s eyes widened as she removed the locket from the paper wrapping.
―My locket,‖ she murmured.―I had forgotten,‖ she said as she held it out for all to see.―Thank you so much!‖ she said, holding it up to her neck and turning for Carrick to fasten it. It was the perfect way to end the ceremony.
Reverend Watson bid then all a joyful farewell and left them under the tree to enjoy the champagne the hotel had provided.
―Much joy and many bairns,‖ Hamish toasted them, and they all raised their glasses together. They stood, laughing, talking, and sipping the champagne for a while, not wanting to end the moment.
Suddenly woozy, Cat groped for the chair behind her and quickly sat. A fine mist rose from the ground around her, causing her to shiver involuntarily.
―What is it, Cat?‖ Carrick took the glass from her and bent over in concern.
―Probably just too much champagne and excitement.‖ She smiled up at him, her arms around her stomach.―I‘ll be fine in a minute.‖
―Aye, probably so.‖ Hamish placed his hand on her cheek.―No fever. Just sit and rest a bit, Cat,‖ he advised, and backed up a bit to allow her some space.
Carrick and Olivia did the same, not taking their eyes from Cat, who was now bending over in half, gripping her head with both hands. The mist grew into a dense fog, nearly obscuring her from view.
―Oh, my God,‖ she cried, trying to see them through the mist.―The music is deafening and it‘s making my head explode!‖
―What music?‖ Olivia asked, looking around for its possible source..
―Can‘t you hear it?‖ Cat‘s eyes were streaming tears of pain.―It‘s the worst pain I‘ve ever...‖
With that partial declaration, Cat faded and