CHAPTER 23
The plans for Skylar and Ian's wedding were put into motion immediately. Their family had been waiting for this on pins and needles for years now and they didn't want to wait another second than was necessary. The couple in question did not disagree. They had said that they would be more than happy to get married just by a local priest the next day. But everyone around them insisted on having the formal ceremony and big reception to celebrate this very very long awaited union.
Claire had even taken upon herself to make Skylar's wedding dress. Skylar assured her that she didn't need to go through all that work on her behalf. That she was sure Brianna would let her borrow hers. But Claire wouldn't hear it.
"Both of my daughters will have their own beautiful dress to treasure and maybe pass on to their daughters. It will make me happier than I could ever say to do it."
Skylar just smiled, her heart feeling warm that Claire really did think of her as much her daughter as Brianna.
And it turned out perfect.
It was ankle length and made from a white lace that Jocasta had sent as a wedding present. The neckline was a V shape, filled in with a white scarf Claire had also pieced together from extra lace. The sleeves were billowy and came in around her wrists. White buttons, each individual one covered in a small bit of lace, lined down the back of the dress from the base of her neck to her waist. The skirt flowed when she walked, looking like white waves. The finishing touch was the solid white satin ribbon around her waist. It was the most beautiful dress Skylar had ever seen.
The night before the wedding, Claire, Bree, Marsali and Skylar enjoyed some time together, while Ian was with Roger, Fergus and Jamie; welcoming the two into married life and offering any advice they would take.
Skylar and Ian were also kept apart so that the next time they would see each other would be at the altar.
When Skylar woke up the next morning, the first thought in her head was, I'm finally going to become Mistress Murray for real today. And that thought made millions of butterflies flutter in her stomach.
The morning was filled with everyone waiting on the bride, making sure she didn't need to move a finger.
And at last, it was time to get ready. Bree and Claire stayed with Skylar to help her.
They put her hair half up half down, with the up part in a bun, then added two braids going down on both sides of the bun.
After they got her into her dress, Bree had to leave to help Roger get Jemmy ready; leaving Skylar and Claire alone.
"How are you feeling?" Claire asked her.
"Nervous. But like, in an excited way. I can't believe this is finally happening. It doesn't feel real. But…" She paused. "I do really wish my mom was here. I miss her so much." She sniffed, willing herself to not cry, and running her heart charm on her necklace between her thumb and index finger.
"Oh, darling." Claire brought her in to hug her and stroked the back of her head, carefully so not to ruin anything. Skylar hugged her back. "She may not be here physically, but you know she is here with you in spirit." They pulled apart and she went on, "And she is so proud of the amazing, strong and beautiful woman you have become. As am I." She put her hand on Skylar's cheek and Skylar covered it with her own.
"Thank you, Claire."
"For what?"
Skylar shrugged. "Everything. All you've done for me since I was 16. Being here. Being another mother. I'm so grateful for you."
Claire smiled. "And I for you, sweetheart." She kissed Skylar's forehead and touched her face again. They looked to the doorway when they heard footsteps and saw Jamie standing there. It seemed he was about to say something but stopped once he saw Skylar.
Skylar smiled as she watched his face light up and a look of pride and strong paternal love crossed it.
Claire looked between them and understood they needed a moment alone. She squeezed Skylar's hand and said, "I'll meet you outside." Skylar nodded and Claire left, touching her husband's shoulder as she passed him.
"Well," Skylar spoke to Jamie, "how do I look?"
He blinked his watery eyes to get them clear again and went to her. "Ye…are a vision, a leannan." He took her hands. "I canna believe the woman before me now is the same young girl Fergus brought te my doorstep those years ago. It seems like just yesterday ye had made the choice te stay wi' me instead of goin' back te yer time. And Christ, I'm thankful te God everyday fer ye comin' te that decision."
"So am I. I can't imagine my life without you, Dad."
"I canna tell ye how much joy it still bring me te hear ye call me that. I am truly the luckiest man in the world fer havin' ye as my daughter, Skylar Fraser."
With all of the love and emotion Jamie was looking at her with, Skylar had to take a breath. She swallowed and fanned her eyes. "You can't make me cry yet, Dad. Not before I walk down the aisle."
Jamie laughed and wiped his eyes. "I suppose I must control myself as well before escortin' ye te the altar. Make sure Ian doesna think I'm goin' soft and that I would no longer take actions necessary should he hurt ye in anyway."
Skylar rolled her eyes. "That's never going to change, is it?"
"Not until I'm long in the ground. And even then, my ghost will no hesitate te haunt him either."
Skylar couldn't help but laugh and smile. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight. He held her against him and gave a long kiss to the top of her head.
They were silent like this for a moment, before he said suddenly. "Right. Now," he pulled back from her, "as I did wi' Brianna on her weddin' day…" He looked down to the small tray he had brought in with him. Skylar did too. "I dinna ken if it's still a tradition in yer century, but as it was important fer Bree, I didna want te take a risk. So, we have somethin' old," he held up a long strip of a piece of the Fraser clan tartan. He picked up her bouquet and wrapped the cloth around the stems. Setting it back down, he went on. "Somethin' new," he handed her one of the two glasses of whiskey, taking the other for himself. "Slainte, mo nighean." They clicked their glasses and swallowed the alcohol in one sip. They both grimaced at the strong taste.
"Wow," Skylar commented. "Definitely new."
"Aye. Christ," he muttered. "Anyways. We have somethin' borrowed." It was a long necklace of pearls, the same one Brianna had worn on her wedding day. "These were my mother's, yer grandmother. Bree has been holdin' onte them, but she was more than happy te let ye wear them fer yer day. He put the necklace over her head and let them fall. They framed her mother's necklace perfectly, like a combination of her two lives. "And finally, somethin' blue." He took off the tray a stem with small blue flowers growing from it. He pointed to her hair "May I?" She nodded and he gently stuck the flora in the bun, hidden so that they would be the only two to know it was there. "Oh, I nearly fergot." He reached into his pocket and took out a coin. "A sixpence fer yer shoe."
"I haven't heard of that part," she replied, taking the coin and putting it in her shoe.
"We'll, traditions change over time, I imagine. But it is te wish good fortune te the couple from the bride's father."
Skylar took Jamie's hand. "Thank you," she said back, softly, that all being she could say without getting far too sappy.
Knowing that if they stood there any longer, he, at least, would turn into a blubbering mess, he took a breath and offered her his arm.
"Well, m' annsachd. Are ye ready?"
"I've been ready for this since the day I met him."
She picked up her bouquet from the table and looped her arm through his. He lead her outside where Claire was waiting for them.
The two women smiled at each other and Claire touched Skylar's arm. Skylar then looked to Jamie and nodded.
He gave a nod back then shouted down to the crowd gathered beneath them, "The Frasers of the Ridge are here!"
Every head turned in their direction and stood, clapping and cheering.
Claire went down the steps first, smiling at the guests, both outsiders and citizens of the Ridge, as she went. She went up to Ian at the front and cupped his face with both hands for a moment, whispering, "At long last." Ian chuckled and smiled back at her. Claire then took her seat.
After they saw her sit, Jamie and Skylar gave each other one last glance.
"Don't let me trip and fall," she begged him.
He held onto her arm that was locked with his with his other hand. "Never."
Skylar took a breath and they started forward.
Feeling relief after reaching the bottom of the stairs with no missteps, Skylar was able to put her focus ahead of her and locked eyes with her groom.
Ian hadn't moved his gaze from her from the moment she appeared out of the house. He always knew her to be the most beautiful woman in the world, but seeing her coming towards him now, he couldn't believe she was real. Her white dress made her look angelic, and the sunlight off her hair gave an almost glow around her. Everyone in their seats, Jamie walking with her, they all faded and it was like she and him were the only two people in existence. He felt like it was a dream that she was about to become his wife.
Skylar had the same feelings as she made her way to Ian. She couldn't get to him fast enough. He was dressed in his traditional Mohawk attire that she had seen him in countless times, but he may as well have been wearing a full tuxedo. She thought he was the most handsome that she had ever seen him.
As she continued down the aisle that seemed to be endless, in her mind, their story played in her head. To meeting for the first time in Jamie's printshop and trying to convince herself he would only ever be her friend, to their first kiss in Jamaica, leading to their handfast and what neither of them knew would be their last kiss for so long. It felt like this day was never coming, but finally, here they were.
When she and Jamie reached the front, Jamie kissed her cheek and looked to Ian. He gave him a single nod, once more giving him his blessing for her daughter's hand. Ian nodded back, as a thanks. Jamie then took his seat next to Claire.
Skylar stood in front of the love of her life and said to him, "You kept your promise."
"What promise?"
She smiled. "You promised me, before you left, that when you came home from the Mohawk, we would be married. You didn't break it."
At her words, she saw his smile reach his eyes yet again, like it always had before but hadn't been since he came back. The sight brought her so much happiness that it nearly made the tears break through. But she was determined to keep it together.
As the priest took a breath to begin speaking, a small voice piped up from the crowd.
"Hi, Mama! Hi, Daddy!"
Chuckles made waves through the benches as Skylar and Ian looked to their son sat between his grandparents, waving at them. They, too, couldn't hold back laughter.
"Hi, baby," Skylar called back quietly, giving him a small wave. Ian waved to him as well, sending a huge smile his way too.
Ollie dissolved into giggles and Claire had to whisper to him that he needed to stay quiet right now, all the while with an amused grin on her face.
The priest then started again.
"Dearly beloved, we have assembled here teday in the presence of God. Let us therefore reverently remember that God has established and sanctioned marriage fer the welfare and happiness of mankind. I charge ye both before God, that if either of ye know of any reason why ye may lawfully not be joined tegether in marriage, ye do confess it now."
No one made a sound, yet more than a couple people gave side glances in Benjamin's direction. But neither Skylar nor Ian noticed, though they wouldn't have cared if they had. While the priest was talking, their eyes stayed only on each other's; so much so that they hardly blinked. Nothing and nobody else mattered. They had been born for each other, and no looks of judgement or gossip could ever convince them otherwise.
The priest went on with the vows, turning to Ian.
"Young Ian James Fitzgibbons Fraser Murray, wilt thou have this woman te be they wife, and wilt thou pledge they troth te her, in all love an honor, in all duty and service, in all faith and tenderness, te live with her and cherish her, accordin' te the ordinance of God in the holy bond of marriage?"
"I will," Ian answered, not moving his gaze from his bride.
Then Skylar.
"Skylar Anne Kelley Fraser, wilt thou-"
"I will," she said, not realizing she had spoken too soon. The light laughter coming from those watching told her what happened. "I-I'm so sorry," she apologized to the priest, her cheeks turning pink. "I just – I got excited. Sorry. Please, please go on." She looked back at Ian again and he was just smiling at her, his love for her doubling in that second when it was already as consuming as he thought it could be.
The priest swallowed his own laughter and began once more.
"Skylar Anne Kelley Fraser, wilt thou have this man te be they husband, and wilt thou pledge they troth te him, in all love an honor, in all duty and service, in all faith and tenderness, te live with him and cherish him, accordin' te the ordinance of God in the holy bond of marriage?"
Skylar's response didn't change. "I will."
"Who giveth this woman te be married te this man?"
Jamie stood up with his hands behind his back, looking prouder than he could ever be. "I do."
Skylar looked back at him and couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. The man who had refused to let her and Ian be alone in any room for so long was now giving his blessing for their marriage.
This has to be some kind of irony, right?
They were then to recite the next part of their vows themselves. Skylar put out her hand and Ian laid his on top of it.
He then said, "I, Young Ian James Fitzgibbons Fraser Murray, take thee, Skylar Anne Kelley Fraser, te be me wedded wife, te have and te hold from this day forward, in plenty and want, in joy and sorrow, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live."
They were both immediately brought back to this night of their handfast, kneeling on the floor of the lean-to, pledging their lives to one another. That night felt like a lifetime ago. And now here they were, saying the words all over again. But this time in front of their friends and family, officially, knowing that there was no longer the expiration date of a year on it. They had each other for the rest of their lives.
"I, Skylar Anne Kelley Fraser, take thee, Young Ian James Fitzgibbons Fraser Murray, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, in plenty and want, in joy and sorrow, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live."
Ian then reached into his pocket and took out the ring he'd had made for her. It was made of silver with intricate details of vines and leaves craved out of it. He slid it onto her finger, and they both took a deep breath. This was it.
The priest concluded with, "With the power vested in me by the grace of God, I now pronounce ye husband and wife. Mr. Murray, ye may kiss yer bride."
He had barely finished the sentence before the two crashed their lips against the other's. Ian held her face in his hands and Skylar locked her arms around his waist. Everyone stood up to clap and cheer, celebrating the now married Mr. and Mistress Murray.
The couple went back up the aisle, smiling ear to ear and laughing in happiness as they passed all of the most important people to them. They made their way to where the reception would take place to prepare for the receiving line. They were far ahead of everyone else, so they had a minute or two alone. Ian picked Skylar up by her waist and spun her once around, her keeping her hands on his shoulders.
"Ian!" she cried in surprise, laughing as he did. He set her down and pulled her as close to him as they could physically get. They didn't say anything. They just continued to stare at each other. They kissed again, long and passionate.
"Did that actually just happen?" Ian asked her, his grin not having lessened.
"It did. It did, Youngin'. We're married. I'm your wife."
"I'm yer husband. And, Christ, I'm the luckiest man te ever live on this Earth te say that."
With such excitement and pure, unadulterated joy, she kissed him again and he eagerly returned it. They kept at it until they were interrupted by Jamie and Claire, joining them to greet the guests.
They stood on either side of the newlyweds, who kept an arm around their new spouse's waist, while a line formed. Claire would say hello to them first, then Jamie would talk to them after. Individually, in pairs, or as families, the guests approached them to congratulate them and give their warmest wishes.
Benjamin and Sarah took their turn, bowing and curtseying respectively. Ian and Skylar responded in kind.
"Our most heartfelt congratulations te ye both," Benjamin said to them with a sincere smile on his face. "We wish ye every happiness." He looked to Ian and then Skylar. His expression told her that there was no more animosity or hard feelings between them. Everything from their past was in the past and he truly did only want what was best for her and made her happy.
"Thank you, Benjamin. Your words mean the world to us."
"Aye," Sarah spoke up, "every happiness, Mistress. Just like we have tegether." She took her husband's hand and held tight to his arm, giving the biggest smile she could manage.
Skylar kept her face neutral and she said back, "Thank you, Mistress Allaway. You are too kind."
Feeling awkward due to Sarah's remark, he just shook Ian's hand then said to her, "Come along now, love," and led her away.
Skylar watched them go thinking, Jesus Christ girl, seriously? He's yours and I'm married. Move on.
As more people went down the line, Jocasta, accompanied by Ulysses, appeared in front of them. She didn't try to hide any of her happiness, and relief, that they were finally married and that this had been "far too long of a time comin'." Skylar had been ready to fight if she had mentioned anything about Ollie at last having a real father or anything of that sort, but by some miracle, the older woman made no comment.
John Grey then had his chance to talk to them.
"Well, I must say, I am overjoyed to at last make your acquaintance, Mr. Murray. I've been hearing Skylar only sing your praises since our overlapping time in Jamaica."
"It is a pleasure te meet ye as well, Lord John. My whole family has told me only wonderful things."
"We're so delighted that you were able to come, John," Skylar told him.
"Wild horses couldn't have kept me away from the event of the year."
She smiled. "It's a shame, though, that William was unable to attend."
John chuckled. "I can only imagine, however, that when the officiant asked for any objections, he might not have been able to stay silent." The two friends laughed. But when he noticed Ian's confused look, he explained, "My son, William. He accompanied me to Fraser's Ridge years ago once when you were away, and he had taken quite the shining to Skylar then."
"Oh, aye. I do remember ye sayin' somethin' of that te me then," Ian said to Skylar. He looked back at John. "I do hope we have the chance te meet one day."
"I hope for that as well." He then gave them a bow and moved on to greet Jamie.
Once everyone in attendance had spoken to the newly mined Murrays and the celebration had begun, Ian took Skylar's hand and whispered, "Come wi' me." With no one noticing, they snuck away from the crowd.
Ian started to pick up his pace with Skylar still following behind him. He led her to the stables and into one of the empty stalls.
Skylar couldn't keep from laughing as she started to ask, "Ian, what are we do-"
He interrupted her by pushing her against the wall and kissing her. This kiss was different than how they had when the priest said they could, or during their moment of privacy right after. This kiss was full of lust, and it didn't take too long for Skylar to kiss him back just as fervently.
She suddenly pulled back from him and said, slightly out of breath, "We can't just disappear like this."
"It's our weddin'. We can do whatever we want," he argued, kissing her neck and letting a hand feel her breast. She didn't try to stop him. Whenever he touched her, any and all thoughts of logic or of the outside world melted away. "And Christ, I want ye. I dinna think I can wait until tonight." He brought his face back up to meet hers. "Will ye have me?"
She put her hands on both sides of his neck and said very seriously, "If there ever comes a day where I say no when you ask that, something is very very wrong." She pulled him back to her and they continued to make out.
He wrapped his arms around her and, holding her tight against him, lowered them down to the ground on top of the hay.
After, when they made themselves appear as if nothing had happened, they went back to rejoin their reception.
Bree was the first to notice them and met them at the edge of the party.
"Well, well, well, we were all beginning to wonder where you two were. And where did you sneak off to?" she asked, with a teasing tone in her voice.
They gave each other a quick look.
"We just, uh…" Skylar started. "We just went for a walk to, you know, enjoy the first few minutes of being married away from everyone."
"Oh yeah? Did that walk include rolling around on the ground of the stables?" She reached towards Skylar and took a stray piece of hay out of her hair that she had missed before. Both husband and wife turned red down to their necks. Bree laughed. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. But, that does remind me. As a wedding gift, Roger and I are giving you our cabin for the weekend."
"Wait, what? Really? Are you serious?" The gift took Skylar by surprise. She was very happy at the offer, but surprised nonetheless.
"Of course. You two deserve to have a couple days to yourselves. Roger, Marsali, Fergus and I are all gonna take care of Ollie so you have nothing to worry about. Enjoy your honeymoon."
Ian and Skylar smiled wide and each hugged the curly haired red head.
"Thank ye, cousin," Ian said to her.
"That's 'sister' now, my dear brother-in-law."
He chuckled. "That will take some gettin' used te. What do ye think he would say should I start callin' Uncle Jamie 'Da'?"
They all laughed at that image.
As the night went on, everyone was having a great time. The musicians played nonstop and there was always a large group dancing. People were talking and laughing with each other while eating and drinking constantly. Skylar and Ian hardly left each other's sides.
But while celebrating, they made a point to spend a large amount of the time with their son. They both danced with him and played games, they chased him around with his cousins and friends. They hugged him and kissed him, making sure he knew that they loved him more than anything. He was having the time of his life. He had never been to such a party like this. he said over and over that he was going to stay up all night with everyone, that he was never going to get tired.
But eventually, he stopped running. He was yawning and rubbing his eyes. Skylar noticed when he laid his head in Claire's lap and was seconds away from falling asleep. Skylar got Ian to see too and they walked over to their little boy. Ian scooped him up and Ollie's head dropped to his dad's shoulder.
Claire and Jamie offered to put Ollie to bed for them so they could enjoy the party, but they refused. They wanted to tuck their son into bed before they left him for a couple days. And they did just that. They put him into his bed and kissed him goodnight. They stood over him, watching him sleep for a moment, so in awe of this being they created. They looked at each other. Happiness wasn't the right word for either of them. Everything in this moment was absolutely perfect. They had Ollie, they were married, everything felt just right.
When they went back outside, they started saying their own goodnights, ready to head off to Roger and Bree's cabin. They got another round of congratulations from their family as they hugged them, and off they went, hand in hand. Though they had been saying goodnight, both knew plenty well that sleep was still a long ways off for them.
Yay Youngin' and Yank are married! Finally! I've been looking forward to writing this since I first had them meet in YotAS lol
Who's watching season 7? This is quickly becoming my favorite season. I already have ideas hahaha
I love ye all verra verra much and I will see y'all soon for chapter 24! Spoiler – it's steamy ;)