He rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. Damn it all to hell she was right. “Ye don’t like the water. What if ye freeze up?”
“I appreciate that your heart is in the right place. But I’m ready to overcome my fears, not be defined by them. And I don’t want a husband who won’t allow me to grow.” She stepped closer to him and he caught a whiff of her scent. It relaxed his taut muscles. “You’ll be with me the entire time. Water has been my biggest fear, but I’m ready to leave it behind. It belongs back in North Berwick with my father. Are you going to help me with this or not?”
He stared at her, finally reaching out and grabbing her hands to pull her toward him. “Yes.”
She moved closer, cupping his cheek in her hand. “Thank you, my stone of a man.”
“Stone?” he asked. “That’s my brother’s name. In fact he is the Earl of Alban, which means rock.”
Her eyebrows lifted. “I’m not surprised. I’ve met two of your other brothers and they are men’s men. But I’ve decided that to marry you, I must be water.”
“What?” he asked drawing her against his front.
“I’ll have to be water. It’s the only force that gently wears away rock.” Her arms thread about his neck.
“Well if ye’re going to be water, I suppose ye’ll have to get used tae it. I’ve no choice but to take ye. It’s goin’ tae be cold.”
She pressed closer to him. “You’ll have to keep me warm then.”
Grinning, he kissed her cheek. “I’m up to that task. Now, are we gettin’ married or not?”
“Married,” she whispered back.
Chapter Fifteen
As the sun was about to set in the sky, Bridget held Matt’s hands. Mary stood to her right and the first mate in front of her and her soon to be husband.
“Do ye take this man to be yer husband?” The first mate asked as he tied a ribbon about their joined hands.
“I do,” she answered.
“And do ye take this woman to be yer wife?”
Matt gave her fingers a small squeeze. “I do.”
“As the ribbons join ye, keepin’ ye tied together this day, may they symbolize the bond of marriage that ye remained forever joined.” He placed his hand on top of theirs. “I now declare ye man and wife. Ye may kiss yer bride.” Then be backed away as Matt leaned down and touched his lips to hers.
The sailors cheered as Mary clapped her hands.
As the ribbon was unwound, sailors began pulling tables out onto the deck. The meal was simple but sweet as Bridget listened to the conversation that buzzed all around them.
Soon Matt whispered in her ear. “It’s time for us to leave. We’ll want to get an early start in the morning.”
With a nod, they rose from the table. For some reason Bridget was more nervous now then she’d been last night or even this morning. As they reached Matt’s cabin, he pulled her into his arms. “I love you, wife.”
The words relaxed her. “I love you, too.”
As he stripped her clothes off, she closed her eyes. “Isn’t it funny how I ended up in exactly the right spot at the right moment to meet you?”
He paused, his hands resting on her hips. “I suppose that’s true.”
“You’ve changed my life, Matthew Sinclair. I wonder if I’ll change yours.” She looked down at him her fingers combing through his hair, her heart rising in her throat.
He looked up at her. “Of course you will. You’re water, remember?” He gave her a grin.
She nibbled at her lip. “What if I turn into a storm?”
“I’m sure there will be a few of those.” He let out a small chuckle. “Now my love, I am eager to make you my wife in all ways.”