In some ways, it astounded Tavish that Matthias was three years his senior. The man had spent so much of his life cloistered away that he had rarely participated in common activities that most men enjoyed. Watching him step into the world felt momentous.
“Hands up, lad.” Tavish grinned at Wee Fletch. “Uncle Matt is going to make a boom.”
Eyes still wide, the toddler instantly placed both his palms over his ears. It was patently adorable. Tavish took several steps back, moving Wee Fletch well away from any danger.
Matthias lined up the shot, took aim, and fired.
Crack!
A hole appeared inside the black circle at the center of the target.
Tavish and Wee Fletch whooped with joy.
Matthias jumped to his feet, a grin on his face. His dark hair tumbled across his forehead, his brown eyes sparking with delight.
“Matt!”
The men turned at the sound of Isla’s voice.
Tavish’s bonnie wife waved a hand as she crossed the lawn to them.
“What a shot!” She rushed to give her brother a hug, his larger frame dwarfing hers.
“Thank you.” Matthias blushed and bent to reload the rifle.
“And how are my boys?” Isla asked, turning to Tavish and Wee Fletch.
Predictably, Fletch leaned forward, arms outstretched. “Mamma!”
Isla gathered him close, peppering his face with kisses.
Tavish lifted an eyebrow.
Isla didn’t mistake his expression.
“And, of course, a kiss for you, too,” she said on a laugh, reaching up a hand and pulling Tavish’s mouth down to hers.
Wee Fletch pushed a palm against Tavish’s cheek.
“Moo?!” he asked, waving his fist toward the barns.
“You want to see the cows, darling?” Isla asked.
“Moo!” Wee Fletch pointed again.
“Coos are of importance today.” Tavish wrapped an arm around his bonnie wife, kissing her temple.
He loved nothing more than holding his two precious people in his arms.
“Well,” Isla raised her eyes to his, “I suppose we should go seek them out. If I haven’t told you yet today, Tavish Balfour, I love you.” She darted a glance back at Matthias, still loading the rifle. “Thank you for not only taking care of me, but also the people I love.”
“I love ye, too, lass.”
“Remind me to show how much I love you later.”
“Indeed?” Tavish laughed. “I look forward to a demonstration.”
He bent down, kissing her more deeply until, once again, Wee Fletch interrupted them with a palm pushing on Tavish’s cheek.
