Relief washed over Caden as he smiled at the jest. “I see.”
Then maybe Ava is free to—Nay, nay.
He could not go back on his word. He was Caden Hunt, Laird of the oldest and proudest clan in all of Scotland. He was the descendant of a king. He wouldnotbreak his vow. It would be dangerous if he would.
They rode the rest of the way together in silence.
As they approached the castle, Caden heard laughter from the garden. The afternoon sun had cleared the haze away. He couldsee Ava hiding and Nathan’s little body bolting through the bushes, a giant smile on his face when he found her.
“I think our nephew likes her,” Finlay noted.
Ava hid again, and the little boy ran around the garden, trying to find her. She gave a melodious laugh, and he ran straight toward her.
Nathan grinned as he rounded a corner and followed her laughter. She shot out of her hiding spot, making him giggle and run away. She chased after him.
Caden could not take his eyes off her until she disappeared from view. He caught Finlay staring at him, waiting for a reply.
Shite.
“What?”
Finley raised an eyebrow and tilted his head in disbelief. “I said, I think he likes her.”
“Oh, aye, I hope so.” Caden shook his head and dismounted his horse.
He needed to see his wife.
CHAPTER 7
Ava had not noticedher husband and brother-in-law watching her chase their nephew around until she heard the snort of a horse. Or was that her husband?
She turned to see them dismounting their horses.
“Ah, good afternoon, me Laird, Finlay.” She sketched a mock bow.
Nathan stood behind her, looking wary. As soon as she caught his expression, resentment coiled in her chest.
How could this sweet little boy be so afraid of his uncle?
“What have ye been up to?” Finlay walked over and scooped Nathan up into his arms.
The boy brightened a little, but kept a wary eye on Caden.
“It has been a long day familiarizing meself with everything and everyone in me new home. I asked this wee gentleman to accompany me to the gardens for some leisure time.” Ava smiled at Nathan.
The little boy and Finlay looked so at ease together.
Ava turned to Caden, only to see the scowl on his face. “I hope that’s all right with ye?” she asked.
He nodded slowly. “Have fun, ye three.”
Her husband took the reins of both horses and led them toward the stables.
Nathan wriggled out of Finlay’s arms and ran over to Caden. He grabbed his hand and pulled him toward Ava and Finlay.
“I think he wants ye to join us,” Ava said, a smile spreading across her face.
Nathan looked wide-eyed at her and Finlay, as if he realized the gravity of his actions. He dropped Caden’s hand, before looking down shyly at his feet.
