He also had to admit that Ava’s proud look stirred something deep inside him. Something good.
Because the tight hug he had witnessed before Nathan interrupted them had also stirred something. Something hot, dark, and dangerous.
As soon as they were out of earshot, he pinned Finlay to the wall.
“What the hell was that for, Braither?” he demanded.
“What was what for?” Finlay said innocently.
“Daenae play games with me, Finlay. Why were ye hugging me wife?” Caden shook him hard, as if to get the answer out of him.
“Temper, temper!” Finlay teased.
Caden glared at him.
“Speak. Now.”
Finlay threw his hands up in exasperation. “Oh, for God’s sake, man. I was apologizing to her, just like ye asked me to! We made up, and now we are friends again.”
A wave of embarrassment washed over Caden. Instantly, he released his brother and stepped back.
“Ach, well then, I appreciate it.” He straightened his tartan sash awkwardly.
“Well, should ye nae apologize to me for almost killing me too?” Finlay rolled his eyes.
“ Daenae press yer luck, boy,” Caden warned.
“Well, since Mr. Jealousy seems to have taken over yer brain, would ye mind tellin’ me when exactly ye started liking yer wife?” Finlay arched an eyebrow at him.
“Shut yer mouth, Finlay,” Caden grunted, “Ye ken it isnae like that.”
Turning to the window he saw Ava had just stepped outside, carrying Nathan in her arms.
Setting him down, she started to pull a little ball of snow between her arms, making it round and round as she went, till eventually she offered it to the little boy. When he tossed it at her, she laughed and pretended to fall down.
Nathan tried to make a few balls of his own next.
“She’s really good with him,” Finlay noted.
Caden could not reply. He was mesmerized as he watched her falling on the snow and moving her hands and legs up and down to make what looked like a snow angel. Well, it did not really, but Nathan was very eager to join her, and his little smile was enough to make Caden believe some angel had joined their castle anyway.
“I bet they’ll make a snowman then,” Finlay said. Both brothers watched as indeed, Ava showed Nathan how to make a snowman and forage for his body parts in the garden.
Nathan found a stick that was apparently perfect for their creation. Just as they were walking back to the snowman to put on the piece, he slipped and fell on a patch of ice.
To Caden’s shock, the boylaughed. Ava picked him up and pressed a kiss to his head. When she set him down, he fell again and giggled riotously. Caden watched with clenched fists as they repeated this several times.
Finlay put a hand on his shoulder. “Caden, are ye all right?”
“I cannae watch that and do nothing,” Caden declared.
“Do nothing? Caden! Wait!”
Caden shook off his brother’s hand and stomped toward the garden.
CHAPTER 11
The snow was gently fallingas Nathan’s giggles echoed through the garden. Ava’s heart swelled with joy.
