She gave him a mocking bow, before turning on her heel and running after Nathan. She caught up to him quickly and put a gentle hand on his shoulder, drawing him to a halt.
His cheeks were streaked with tears, his mittened thumb was still stuck in his mouth, and little wisps of wool clung to his tears.
Ava knelt before him. “Nathan, dearie, I’m so sorry.” She looked deeply into his eyes. “Can I take ye into the castle to warm up?”
Nathan nodded, allowing her to pick him up.
As she rose to her feet, she realized Caden was still standing in the same spot, staring at them. She shook her head and held Nathan closer, before turning around and trudging toward the castle through the snow .
“I’m so sorry, lad,” she whispered again in his ear.
Nathan buried his face in her neck and continued sucking on his thumb.
The wide double doors welcomed them into the warmed foyer. A gust of wind pushed them inside, and she had to lean against the door to get it shut properly. A shiver ran down her spine, and she welcomed the warmth seeping into her skin.
The nursemaid stood at the top of the stairs, a sad smile on her face. Nancy was a plump and soft-mannered woman, with greying hair and grey eyes.
“Poor dear.” She frowned. “He hasnae sucked on his wee thumb in a year.” She held out her hands to take him.
Ava shook her head. “It’s all right, Miss Nancy. I’ve got him tonight, but thank ye. I have a few sins I need to atone for. I think some bedtime stories and cuddles might do the trick.” She smiled half-heartedly, hoping her eyes conveyed her gratitude.
“Aye, and I suspect some warm sweetened milk should do the trick as well.” The nursemaid smiled and rubbed a hand on the little one’s back. “I’ll go warm some up for the two of ye.”
Nathan sniffled in reply.
Ava smiled kindly at the nursemaid, before taking Nathan to his room to get him changed into a comfortable shirt and robe.
She was so angry with herself for letting Caden get the better of her. She should not have lost her temper back there.
Curse ye, Caden, for ruining the day.
The sky was now fully grey, and a winter storm was blowing in. Caden stood in the icy wind, punishing himself for being so stupid.
What is the matter with ye? Why would ye let her get to ye? She’s only yer wife. The boy should have been safe. She should have listened to me instead of arguing with me. I’m the laird of this clan. I’m the boy’s guardian, nae her.
Caden could not figure out why it bothered him so much that Ava was angry with him. He ignored the snow that was gathering on his shoulders and hair, and tried to sort through his thoughts.
He hated being wrong, but this felt like one of the very few times in his life that he might have been.
Finlay opened the front door and poked his head out, waving for him to come inside.
Caden shook his head. He could have sworn he heard a curse before his brother stepped out into the snowstorm.
“May I ask what ye’re supposed to be doing out here, me Laird?” Finlay asked as he ran up to him.
Caden grunted in reply.
“Ye’re a damn fool, Braither.” Finlay frowned.
Caden jerked his head up and glared at him, but Finlay merely raised his eyebrows, as if to say,Ye ken I’m right, daenae deny it.
“What am I a fool for, Braither?” Caden bit back.
Finlay started counting on his fingers. “First, for being out in a snowstorm like a sulking statue without a cloak. Second, for yelling at Ava and Nathan for having fun. Has something gotten into yer head? Are ye ill?” He looked at him the way Ava had, as if he had left his head behind somewhere and was walking around without it.
“I didnae want Nathan to get hurt,” Caden retorted, defensive.
“It was a wee patch of ice, Braither. He was fine. Ye just didnae want him having fun without ye, and ye resent Ava for it. That’s how I see it.” Finlay crossed his arms and shot him a look, daring him to deny it.
