“Me family has a tradition for snow days. Would ye like to hear about it?”
The boy nodded, but did not lift his head, so she could look at him.
She continued nonetheless. “When I was little, sometimes it would snow so hard that we couldnae go outside either, just like today. So, we would put on crazy clothes and sit next to the fire, all cozied up, and tell each other crazy stories all day. We’d have delicious food and drinks, too.”
Finally, the boy leaned back and lifted his head. His tear-stained, swollen face looked back at her expectantly.
“Those were some of me best memories as a child—being with me maither, faither, and sisters. We would see who could put on the wildest and silliest clothes, and that person would get to tell their story first.”
She smiled down at Nathan, who had finally stopped crying and seemed genuinely interested.
“Now, I ken it’s nae ice skating, but I promise we will go as soon as we can. Still, would ye like to have a crazy clothes and story day with the boys and me?”
She smiled warmly and stroked the back of his head, waiting for an answer.
Caden made a choking sound in the corner, which she chose to ignore.
“Crazy day!” Nathan grinned.
Ava’s heart took wings. She could soar into the sky and shout with joy to hear his voice.
“Why, thank ye.” She grinned back. “Would ye mind accompanyin’ me upstairs, little master? I need yer help pickin’ out something crazy to wear.”
He nodded and smiled shyly as she carried him out of the room. She could feel Caden’s gaze boring holes into the back of her skull.
Right at the threshold, she shouted over her shoulder, “I expect ye to join us, me Laird!”
Caden swallowed back a retort as his wife and nephew left the dining room. He did not want a repeat of the previous day and all the anger that came with it. Most of all, he did not want Nathan to stop speaking. It killed him every time the boy retreated into himself.
That was why it was so earth-shattering to see him flourish with Ava. Had it been only a few days? He had already started to speak! Caden would not have believed it if he nothad not heard it with his own ears.
He could not deny that he envied Ava’s bond with Nathan. The boy never seemed comfortable around him, even though Caden did try to be warm and friendly in his own way.
Why does the boy have such a hard time trusting me? I’m his uncle. She’s been here for a few days, and he’s already speaking with her?
A maid came to clear away the dishes while he was still standing there, staring at the door that Ava had just carried Nathan through.
“Is everything all right, me Laird?” She paused at the threshold, waiting nervously with a tray in hand.
“Aye… Och… I’m sorry, what’s yer name again?” He squinted at her, trying to remember, unaware that he looked very frightening in his mask and ever-fixed glower.
“Um, I’m Teresa, me Laird.” The maid bobbed a quick curtsey, the tray in her hand shaking.
“Teresa.” He nodded his head. “Gather blankets, chairs from the study, and snacks for Her Ladyship, Master Nathan, Finlay, and meself, and bring them to the Great Hall. We’re going to have a wild and silly day, I suppose.” He turned to leave, but then faced her again. “Uh, please.”
The maid looked at him like he had grown two spare arms.
“Teresa?”
What is wrong with this lass? Is she having an episode?
“Oh! Aye, me Laird.” She curtseyed again and scurried away.
Caden walked to the Great Hall, contemplating whether he should go change, but then decided against it. He was not in the mood to change.
I’ll play yer little game, wife, but I’ll do it me way.
Plopping down into the seat by the fire, he rubbed a hand over his eyes, fingers running over fabric and skin. He was tempted toremove the mask and scratch the burn, but did not dare not, in case anyone entered.
