“Nathan!” she whispered loudly in excitement. “What are ye doin’?”
“I’m waitin’ for p-permission to come in so we c-c-an go sk-sk-ate,” he stuttered, but he was not as shy about speaking as he was last night.
“Well, come in, lad!” She smiled broadly and held her arms wide open. He scrambled up the bed and jumped into them.
“G-g-good m-m-morning,” he stammered with a smile.
“Good morning, darling.” Ava beamed down at him.
“Ma?” Nathan looked up, his eyes pleading. “Can we go sk-k-ate?”
Ava looked out the window to see that the world was peaceful. She could see the frozen loch and the servants clearing a path in the snow.
“I dare say we shall go skatin’ today!”
“Aye!” Nathan cried with joy.
“I daenae ken if Caden will be available, but the two of us can certainly go!” She tickled the boy and gave him a squeeze, trying to soften the blow.
She was not certain Caden wanted to be around her after last night.
Mary knocked on the door and stepped into the room. “Oh! Me goodness!” She pointed at Ava’s clothes.
“Oh, this?” Ava looked at the rumpled shirt and tartan. “We were having a crazy clothes day yesterday, Mary. I borrowed the Laird’s shirt and tartan without his knowledge… until he saw me.” She rubbed the back of her head and let out a long yawn.
The pounding in her head grew. She wished she could stay in, but Nathan was so excited to go out, so she dragged herself out of bed.
“Mary, I will need yer help gettin’ dressed in warmer clothes, please.” She stretched.
Mary’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh, now ye need me help?” she teased.
“Daenae be like that, Mary,” Ava whined. “I have a splittin’ headache, and I daenae want to have to do it meself.”
“Is that how ye apologize, me Lady?” Mary’s lips quirked up.
“Fine, fine. I’m sorry, ye were right. I was wrong.” Ava waved a hand and smiled at her. “Now, can ye hurry? I’m starving, and the little master here doesnae want to be kept waiting for our date at the loch.”
Mary returned her smile and helped her into the miles of fabric required to keep her warm. The nursemaid came in to dress Nathan as well.
At the breakfast table, Finlay stood and waved as he made his way out. “Must be off to check on the village and then go for a ride.”
He kissed Nathan’s head and then left.
Ava tried to avoid thinking about what had happened between her and Caden, and instead focused on the delicious meal in front of her.
“Ma? Where is…?” Nathan looked at Caden’s chair and then back at her.
“I’m nae sure, but I’m certain he has important work to do. He’ll see ye later, darling.” Ava smiled warmly to reassure the boy.
He happily went back to his breakfast, his little legs kicking under the table in excitement.
Ava thanked Teresa for clearing their plates.
“Have fun, ye two!” Teresa waved them off with a glint in her eyes.
Ava led Nathan to the Great Hall to get their skates. The whole way, he was humming to himself and holding her hand tightly.
She still could not believe he had started calling her ‘Ma’. She did not deserve it. Her heart hurt for him being alone in this big old castle, without a mother to comfort him.
