Finally.
Ava heaved a sigh of relief, knowing that her sister was now safe from their uncle’s scheming. The storms had delayed her arrival, but now that the snow had cleared, she was finally coming to stay.
Despite not speaking to Caden for weeks, Ava knew that he would keep his word and protect her sister.
The bright sunlight blinded her momentarily as she pushed open the front door. She held her free hand over her eyes to shield them, when Thalia appeared before her, glowing like an angel.
“Thalia!” Ava cried, holding her arm wide as she ran to embrace her.
She had not known until she felt the warmth of her sister’s touch how much she missed her family. Tears sprang to her eyes.
“I’m so glad ye’re here,” she whispered, her throat thick with emotion.
“Ava, darling.” Thalia squeezed her tightly and looked down at Nathan, who was trapped between them. “And who might this strappin’ young lad be? Young Master Nathan, nay doubt.” She winked at him.
Nathan hid face in Ava’s shoulder.
“Ach, daenae be silly.” Ava kissed his head. “He’s done nothing but rave about his auntie Thalia coming to stay.” She grinned down at him and wrapped her arm around her sister’s waist.
Thalia, though younger, was taller and curvier than Ava and Emma. At twenty, she looked older and more womanly than the twins, and was the beauty of the family. They used to spend many a day shooing off boys who tried to woo her.
“Come on, let’s get inside.”
Ava walked into the castle with her arms wrapped around her two favorite people, feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time in weeks. It was not that Nathan was not good company, but it would be nice to have her sister around. Finlay was often busy with peace negotiations. As for Caden, he was doing as she had asked: living separately.
She only saw him when he came to see Nathan. It was easy to pretend that nothing had happened until she watched him play with the little boy, whom they had both readily and easily accepted as their own. Watching him be a father and witnessing Nathan warming up to him more was torture.
At least Nathan had recovered after the attack at the loch. He had retreated into himself for weeks, not speaking and jumping at every noise. The last few days, he had come out of his shell a little more, speaking more frequently each day, and showing more emotions than just fear.
Ava and Caden had not decided whether they would tell him about his birth father and mother. He was still far too young to understand, and he seemed content as they were. So they just pretended he was theirs and lived their separate lives.
Mary and Ava helped Thalia get settled into the room between Nathan’s and Ava’s.
Ava felt like a young girl again, with her sister around. Laughter came easily, and the comfort was instant between them.
“Emma sends her love,” Thalia said. “And she is so excited for Nathan to meet his cousin.” She smiled down at the boy, who was curiously staring out the window at the courtyard below.
“I miss her very much,” Ava admitted. This was the longest she had gone without seeing her twin sister. “How is she?”
“Growing rounder every day. She cannae wait to give birth. She willnae stop complainin’ about it,” Thalia snorted. “She hopes ye’ll visit as soon as the bairn is born.”
“Of course I will!” Ava assured. Nothing would keep her away.
How strange life had turned out. Neither of them had expected to be married off so quickly after their father had died. Their mother, stricken with grief, had let their uncle do as he pleased and sequestered herself in her rooms.
Ava was not sure she could forgive her. She would not let the same fate befall Thalia. Her sister was too pure and good to be used as a bargaining chip.
As they sat in front of the fire, talking and drinking tea while Nathan played by the window, Thalia’s shoulders relaxed.
“Ye’re safe here,” Ava said gently, breaking into her thoughts. “McCabe lands are beyond Uncle Archibald’s reach. He willnae dare set foot so close to Caden’s territory and try to marry ye off.”
Thalia hummed in agreement. Then, she turned, studying her with a look too knowing for comfort.
Ava had never been able to keep secrets from her sisters. They always knew if she was lying. It was one of the things she hated and loved most about them.
Right now, she hated that sisterly intuition more. She had no desire to discuss what she knew was written all over her face.
“We’re safe, but it doesnae always mean we’re happy.” Thalia tilted her head. “And ye’re certainlynaehappy.”
