“Now sit, lass,”Margaret stood behind her, fingers deft and gentle as she divided Gracie’s brown hair into shining sections. “Yer hair is as thick as autumn wheat, and it deserves care.”
April passedher sprigs of heather and tiny white blooms, saying, “These will rest along the braid, like stars upon a river.”
Gracie watchedin the mirror and whispered, “It feels like ye are weavin’ courage into me.”
“Aye,”Margaret replied, threading a blossom into place, “for every flower carries a blessin’.”
April leaned close and added,“This one is for joy, and this one for strength, and this one so ye never forget who ye are.”
Gracie’s eyes softened,and she said, “I will carry ye all with me, wherever I go.”
Margaret finishedthe braid and kissed her crown, saying, “Then ye will never truly be alone.”
When they finished,Gracie scarcely recognized herself. Her hair shone, her skin glowed, and the soft dress framed her in gentle grace. She stood straighter, as though the mirror revealed not only beauty but possibility.
“I have never looked so…”she began.
Margaret finished, “So ready.”
Gracie turned to them both,emotion swelling in her chest. “Thank ye, for everythin’,” she said.
April curtsied playfully.“We are honored, Lady McMillan.”
Margaret embraced her daughter.“Tonight, ye will shine, and all will see who ye truly are.”
“I feel different,as though I have stepped into another self,” Gracie said.
Margaret kissedher cheek and replied, “Ye have, lass, but the heart within remains the same.”
Gracie drew a steadying breath,ready to meet the night that awaited her.
I hopeI daenae disappoint him in the same way I disappointed his brother.
6
Jaxon sat upon a bench as Eden balanced atop a stool, pretending it was a cliff, while Rose arranged flowers in a small clay pot.
“Faither, look,”Eden said, leaping down, “I climbed higher than any hawk.”
The nursery layin a sunlit tower room, its stone walls softened by woven hangings and shelves of carved wooden toys. Small tables held slates and chalk, while a low hearth warmed braided rugs scattered across the floor. Pressed flowers hung in frames beside painted maps of glens and rivers, meant to teach and comfort in equal measure. It was a place of learning and play, suitable for bairns growing from babes into young ladies.
Rose glancedup shyly and said, “I found these in the garden, they smell sweet.”
Jaxon smiled,pride softening his stern features.
“I have news for ye both,”he said gently. “Ye now have a stepmother.”
Eden crossed her arms.“Ye dinnae ask us,” she huffed. “What if she is nae right for us?”
Rose’s voicewas small but hopeful. “Is she kind, Faither, and will she walk with me and play?”
Jaxon kneltbefore them and said, “Her name is Gracie, and I am sure she will be kind.”
He lookedat Rose and added, “She has a gentle heart, and I think she would love yer garden walks.” Turning to Eden, he said, “She is brave too, even if she doesnae yet ken it.”
Eden tilted her head,considering.
“If she doesnae like mud,”Eden said, “then I will teach her.”
