I try to hold his gaze, but it’s too much. Too tender. I look down, not because I’m unsure, but because I’mtoosure.
Don’t read into it, I tell myself.
Ha.
Too late.
Before either of us can say another word, a small hand slips into mine.
“Come on!” Isla chirps, tugging me toward the trailhead. “Are there birds here? What about squirrels? Do you think we’ll see a fox?”
Her sweet voice is full of wonder, and just like that, the moment passes, tucked away between heartbeats.
I let her lead me forward, the warmth of her hand still in mine. Aidan falls into step beside us, his usual stoic expression absent as he watches his daughter eventually skip ahead, pointing out every interesting rock and flower she spots.
“Isla, remember what I said,” he calls out as she starts to veer off the path.
“I know!” she shouts back.
There’s something so endearing about witnessing this gruff, guarded man transform into a patient, attentive father. I’ve had glimpses, but it’s a side of him I hadn’t fully grasped until now.
“She’s got a lot of energy,” I say, casting a sidelong glance at Aidan.
He nods, eyes trained on her. “Aye, that she does.”
His hands stay tucked in his pockets, broad shoulders slightly hunched against the morning chill. I keep pace beside him, all too aware of the space between us. It isn’t much, just a few inches of cool air, but it might as well be a canyon. I want to close it. I want to feel the brush of his knuckles against mine. His fingers curling around my hand.
He doesn’t reach for me, though, so I tuck my own hands deeper into my coat, pretending I’m not hoping. Pretending my chest doesn’t ache a little.
I sneak another glance at him, and it’s silly how much Iwish he’d look back. Just to meet my eyes and let me believe, for one second, that maybe he wants to reach for me, too.
Isla’s chatter floats ahead of us, her voice bright against the backdrop of the wind. I do my best to focus on her excitement, laughing as she asks if bears roam around here. “No bears, just the occasional sheep!” I reply, but my thoughts keep drifting back to the space between Aidan and me.
I stifle a sigh. Maybe I’m overthinking it. I’m fairly certain this is just who Aidan is. Very careful, quiet, always keeping his cards tucked close.
That tiny flutter of hope beneath my skin won’t settle, and yet…I get it.
We’re here with Isla. That’s the priority. She’s Aidan’s whole world wrapped up in tiny legs scrambling over roots and endless questions. I don’t want to pull focus or tilt the delicate balance he’s worked so hard to protect. Today should be carefree and untouched by the complicated tangle of adult feelings.
So I keep my smile in place and my steps light, even as my fingers itch with the need to reach for something that isn’t mine to take.
The trees begin to thin ahead of us, the trail opening just enough to reveal glints of water shimmering in the morning sun. Isla lets out a delighted gasp, skipping ahead to press closer to the view.
“I can see it!” Isla’s eyes are wide with wonder as she inches toward the water lapping gently at the rocky shore. “Can we go closer?”
“We can, but you’ve got to hold my hand,” Aidan replies. He extends his arm, and Isla grabs onto him, her tiny fingers disappearing into his larger grip.
I hang back for a moment, letting the distance stretch so I can take them in.
Isla’s tugging him toward the edge of the loch with all hermight. Aidan’s as alert as ever, watching the ground and every step she takes, a silent sentry in jeans and worn boots.
It’s not just protective—it’s instinctive, and it unravels me a little more every time I see it.
The way he moves beside her. The way he crouches without hesitation to steady her as she leans toward the water. The way his hand lands lightly on her back, fingers splayed like a shield. There’s something fiercely masculine about it, all rough edges tempered by tenderness, and it hits me right in the heart.
“Come see, Lucy. The water’s so cold!” Isla calls.
Aidan lifts his head, eyes meeting mine, and for a second, I forget how to breathe.
