“Once upon a time,” Francesca began, her voice soft in the darkness, “there was a princess who had lost everything…”
“But then she found a new family,” Declan continued, picking up the thread. “A fierce Highland laird and his lady who saw how special she was.”
“And they loved her?” Eloise’s eyes were already drifting closed.
“More than anything in the world,” they said together.
By the time the story ended, Eloise was asleep, her breathing deep and even. Declan lay awake, watching his wife and daughter in the moonlight, and felt something he’d thought lost forever.
Peace.
Morning came too early. Declan extracted himself carefully from the tangle of limbs and animals, leaving Francesca and Eloise still sleeping. He had clan business to attend to: reports from the border patrols, accounts to review, a dozen matters that had been neglected during the crisis.
But when he reached his study, he found he couldn’t focus. His mind kept drifting to the woman and child upstairs, to the family he’d never meant to have but now couldn’t imagine living without.
“Knock knock.” Fraser’s voice preceded him into the room. “Or should I say, good mornin’ to the most domesticated laird in all the Highlands?”
“Daenae start.”
“Start what? I’m simply observin’ that ye’ve got a child sleepin’ in yer bed, animals overrunnin’ yer castle, and a wife who’s wrapped ye around her little finger so thoroughly ye daenae even realize it’s happened.” Fraser dropped into a chair with obvious amusement. “The fearsome Declan Blain, now readin’ bedtime stories and toleratin’ rabbits at the dinner table.”
“The rabbit doesnae sit at the table.”
“Nay, but ye let Eloise bring him to breakfast yesterday. In a basket. Which she set on the chair beside her.” Fraser’s grin widened. “Face it, cousin. Ye’re a family man now.”
Declan wanted to argue. Wanted to insist he was still the same stern laird he’d always been. But the truth was undeniable. He’d changed, or maybe he’d finally become the man he was always meant to be.
“Aye,” he admitted quietly. “I suppose I am.”
“Good.” Fraser’s expression sobered. “They’re good for ye, Declan. That woman and her daughter. They’ve brought life back to these halls. To ye.”
“I ken.” He stared at the paperwork before him without really seeing it. “I keep waitin’ for the fear to come back. The certainty that carin’ for them makes me weak.”
“And?”
“And all I feel is stronger. Like I finally understand what I’m fightin’ for.” Declan looked up at his cousin.
A knock sounded at the door. Betsy poked her head in, her face creased with concern.
“Beggin’ yer pardon, Me Laird, but the wee lass is askin’ for ye. She woke up and got frightened when ye werenae there.”
Declan was on his feet immediately. “Where is she?”
“In yer chamber still with Lady Francesca. but she’s quite upset.”
He was already moving, taking the stairs two at a time. He found Eloise sitting in the middle of his bed, tears streaming down her face while Francesca tried to comfort her.
“I thought ye left!” Eloise sobbed when she saw him. “I thought ye were gone.”
“I’m here, lass.” He scooped her up, holding her against his chest. “I was just in me study. I didnae go anywhere.”
“But what if ye had? What if ye decided ye didnae want me anymore.”
“That will never happen.” He sat on the bed with her in his lap, Francesca moving close beside them. “Listen to me, Eloise. Yer me daughter now. Nothin’ and no one can change that. Nae distance, nae time, nae anythin’.”
“Really?” Her voice was small, hopeful.
“Really.” He pressed a kiss to her head. “From now on, ye’re part of me mornin’ routine. How about that? Every mornin’, ye and yer mother and I have breakfast together, and ye can follow me to the solar. That way ye’ll always ken where I am.”
