“Every mornin’?”
“Every single one.” He looked at Francesca. “If that’s acceptable to yer mother of course.”
“It’s more than acceptable.” Her smile was radiant. “It’s perfect.”
The next few days established a new rhythm. Mornings began with breakfast together—Declan, Francesca, and Eloise, with Fraser joining them more often than not. Eloise would chatter about her animals or ask questions about Highland legends while Declan found himself actually looking forward to these meals instead of viewing them as obligations.
Afternoons, he’d handle clan business while Francesca worked with Eloise on lessons. The healer had warned that keeping the child occupied and feeling safe was crucial to her recovery, so they’d created a routine of reading, drawing, and gentle activities.
But it was the evenings Declan treasured most. After dinner, they’d retire to the family solar, a room that had sat unused for years but now had become the heart of their home. Eloise would play with her animals while Francesca read or did needlework, and Declan would review reports or simply watch his family with contentment he’d never thought to feel.
“Da?” Eloise looked up from where she’d been teaching Bluebell to hop through a small hoop she’d constructed. “Can I ask ye somethin’?”
“Aye, lass.”
“Were ye scared? When the bad lady took me?” She asked it matter-of-factly, but he could see the need for reassurance in her eyes.
“Terrified.” He set aside his papers, giving her his full attention. “I’ve faced enemy clans in battle, stood against men twice me size, but nothin’ has ever scared me as much as thinkin’ I might not get ye back.”
“Why?”
“Because ye’re me daughter. And a father protects his children above all else.”
“Even above the clan?” Her eyes were wide, curious.
“The clan is important, aye. But ye and yer mother, ye’re the reason I protect the clan. The reason I fight to keep these lands safe.” He pulled her onto his lap, something that was becoming natural as breathing. “Do ye understand what I’m sayin’?”
“I think so.” She nestled against his chest. “Ye love us more than anythin’.”
“Aye, lass. More than anythin’ in this world.”
Francesca looked up from her needlework, and the love in her eyes made his breath catch. How had he ever thought he could keep her at arm’s length?
“I have an idea,” Francesca said suddenly. “Why daenae we ride to the village tomorrow? All of us together. Let Eloise see that life continues, that she’s safe to explore.”
“Is that wise?” Declan’s protective instincts immediately flared. “It’s only been a few days since what happened.”
“Which is exactly why we should go.” Francesca set down her needlework. “We can’t let fear keep her trapped in this castle. She needs to see that the world isn’t all dangerous, that there are still good people and safe places.”
“What if she’s nae ready?”
“Then we’ll come home.” Francesca moved to kneel beside his chair, taking his hand. “But we have to try, Declan. We can’t let what happened steal her childhood.”
He looked at Eloise and saw the hope dawning in her small face. “What do ye think, lass? Want to visit the village tomorrow?”
“Will ye and Mama both be there? The whole time?”
“Every moment.”
“Then yes.” Her smile was tentative but real. “I want to go.”
“A gift from the Highland gods,” Fraser proclaimed as they gathered in the courtyard the next morning, gesturing at the clear blue sky. “Perfect weather for a family outing, wouldn’t ye say?”
The day had indeed dawned bright and beautiful. They rode out mid-morning, Eloise secure in front of Francesca on her mare while Declan stayed close beside them.
The village welcomed them with warmth that surprised even Declan. Old Morag came out with fresh bannocks, claiming Eloise needed fattening up after her ordeal. The blacksmith’s children invited her to see the new puppies in their barn. Even Tavish, the man who’d insulted Eloise at the ceilidh, approached with hat in hand.
“Me Laird, Me Lady.” He wouldn’t meet Declan’s eyes. “I wanted to say… that is, I’m glad the wee lass is safe. What I said before, at the celebration… I was wrong. She’s one of us now, and I’m sorry.”
