Page 44 of The Highlander Is All That

“So,” she said in a suddenly chirpy tone that he suspected was total affectation. “What serious business did I interrupt?”

“Ah. Important business indeed. I was writing to Catriona to inform her that climbing on the stable roof is not advisable.”

Anne’s eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. “She was climbing on the stable roof?”

“Nae. But she wanted to. She wrote to me complaining that Susana would not allow it.”

“That seems wise of Susana.”

“Susana is verra wise. Although, to be fair, the stable climbing was probably Isobel’s idea.”

“Isobel?”

“Susana’s daughter.”

“Ah. The other hellion.”

“Indeed. In addition to complaining about the climbing constraints, Catriona has also asked me if she may have her own sword because—apparently—Isobel has one.”

Anne laughed out loud. “Perhaps Susana is not so wise after all.”

“It is Scotland. Things are different there.”

“I can only imagine. Do you regularly give five-year-old children weapons?”

He had to laugh. “I told you Catriona needs a mother.”

“Indeed she does.”

“Would you like to see her?”

Her eyes brightened. “I would love to.”

Ranald pulled out the miniature he had of his daughter and handed it over.

“Oh.” Anne’s features softened. Her eyes warmed and her lips parted. “She is precious.”

“Aye. She is.”

“Is her hair really that red?”

He smiled. “Aye.” He took back the portrait and studied it for a moment. “She has her mother’s hair,” he said through the lump in his throat.

“You really should not wait long. Every girl needs a mother’s love.”

“Aye. But I doona want to marry just for Catriona. Is that selfish of me? To want love?”

Anne’s expression tightened. “Love is a fantasy.”

He swallowed. “Is it?”

“I don’t know anyone who is truly in love.”

“I was in love with Glenna. We loved each other deeply. It was a beautiful thing. When you’ve had that, you doona want to settle for anything less.”

Something reminiscent of pain and longing filled her eyes. “Don’t you?”

“Nae, my lass. You do no’.” He leaned in and kissed her, gently, on the forehead. “How I hope you can experience such love. How I hope it will prove you wrong.”