Page 57 of The Duke's Sinful Bride

Yvette smiled and shook her head. “No, Maisie, but thank you anyway.” She straightened up, guiding Maisie back to the table. “Shall we sit for breakfast?”

As they approached the table, Killian walked in, his footsteps heavy but purposeful. His eyes quickly darted to the two of them, and he raised an eyebrow.

“Well, well, are ye about to have breakfast without me?” he asked, his tone light but teasing.

Maisie squealed with delight and ran toward him.

“Papa!” she cried as she threw her arms around his legs.

Killian bent down, effortlessly lifting Maisie into his arms, and a smile tugged at Yvette’s lips.

The sight of Killian holding his daughter was enough to stir something in her chest.

“Good morning, little one,” Killian said, pressing a kiss to Maisie’s forehead. He then turned his gaze to Yvette. “I see I’m not the only one who’s had a good start to the day.”

Yvette smiled back, though her gaze lingered on him for a moment too long. “Good morning, Your Grace.”

Killian set Maisie down at the table before taking his own seat. “I trust we’re all hungry this morning,” he remarked as they all began to settle, his eyes darting to Yvette before he added, “because I am famished.”

Yvette colored fiercely, looking down at her hands on her dress.

“So,” Killian began after a few moments of comfortable silence, glancing at Yvette. “How does yer day look ahead of ye, wife?”

Yvette paused with her fork halfway to her mouth, giving him a playful look.

“Well, I suppose I will be spending it with Maisie. She and I have been making quite a bit of progress with her drawing, haven’t we?”

Maisie nodded eagerly, taking a bite of her food. “Yvette is the best! I draw all the pictures I can!”

Killian chuckled, his eyes softening as he glanced at Yvette. “It seems ye two have become quite the pair.” He set down his knife, his expression turning thoughtful.

“It would be nice if you could be a pair with her also,” Yvette said slowly, watching his expression.

To her surprise, the edges of Killian’s lips tugged up.

“What is it ye’re suggesting, then?”

Yvette looked up, meeting his gaze. “Maisie deserves more time with her father. You don’t always have to be away so much.”

The table fell into a brief silence, Killian studying Yvette’s face as though weighing her words.

“And what will ye be doing while we spend time together?” he asked, the teasing edge returning to his voice.

Yvette smiled, her fingers brushing the edge of her teacup. “I have a book to read. I’m sure I’ll manage,” she replied lightly.

Killian’s lips quirked upward in a faint smile. “A book?” He shook his head, amused. “Of course. A book it is.”

Yvette’s smile deepened, and she glanced at Maisie, who was busy picking at her breakfast.

She returned her gaze to Killian, holding his eyes with a quiet challenge. “You know, I think you’re the one who should join us, Killian. It will do you good to relax.”

He arched an eyebrow, his smile widening as he leaned back in his chair.

“I suppose I have no choice, do I?” He gave Maisie a playful look. “I suppose I will allow myself to spend a little more time with my girls.”

Yvette, Killian, and Maisie had decided to spend the day outdoors, enjoying a moment of peace away from the usual bustle of the estate.

The warm, golden rays of the sun bathed the Braemore Castle estate in a soft glow, making it the perfect day for a picnic.

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