Page 23 of Kilty By Association
“And Gorm’s!” the little girl announced. “Do ye ken he can belch the Lord’s Prayer?”
“An accomplishment indeed, lassie.” Craig turned back to her mother. “What are ye doing out here without Brigit?”
“Looking for ye. Brigit sent me to interrupt ye, whatever ye were doing. Whatareye doing.”
Elspeth had recovered, but she was still discreetly setting herself to rights. Now she smiled at her daughter, sitting so high.
“My legs were verra tired, and Sir Hunter was helping me stretch them.Yeseem to have nae problems.”
Katharine patted him on his head. “Put me down, ye great giant. I need to run and stretch my legs, Brigit says.”
As Craig did as she commanded, Elspeth shook her head. He smiled at her. “Precocious little one, is she no’?”
Elspeth watched her daughter scamper off and hid her yawn behind her hand. “She was speaking in full sentences by the time she was Mary’s age. I worry for my sanity. I cannae imagine what kind of woman she’ll grow to be.”
And Craig had to stop himself from taking her in his arms again, from assuring her Katharine would be a wonderful human being.
They’re no’ yers to make such promises.
Aye, but…he was starting to realize that he wished they were.
“Come along,” he coaxed, beginning to walk back to the horses. “Ye’re riding with me.”
“Dinnae be—” Another yawn interrupted her. “I have to take care of the bairns.”
“When was the last time ye allowed someone to take care ofye?” he asked gently, and she had no response.
When they mounted once more, heading for Oliphant Castle, the nurse rode with Katharine, Brigit carried Mary, and Elspeth sat curled in Craig’s lap. Her cheek was pillowed against his chest, his strong arm supported her back…
She was asleep before the last man left their little haven beside the stream.
As he listened to the sound of her soft, even breathing, Craig’s heart ached that he couldn’t hold her like this forever.
Chapter 5
Dinner at Oliphant Castlewas a raucous affair, and Elspeth didn’t think she was the only one to become a bit dazed.
There were justso many people, and they all seemed content to yell over one another to make their points. Even Brigit, who normally seemed so cheerful and easy-going, was on edge, her gaze darting from one person to the next.
Of course, she was sitting at one of the lower tables, while Elspeth, her children, and Craig himself were sitting with the family. Craig had seemed surprised—and awkward—when Lady Oliphant invited him to join them.
“I’m just a blacksmith,” he’d stammered.
But Coira Oliphant, a redhead with strong features and a quick grin, merely shook her head. “Ye’re a Hunter now, remember? And a cousin. Ye deserve to be honored, so get yer arse up there.”
Wee Katharine had taken his hand then and declared, “Ye have to sit beside me Craig, and cut my chicken.”
“We’re having mutton, sweet. Can ye no’ smell it?”
The five-year-old shook her head. “I dinnae like mutton. I like chicken. Go tell the cook.”
Before Elspeth could correct her daughter’s manners, Coira snorted and bent at her waist to meet Katharine’s eyes. “Firstof all, thecookis my sister, Lady Fen, and her husband, who used to be a Hunter.”
“Like Craig!” Katharine piped up.
“Aye,” Craig agreed, scooping her up to sit on his hip. “Fen is shy, and likely willnae come abovestairs tonight, but I can introduce ye tomorrow.”
“Brodie is foul-tempered,” Coira warned, “and doesnae like to be told what to make.”
