Page 45 of Edinburgh Escape
“If you don’t want me to, I’ll understand,” Maggie said.
Finally, the older woman’s frown faded. “I guess it will be okay as long as you don’t disturb his sleep.”
“I won’t,” Maggie said.
Ewan and Fiona led the way out of the dining room and up the staircase to the second floor. They turned in the opposite direction from Maggie and Callum’s room and walked down a long hallway, stopping at a door on the right.
Fiona turned the knob and peeked inside. “Bryce, my darling boy, why are you still awake?”
“I couldn’t sleep,” a small voice sounded from inside the room.
“Some people want to say goodnight to you.” Fiona held the door open for Maggie, Callum and Ewan to enter.
The boy scooted up in his bed, leaning against a stack of fluffy pillows behind him. He grinned when his gaze landed on the small group of adults entering his room. “Did you come to read me a story?”
Fiona shook her head. “Not tonight. They aren’t staying long. You should already be asleep.”
The boy’s pale face sank.
“I’d be happy to read to you tomorrow,” Maggie said. “I love reading books. Do you?”
Bryce’s face brightened. “I do so love books. And I’m learning to read all by myself.”
Maggie crossed the room to the boy and ruffled his hair. “Then we’ll read together. Good night, little man.”
He frowned up at her. “Aren’t you going to kiss me goodnight?”
Maggie chuckled.
The sound made Callum’s heart skip several beats.
“I’d love to kiss you goodnight, if it’s all right with your mother.” Maggie glanced over her shoulder at Fiona.
Fiona gave a slight nod.
Maggie bent over the boy and pressed her lips to Bryce’s forehead. “Goodnight, sweet prince.”
Callum’s heart pinched hard in his chest. This woman was so kind and caring toward a child she barely knew but wanted to so badly. She’d come all this way with a heart full of hope for finding family.
“I’m not a prince,” Bryce corrected. “I’m just a lord.”
Callum chuckled as he joined Maggie beside Bryce’s bed. “Goodnight, Lord Bryce.” He ruffled the child’s hair. “We hope you’ll show us your pony tomorrow.”
The boy’s eyes brightened. “He’s not a pony. He’s a real horse. His name is Montana.”
Maggie’s gaze met Callum’s.
“Did you name your horse?” Callum asked.
Bryce shook his head. “No. It was his name when my father gave him to me for my birthday.”
Though Maggie smiled at the boy, her jaw appeared tight, the smile not quite reaching her eyes. “Sweet dreams, Bryce. We’ll visit Montana tomorrow.”
The adults backed out of the room. Fiona was last out after dropping a kiss on her son’s brow.
“I’ll bid you goodnight,” Fiona said and left them.
“I have some work to do in my office,” Ewan said. “If you need anything, I’ll be awake for at least another hour.”
