Page 23 of The Icy Highlander's Bride
"Skye's a smart one," Cameron said, ruffling the girl's hair, and Skye beamed at him.
Lana could instantly sense the bond between the child and her uncle.
So, she's closer to Cameron than her faither.
"What a pretty dress ye're wearin'," Moira gushed, knowing that the best icebreakers were often compliments.
With her two eldest children married, Moira was becoming a skilled grandmother. Lana smiled to think she would be well-equipped to win Skye's affections.
"Thank ye," Skye said, bobbing a little curtsy that someone had clearly taught her.
Lana held back a laugh as the girl wobbled from side to side. When she glanced up at Daniel, his intense gaze was locked on her.
"I could show ye the garden," Skye offered, pointing to the center courtyard. "It's me favorite part of the castle."
But Daniel seemed ready to end these introductions. Lana saw him shift his weight before stepping forward to interrupt them.
"They're tired," he said as he took Skye's hand in his own. He pulled her away from Lana and passed her hand to Silvers.
"Ye must nae bother the ladies," Silvers chided softly, clearly knowing exactly what Daniel wanted her to say.
Lana caught Skye's eye and saw shame and disappointment on her little face. She hated to think that the girl thought she had done something wrong.
"Wait!" she cried, standing up quickly. "I have somethin' for ye."
Lana had forgotten all about what was in the carriage. But something about seeing the child downtrodden, her hand held in a vice-like grip by the housekeeper, made her remember what she had brought for the girl.
"For me?" Skye asked.
She practically bounced up and down at the thought of receiving a gift, and Silvers put her hands on the girl's shoulders, perhaps thinking she had a better chance of holding on if she used both hands.
Lana ducked into the carriage and found the basket still tucked carefully beneath the seat. She pulled up the fabric and saw the little kitten looking up at her, seemingly unbothered by the change of venue.
"What is it?" she heard Skye ask, and she turned back to her. She carried the basket to her and bent down. As if on cue, the kitten poked her head out and meowed.
"A kitten!" Skye squealed, even as the housekeeper cried out in surprise.
Silvers stepped back, leaving them standing over the basket.
"She's for ye," Lana said.
Skye lifted the cat into her arms, no hint of fear on her face.
"What is that?" Daniel asked.
Suddenly, Lana felt like the one being chastised. She stood up and squared her shoulders to face him.
"It's a gift," she explained. "For yer daughter."
Skye had the kitten tucked under her chin, and she was cooing to her, whispering words of love and affection. But Daniel was clearly not so thrilled. His face was dark as he stared back at Lana.
"What did I tell ye about spoilin' her?" he asked.
"Lighten up, Dan," Cameron interjected, trying to defuse the tension between them. "It's just a kitten. We all ken there are enough mice in there to feed an army of them."
"It's nae the point," Daniel gritted out.
"Can I keep her, Papa?" Skye asked. "Please?"
