Page 35 of The Icy Highlander's Bride
Lana shook her head. After all the talk of rabbits, she wasn't in the mood to think about other animals. At home, she didn't eat much meat at all, but she felt shy saying this to Mary, for fear it would make her job much harder in the kitchen.
"Please daenae go to that trouble," Lana begged. "I would be quite happy with some of that fresh bread ye have coolin'."
She nodded toward the loaf of bread sitting by the window. Steam rose from the crust, tempting her.
"Of course. And perhaps some cheese?" Mary asked as she grabbed the loaf and began slicing it.
Lana smiled. "That sounds perfect."
Mary was pleased now that she had a task, and Lana was amused as the woman began humming her way through her work.
Daniel settled into a stool next to Lana, and they sat quietly, enjoying the warmth that came from the blazing fire, where another loaf of bread was baking. Lana felt his leg press casually against hers as Mary placed a plate of bread and cheese in front of them.
"Did Skye and Cameron come to see ye, Mary?" Lana asked, remembering Cameron's promise to find Skye some dessert. "Last I heard, they were headed down in search of some sweets."
Mary's face lit up at the mention of the little girl. From what Lana could see, the whole household was in love with the child. Perhaps Skye's lack of a mother wasn't as much of a hardship as Lana had imagined. It looked like the child had many mothers within these castle walls.
"Aye." Mary nodded. "We had some pie left over. But nae to worry, Me Laird, I served her only one slice."
"Thank ye," Daniel said, nodding. "If it were up to me brother, Skye would never hear the word ‘no’."
"She's a good child, Me Laird," Mary noted as she wiped the counter in front of her. "Perhaps it's alright to indulge her, what with so many changes going on in the castle."
Lana sensed the change in Daniel's mood instantly. His shoulders stiffened as he sat up straighter. She knew he didn't take kindly to other people making decisions for Skye. Lana had learned that firsthand. And now his cook was trying to tell him how to care for his child.
"Forgive me, Me Laird," Mary said quickly, sensing her mistake. "I shouldnae speak of things I daenae understand."
Lana held her breath, silently begging Daniel to hold his tongue. After such a nice time with Mary in the kitchen, she didn't want to ruin it. Not after Mary had been so kind to her.
"Do ye ken what might help?" Lana chimed in, deciding to take the conversation into her own hands. "Perhaps Skye can be involved in some of the weddin' preparations."
Suddenly, Daniel's gaze was on her rather than Mary, but Lana pushed through. If she pretended not to notice his displeasure, then maybe she could defuse the tension.
She turned to Mary. "It could help Skye with the ongoin' changes in the castle. Do ye nae think she would like to help?"
"Aye, Me Lady," Mary agreed, but she was still on edge, her eyes on Daniel.
Lana waited. At least if he was going to be upset, he would need to be upset with both of them now. She watched his fists clench at his sides and the muscles of his jaw tick. But then, miraculously, he took a deep breath and let out a sigh.
Daniel glanced at Lana with a hint of amused annoyance before reaching over to pop another piece of cheese into his mouth.
"Preparations?" he asked. "What do ye have in mind?"
15
"Look at that!"
Skye pulled hard on his hand as she rushed to the shop window.
"Skye," Daniel ordered firmly, "stop pullin'."
The girl was appropriately chastised, and she walked calmly beside him. Her eyes were glued to the trinkets and toys displayed in the windows of the stores they passed, and he didn't miss the excited bounce she had in her step as he guided her toward the dress shop.
It was strange for Daniel to walk beside his daughter like this. He couldn't remember the last time he had taken her into town to see the storefronts.
"Come with me, Skye," Lana said, taking the girl's hand. "We're goin' to pick some fabric for yer dress."
Daniel passed Skye to her as she smiled at him. He watched them rush forward, Lana letting his daughter set the pace, and wondered how he had found himself here.
