Page 20 of Her World In His Hands

Frowning, she threw him a less than favourable glance.

He spoke before she could interrupt. “Iona, d’you have any idea at all where your mother could be?”

“Have you searched the house?” she asked.

“Yes, of course.”

“Are you certain? There are secret passages and places that only she and I know about.”

“I know about the room where my money chest is kept,” he told her.

“Yourmoney chest?” She frowned.

“Who do you think gave it to her?”

“Oh, she never told me that... I wonder why?” she paused. “Have you searched the passages?”

“No, I didn’t know about those,” he said ruefully. “When you feel stronger you can show me, but for now I want you to rest.”

“Oh please, don’t pull the caring father card after all these years,” she sneered.

Njord bent over her until they were nose to nose. “I didn’t know you existed. If I had I swear to you I would have been there. Your mother made the decision to ditch the finder’s brooch I gave her, which meant I have spent two hundred years searching for her. Bloody stubborn woman that she is, but don’t ever think for one moment I didn’t want you. I do, never doubt for one second that I love you, my daughter.” He cupped her face and placed a chaste kiss upon her forehead.

Iona gazed up at him her eyes swimming with emotion. “I don’t know what to call you?” she asked, her voice wavering.

“Father?”

She shook her head. “Too formal. How about, Fa?”

Noting the hesitation in her voice Njord realised that despite his reassurance, his daughter still feared his rejection. “I’d be honoured if you’d call me, Fa, or Dad, even though I hate that modern word.”

She rolled her eyes. “Sooo, old fashioned! A typical Dad!”

He laughed, delighted she’d found her equilibrium. “Better not call me anything other than Nick in public though, we look the same generation, and ‘Dad,’ might cause some raised eyebrows.”

There was a gentle tap at the door and Mrs. Murray stuck her head into the room. “Och, I dinna hear ye arrive.” Her eyes widened at the sight of Iona lying prone on the couch. “Miss Iona, I had no idea you were here, dear. Shall I be fetching ye all some lunch?”

“Hi Shona, yes please that would be lovely, but just sandwiches will do, and can we have them in here? I’m not feeling so good.”

The housekeeper strode across the carpet, Njord and Thor moved back to accommodate her as she knelt beside Iona. She placed her palm on the girl’s forehead and tutted. “You should be abed, lass. You feel warm to me. Your cousin won’t like it if she returns and finds ye unwell again.”

“Now Shona, don’t fuss. I’m just tired that’s all,” she replied and patted Mrs. Murray’s arm.

The housekeeper’s gaze swivelled from Njord to Thor. “You’ll be staying the night again?”

Iona chucked at the taciturn housekeeper’s lack of enthusiasm for the two handsome Gods.

“Now, now Mrs. Murray, play nice. These gentlemen are helping me find my cousin.”

Shona rose to her feet. “I’ll fetch ye all a bite to eat, then.” She nodded to the men and left the room.

“Cousins?” Njord queried, as soon as she’d gone.

She shrugged. “We couldn’t very well be mother and daughter, we look about the same age.

He nodded, understanding. “Very sensible.”

“I’m sorry about Shona. She was not treated well by her dearly departed husband and has become something of a man hater,” Iona explained.

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