Page 44 of The Laird’s Lost Wife

He lifted an eyebrow. “Ye mean here in me castle?”

“Nay. I mean down here, in the courtyard. I got the impression ye came to find us. Perhaps I’m wrong, though. Perhaps ye are just passing through.”

Willow was no longer paying attention to either of the adults. She and River had gone skipping a little way off, begging apples from a smiling maid carrying a crate of them. The maid laughed, handing over a small, rosy piece of fruit. Willow took it with a beaming smile. She eyed the apple, then glanced down at the expectant River. After a moment, she took a large bite of the apple, chewing and swallowing. Then she took a second bite, but spat out the piece of apple flesh immediately and handed it over to the fox. River jumped up and took it carefully from her fingers, its white teeth flashing.

A lump formed in Hunter’s throat.

“She’s me daughter,” he whispered.

He hadn’t meant to say it aloud, but it was too late now.

Daphne looked up sharply at him. He sensed her stiffening.

“Mine too,” she murmured.

He met her gaze squarely. “I want to be a part of me daughter’s life. Did I nae make that clear? And that means I will be a part of yer life, too.”

Was she thinking about the kiss when she looked at him? Maybe.

He hoped not. That was foolish. She’d been taken by surprise, no doubt. He should not have put her in that position.

I willnae do it again. She deserves better.

Daphne cleared her throat. “Do ye resent me?”

“Why in God’s name would I resent ye?”

“Because men who have unexpected children sometimes blame the woman.”

“Well, I daenae have a skull full of marbles for a brain. I daenae blame ye. Look, Daphne, I am ready to take on me responsibility. If I’d ken about Willow before, I would have done it then. I will keep ye safe. I will protect ye, and provide for ye. Both of ye.”

She stared up at him, a frown creasing her brow. “But it’s about Willow?” she muttered, almost too quietly for him to hear.

It was a question, but she shook her head immediately after asking it and turned away.

“Willow, lass,” she called. “Come here. We’re going back inside.”

Willow, who had by now eaten the apple almost down to the core, turned around, dismayed. “Just a few more minutes, Mama!”

“No more minutes. We’ve had a very long journey. Ye need to rest and sleep, and I need to check on Lady Pilbury. Inside.”

Willow sighed. “Can I play tomorrow?”

“Aye, if ye are good.”

She nodded and skipped over to them, the fox loping behind her.

“We have more to discuss,” Hunter muttered, before the little girl could reach them.

“I have me daughter to care for. And, as I said, Lady Pilbury may need me help,” Daphne responded, avoiding his eyes.

He felt as though he had said something wrong, but what?

“Very well.” He nodded. “Go off and do what ye must. We’ll talk more at dinner. Do ye need a gown? If so, there are seamstresses in the castle, and fabric⁠—”

“I have dresses.”

There was a long, taut silence. She stared at her feet. He stared at her. Willow reached them and glanced expectantly between their faces.