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Her eyes flashed and he knew she read his thoughts. He waited for her reaction of disinterest, or worse, horror, but her expression remained the same—soft and curious. His heart beat faster. He leaned closer, anticipating her retreat. She did not move.

The sound of a single sob broke the spell. He forced himself to look away from Davina and spied Lileas standing in the exact spot he had ordered. Her lower lip quivered. The skirt of her gown was torn and her face was smudged with dirt. He could see the glistening sheen of tears in her eyes and the traces of dried moisture on her cheeks.

“Och, Lileas, ye were a brave lass, to be sure,” he said, knowing it must have been terrifying to be trapped in that tight space. “I’m mighty proud of ye.”

James opened his arms. Lileas moved with lightning speed, flinging herself into his embrace. He felt her delicate bones, her fragile breath, and wrapped his arms tighter around her as the cold air whipped his cheeks. She buried her face against his chest and hiccupped a small sob.

Without thinking, he let his guard down and kissed the top of the child’s head. She snuggled closer. He felt a comforting warmth at her nearness, an odd peacefulness that left him with a lingering feeling of contentment.

It had been so long since he allowed himself to feel tenderness.

“Papa is going to be very mad at me,” she sniffled.

“I fear ye are right, lass.”

“I dinnae like it when Papa shouts.”

“’Tis never pleasant,” James agreed.

“He’ll shout loud.”

“Aye.”

“He’ll shout until his face gets red.” Lileas sniffled again.

“Very red.”

“I dinnae want him to shout.”

“Well, if ye had listened to me and Davina, there would be no need fer yer Papa to be shouting,” James replied, softening his words with another hug.

“I promise I will always listen to ye, Uncle James,” Lileas said solemnly. “Davina, too. And Papa and Grandmother and Grandfather. I’ll listen to everyone. Truly.”

“Good lass.”

Lileas released a small sigh and relaxed in his arms. He comforted her for a few moments more and then James saw a mischievous smile lift the corner of her lips. “If I dinnae tell Papa about falling into the rock, he willnae shout at me. Promise ye willnae tell him, Uncle James?”

The little minx!James felt his shoulders tremble with the effort to hold back his laughter. ’Twas an important lesson that the child learn to do as she was told. Fie, it could save her life one day. He gave her a stern look, but she only widened her smile. Her impish charm was nearly impossible to resist. Perhaps the fright of her ordeal was punishment enough, he reasoned.

“Please?” Lileas patted his cheek.

His shoulders shook again as he lost the battle to contain himself. A peal of deep laughter rang out and James was astonished to realize it was the first true bit of mirth he had felt since returning home. All thanks to his niece.

“Secrets are neigh impossible to keep, young Lileas. But I give ye my word of honor, that yer papa willnae hear of yer adventure from my lips.”

Davina stilled, rooted to the spot, her eyes widening in amazement as she listened to something she doubted she would ever hear again—James’s delighted laughter. Deep and robust, it wormed its way into her heart and for a moment she retreated into the cherished memories that emerged. Memories of happier times, filled with hope and promise and love.

They washed over her like a healing salve, pushing away the pain, bringing a wistful smile to her lips. She allowed herself a few more comforting moments, then regretfully let the truth seep back into her thoughts.

Those memories were a lifetime ago. Yet the sound of that laughter brought forth the unthinkable idea that mayhap there was hope that those happier times could be recaptured.

Was it truly possible?

“What’s wrong?” James asked. “Ye have the most peculiar expression on yer face.”

Davina shook her head and lowered her gaze. The need to touch him, to feel the gentleness behind the mirth, almost overwhelmed her, but she resisted. “’Twas only yer laughter. I was pleased to hear it.”

Pleased and relieved to have his tight control break in such a manner. It was far better than having his fist smash against a tree, a reaction Davina had fully anticipated as things became more intense during their outing.