Page 29 of Wedded to the Heartless Highlander

“Yes, quite happy,” Erica repeated carefully, but she let the unsaid word resonate in her heart.

She wished she could share Lily’s innocence and optimism, but the reality of their situation weighed heavily on her shoulders.

Can we really be a family? I dinnae see how…

As night fell, the castle transformed, shadows creeping into the corners. The hearth in the Great Hall beckoned to them, and the scent of roast meat wafted from the kitchens.

“Come, let’s find some dinner,” Erica said, taking Lily’s hand in her own.

They wandered through the castle, the flickering torches casting dancing shadows on the walls.

The dining table had been set for only two, and Erica expertly led Lily through the various courses. After dinner, as the servants began to clear away the dishes, Erica took Lily to her chambers.

The room was dimly lit, and Erica felt a wave of fatigue wash over her.

“Goodnight, Aunt Erica!” Lily chirped as she pushed the door to her room open. “I’m glad ye’re here!”

“Goodnight, sweet Lily,” Erica replied, smiling as the girl disappeared into her room.

“Me Lady?” she heard Kara call from the shadows of the hallway, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

“Och! Kara, good. I thought I was goin’ to have to navigate this maze by meself.”

“Nay, I’m here now. Follow me,” Kara said proudly and led her mistress to her chambers.

The bath was drawn and the fire was kindled. Her nightgown was laid out on the bed with care.

As Erica lowered herself into the steaming hot water, Kara reappeared with a small tray of pastries and a cup of tea. “Thought ye might want a treat before bed,” she said with a warm smile, setting the tray down on the table in front of the fireplace.

“Thank ye, Kara,” Erica replied gratefully.

Kara hesitated, a hint of concern crossing her features. “Ye’ll be all right tonight, Me Lady? I mean, with him…”

“I… I dinnae ken, to be honest,” Erica admitted, her voice wavering. “I’ve been thinkin’ about it all day.”

“It’s natural to feel anxious,” Kara said, her voice gentle. “He’s a good man, Me Lady. He may seem stern, but he cares deeply for Lily, and he’ll come to care for ye just the same if nae more.”

Erica took a deep breath, trying to steel herself against the rising tide of uncertainty. “I ken he does care for Lily. I can see that. But what if…”

“What if he doesnae want to come to ye?” Kara supplied, her voice laced with understanding. “That’s a worry, right?”

“Aye,” Erica murmured, the thought clinging to her like a shadow as she rested her chin on the edge of the tub. “I cannae help but feel that a part of him is still… distant.”

“And ye want him to come to ye?”

Kara’s question gave her pause.

Do I?What does it mean if I do?

“I just dinnae ken what to expect from him, but I want to be ready if he does.”

“Ye can say nay… ye can also say aye. Ye have to decide what ye want.”

“What if I do and he doesnae come?”

Kara nodded, her gaze softening. “Men like him carry burdens that are often hard to understand. Ye’ll have to be patient, Me Lady.”

“Patient,” Erica echoed, her heart heavy as she rose from the water and pulled the towel from the heated rod to dry herself. “I’ve tried to be patient, but tonight feels so important. What if he never comes?”