Page 30 of Wedded to the Heartless Highlander (Taming the Kilmartins #2)

Seven Years Later

The morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the Great Hall, illuminating the tapestries and casting long shadows over the stone floors.

Hunter sat at the head of the long oak table, watching his children as they filled the space with laughter and noise. A small smile tugged at his lips as he watched their antics.

Lily, now fifteen, had taken it upon herself to lead her younger cousins in their latest scheme. She stood with her hands on her hips, her long braid swinging as she tried to direct her charges.

“Cormac, I told ye to put the pillow on that chair,” she ordered her seven-year-old cousin, who grumbled as he shifted the cushion for what must have been the fifth time. “If we’re goin’ to do this right, we need everythin’ in place!”

“Why do I have to listen to ye?” Cormac whined, his brown curls bouncing as he flopped down onto the chair in defiance. “You’re nae in charge!”

“Of course, I am,” Lily shot back, her gray eyes narrowing. “I’m the oldest. That makes me the leader.”

Isla, five years old already, clutched her doll and glared at her cousin. “I want to be the leader! Ye’re always bossin’ us around.”

“Leaders dinnae throw tantrums,” Lily retorted with a grin, turning her attention to Ewan, who was toddling around the table, oblivious to the brewing argument.

At three years old, Ewan’s priorities revolved around chasing the family dog, Biscuit, and stuffing bread crumbs into his mouth.

Erica entered the hall bearing a tray of fresh bread and jam, her green eyes taking in the scene with a mix of amusement and exasperation. Her wavy brown hair caught the sunlight as she set the tray down.

“Lily, let them breathe,” she chided playfully. “Ye’ll have plenty of time to lead when ye’re older.”

Lily rolled her eyes but grinned. “Fine. But dinnae blame me if Cormac ruins everythin’.”

Cormac stuck out his tongue. “I’m nae ruinin’ anything! Ye’re just mean!”

“Enough,” Hunter interjected, his deep voice cutting through the chatter. He raised an eyebrow at his children. “Lily, dinnae be so hard on them. Cormac, dinnae provoke yer cousin.”

Both of them mumbled their apologies, though Lily shot her uncle a look that said she was only pretending to listen.

Erica settled into the chair beside him, resting a hand on his arm. “Yer children are a handful,” she teased softly.

“Our children,” Hunter corrected, his warm gray eyes meeting hers. “And they get it from ye.”

Erica laughed, shaking her head. “They get their stubbornness from ye, and we both ken it.”

Before Hunter could respond, a knock sounded at the door. A servant entered, carrying an envelope bearing the McFair seal. He approached with a bow, handing it to Erica.

“A letter, Me Lady,” he said, before retreating.

Erica furrowed her brow as she broke the seal and carefully unfolded the letter. Hunter watched her intently, noting the emotion that crossed her face as she read.

“It’s from Thomas,” she said after a moment, her voice quiet. “He says he’s made contact with the healer.”

Hunter’s gaze sharpened. “The one he’s been searchin’ for?”

She nodded, tightening her grip on the letter. “Aye. He says this healer is willin’ to come, but it’s taken months to convince them. There’s hope—real hope for Faither.”

Hunter reached out, covering her hand with his. “That’s good news, Erica. Yer faither deserves this chance. He’s still young.”

Erica’s smile was soft but tinged with sadness. “He’s been so frail for so long. I cannae imagine him ever bein’ strong enough to lead again, but maybe…” she trailed off, her voice thick with emotion.

Hunter squeezed her hand gently. “If anyone can pull through, it’s him. He’s as resilient as his daughter.”

She leaned into him, her head resting against his shoulder. “Thank ye, Hunter, for always believin’ in us.”

He kissed the top of her head. “Always.”

***

Later that day, the children played in the crisp autumn air while Erica and Hunter sat on a stone bench in the courtyard, watching them. The castle grounds were alive with activity as servants bustled about, preparing for the upcoming harvest festival.

Lily had taken it upon herself to organize another game, her commanding presence compelling her cousins’ participation. Isla trailed behind her, still clutching her doll, while Cormac and Ewan raced about, brandishing their wooden swords.

“Sometimes I wonder where she gets it from,” Erica mused, her eyes following Lily’s determined movements.

Hunter chuckled. “She’s just like her aunt.”

Erica nudged him with her elbow. “Ye say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“It’s the best thing,” he replied, his voice soft. He reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers. “She’s strong, clever, and fierce, just like ye.”

Erica cocked her head, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “And stubborn?”

Hunter grinned. “Especially stubborn.”

Their conversation was interrupted by Lily’s exasperated shout. “Cormac! If ye dinnae listen, ye’re out of the game!”

Cormac pouted, his stick clattering to the ground. “Ye’re mean, Lily!”

Hunter stood up, his towering frame immediately drawing the children’s attention. “Enough bickerin’,” he called firmly. “If ye cannae play nicely, the game ends here.”

Lily sighed dramatically but relented. “Fine. Cormac can stay.”

Erica hid a smile behind her hand, her heart full as she watched her family. Despite the chaos, these were the moments she cherished most—the love, the laughter, the sense of togetherness.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of orange and pink, she turned to Hunter, her expression thoughtful.

“Do ye think Thomas is ready for this?” she asked quietly.

Hunter didn’t need clarification. He knew she was talking about her brother’s new role as Laird.

“He’s ready,” he said with conviction. “He’s grown into the responsibility. Yer faither’s illness has been hard on him, but it’s also made him stronger.”

Erica nodded, though her eyes were distant. “I just wish things had been different. That Faither didnae have to suffer so much.”

Hunter wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “We cannae change the past, but we can hope for a brighter future. Yer faither has a chance now, thanks to Thomas. And he has ye, Erica. That’s what matters.”

She looked up at him, her green eyes dancing with mirth. “Ye always ken what to say.”

Hunter smirked. “It’s a gift.”

Erica laughed, the sound light and musical. “And a curse, sometimes.”

“Only sometimes?” he teased, leaning in to press a soft kiss to her forehead.

Their moment was broken by Ewan, who toddled over to them, his cheeks flushed from exertion. “Ma, Da! Come play!”

Hunter scooped the boy up effortlessly, lifting him high in the air and reveling in his squeals of delight. “Let’s see if we can catch that dragon yer cousin keeps talkin’ about.”

Erica watched them, her heart swelling with love. No matter what challenges lay ahead, she knew they would face them together as a family. And at that moment, surrounded by laughter and love, she felt truly at peace.

The End