Page 87 of The Laird's Secret Bairn

Skye wasn’t sure she believed it, but before she could say anything else, Lily rushed over and looked at Angus with wide eyes.

“Is that man mean?” she whispered.

Dougal shook his head. “Nay, little one, he isnae.”

“But I heard ye talking about the last time he was here. He was mean to ye and Skye.”

“Sometimes people do mean things because they cannae do anything else. It’s why we must give them a chance to explain.”

Lily slowly and carefully approached Angus. Skye wanted to rush towards the girl, scoop her up into her arms, and whisk her away, but Dougal shook his head, stilling her.

“I’m Lily. Do ye want to see me baby goat and Blossom?”

Angus made a choked sound. “Who is Blossom?”

“Me kitten!” Lily said brightly. She grabbed his hand and pulled him along with her.

Dougal glanced toward his mother.

“We’ll watch over her,” she assured him, pulling Stephen along. He didn’t need to be told twice.

Skye wasn’t sure how she felt about Angus being here. It felt surreal.

“I cannae believe he is here, Dougal.”

“Aye, I understand. I cannae believe it either,” he muttered, his jaw tight. “When I arrived, he offered a peace treaty. I never thought he would suggest such a thing.”

“What changed his mind?”

He let out a slow breath. “I cannae say. It could be grief, perhaps, or shame. A man who carries guilt for a long time will eventually be brought to change should it break him enough.”

“Do ye trust him?”

“Nay,” Dougal said without hesitation. “But he will have eyes on him no matter where he goes. It willnae hurt to let him get to ken Lily.”

Skye did not want Angus near Lily at all after the way he had acted that day. She wasn’t even convinced that he hadn’t poisoned her, even if he claimed he didn’t. It all seemed too convenient.

“Is that yer sister I see?” Dougal asked, glancing over his shoulder.

She laughed. “Aye. Freya arrived days after ye left. I didnae think she would visit so soon. She taught Lily to dance.”

“Did she now?” he asked, chuckling. “I look forward to seeing the outcome.”

“The lessons went better for Lily than they did for me.”

Dougal tilted his head to the side. “Does this mean ye willnae agree to a dance with me?”

Skye blushed. “I wouldnae put ye through the pain of dancing with me.”

“Nonsense. Ye will save a dance for me.”

“Dougal—”

“I willnae take nay for an answer.”

Skye could only nod. Even if she could not dance if her life depended on it, she still wanted to share a dance with him, regardless of anyone who looked upon them.

Freya looked over at her and grinned. She was enjoying this a little too much, as far as Skye was concerned.