Page 58 of Katie's Highlander (Highland Protector 3)
Adam grew still, staring down at the floor as he let his hand drop to his side. “Yes—to all the above.” He shook his head and lifted his gaze first to Esme then to Ross. “You’re absolutely right. I always ignored her until it was convenient. Even when we were kids.”
Don’t do it. Don’t make me feel sorry for you.Esme rounded the counter and motioned toward a chair beside one of the changing rooms. “Do you need to sit for a bit? You look kind of pale. I’ve got bottled water in the back. Want some?”
“No…thank you,” Adam said with another shake of his head. “I found out what I came here to learn. At least I know she’s okay—and happy.” He jerked open the door to the shop, paused a moment, then looked back at Ross. “Your brother’s a lucky man. Next time you see him, give him my congratulations.”
Ross nodded but before he could speak, Esme butted in. “I’ll give Katie your best too. She’ll be glad to know you’re okay and up to date on all things Katie and Ramsay now.”
“Thank you.” Adam teetered his way out the door and closed it firmly behind him.
Esme locked the shop door and flipped the sign in the window to theclosedside. A mix of emotions plucked at her heart as she watched the dejected Adam sag into his car and leave. “Dwyn said Ramsay and Katie would be back for visits sometimes. Special occasions. Family stuff. Do you think he meant we might be saying goodbye to Da soon?” She swallowed hard against the ache she always got in her throat whenever she held back tears.
Da hadn’t been the same since the day he’d performed the rite and married Katie and Ramsay. He’d given up. Emrys Danann MacDara never emerged from his rooms anymore. Never rose from his bed. The man was spent and ready to die. He’d even said so this morning when she’d stopped in to see him. The way he’d looked up at her. The pain and weariness in his eyes. The suffering.
Esme shook away the memory and looked at Ross. “Well?”
Ross crossed the room in one broad stride and pulled her into a brotherly hug. “Bear in mindMáthair’sadvice, little one: Dinna worry after tomorrow’s troubles and miss out on today’s joys.”
“I know,” Esme whispered. “But it’s…Da.” She blinked hard and fast then cleared her throat. “It just won’t be the same.”
“Things ne’er stay the same, lass.” Ross took her by the shoulders and squared her off in front of him. “I hate the changes as much as yerself but for the life of me, I dinna ken how t’stop them.”
“At least we’ve got family and the clans.”
Ross nodded. A thoughtful sad smile pulled at the corner of his mouth. “Aye, sister. Kith and kin will always hold us close and get us through anything.”
