Page 45 of The Laird's Secret Bairn

She was so excited that she hadn’t even heard him agree. It would not hurt for her to have another animal friend.

“Lily, I said aye.”

“But Da, please. She’s so small and lonely. Blossom wants a friend.”

“I said aye, Lily.” Dougal crouched to her eye level, tugging one of her braids gently. He chuckled. “Ye can have yer goat. Pick whichever one ye like. Ye are so excited that ye didnae hear me tell ye ayethrice.”

Lily shrieked with delight, throwing her arms around his neck before dashing off toward the stables to spread the news, her kitten forgotten momentarily in her excitement.

Kenna laughed. “Aye, I heard. I think the whole castle heard ye, me dear girl.”

“But it’s exciting, is it nae?”

“As long as ye listen to yer da and take care of the goat. It’s a big responsibility; I hope ye understand that.”

It was similar to the speech she had given when Lily found the abandoned kitten mewling for someone’s attention one morning. She had begged and begged Dougal to keep the kitten. His first answer had been no, but after seeing the way she lit up whenever she saw the kitten, he had decided to let her keep it.

The only caveat had been that Lily had to take care of the kitten she soon named Blossom. And so far, she had done just that. She babied that kitten. It was taken care of better than some children.

Lily nodded. “I take care of Blossom, so I’ll take care of the goat too!”

Dougal glanced at his mother, nodding.

“Lily, why daenae we take a walk and tell the rest of the castle the good news? I think they’ll be excited to learn that Blossom has a friend now,” Kenna suggested.

Lily frowned. “But didnae ye say that everyone already heard?”

“Aye, I did, but we should make sure that everyone heard. Daenae ye think?”

“Ye’re right, Grandmaither! Let’s go!”

Kenna followed after her, giving Dougal a look.

He ignored her, turning back to Skye.

She was looking everywhere but at him. His anger had faded some, but she had to know the danger she had put Lily in by bringing her out here. He swallowed, realizing that he might have to reveal the truth of her origins.

The truth of where Lily came from was one he had promised he would take to his grave. He’d only told those who needed to know. Otherwise, Lily’s origins would have remained a mystery to them.

His mother and Stephen were the only ones who knew the truth. His servants only knew that he was protective of the girl he had brought home one day and to never speak of her existence in case any of the enemies he’d made over the years heard.

He watched her go, all the warmth draining from his face. “A word. Now.”

He didn’t wait for her answer, only caught her wrist and steered her toward the back door leading back inside the castle. Hedidn’t stop until they were back at the study, shutting the door with more force than strictly necessary.

“Ye took her outside the walls.”

“We went nae further than the garden.”

“Did anyone see ye?”

“I daenae ken. We werenae hiding, Dougal. We were walking.”

“That is nae answer.” He paced up and down, jaw tight, every line of him coiled with something that looked far more like fear than anger, though he’d never admit to the former. “What if someone recognized her? What if word reached the wrong ears?”

“What wrong ears? Ye’ve never told me who ye’re protecting her from.”

“Because it is none of yer business.”