Page 47 of Wedded to the Heartless Highlander
Something she couldn’t quite place flickered in Kara’s eyes, but the maid quickly covered it with a smile. “It’s lovely, Me Lady,” she said, her voice warm. “It suits ye.”
A laugh bubbled up Erica’s throat. “Do ye think Hunter is gettin’ used to spoilin’ me?” she asked, turning to face her maid fully.
Kara gave a hesitant smile. “Perhaps he is, Me Lady,” she replied. She seemed… distracted.
“Are ye all right, Kara?” Erica asked, frowning with concern. “Ye look a bit troubled.”
Kara waved a hand dismissively, her gaze dropping to the floor. “It’s nothin’, really. Just an upset stomach, I think,” she murmured. “Probably somethin’ I ate.”
Erica nodded, though she made a mental note to check on her later.
If somethin’ is troublin’ her, I need to ken about it.
She had few allies in the castle, and Kara was her closest confidante.
With the necklace secure around her neck, her thoughts shifted to the day ahead, and she felt a thrill of anticipation. It was picnic day.
After gathering everything she needed, Erica enlisted Kara’s help with preparing the food, and soon enough, she was on her way to find Hunter. She spotted him across the castle grounds, his broad figure standing out as he spoke with Calvin near the training yard. He looked up as she approached, his gray eyes softening at the sight of her.
“Hunter,” she called, her heart fluttering despite herself. “I thought it would be nice to spend some time together. The three of us.”
His gaze lingered on her, and she could feel the intensity of it, a pull that made her pulse race. But then, his expression softened, and he gave a slight nod. “A picnic?” he asked, his voice as calm as ever, though she thought she caught a hint of curiosity.
“Aye,” she replied, smiling. “Some fresh air might do us all some good.”
His lips quirked up into a reluctant smile, and for a brief, wonderful moment, she thought she saw a hint of amusement in his eyes.
“Very well,” Hunter said.
Erica felt an all too familiar throbbing between her legs as she remembered how he made her feel the night before.
Christ alive, give me strength.
Her thoughts seemed to stray as he studied her for a moment too long.
He didn’t say it outright, but she could see the hint of mischief in his expression, as well as the silent approval that she’d been hoping for. All of it, all at once, felt like the victory she had been waiting for.
Hunter carried Lily on his shoulders, her laughter filling the air as she clutched at his hair, trying to keep her balance. Erica’s heart swelled at the sight. Her husband was more relaxed here, with them, than she’d ever seen him before.
She had carefully chosen this spot, for it was tucked away under a large oak that stood like a sentinel, offering a blanket of shade to soften the sun’s heat. She spread out the blankets she’d brought and emptied the baskets of food she and Kara had carefully packed that morning.
Hunter stood back at first, watching as she knelt to help Lily unpack her favorite snacks. There was an odd look in his eyes that she couldn’t quite read. But she smiled up at him, determined to include him in this moment.
“Come on, Hunter,” she called, patting the spot beside her. “I promise I willnae bite.”
He arched an eyebrow, his lips twitching slightly as he finally approached and settled down on the blanket beside her. “A dangerous offer,” he murmured, but there was warmth in his voice and a flicker of something softer in his eyes.
Erica poured them each a cup of cider, before passing Lily a smaller one as the girl babbled about she planned to teach them all how to properly enjoy a picnic. Erica felt herself relax, her laughter joining Lily’s as she watched the little girl take control of the afternoon with a mix of childish energy and enthusiasm.
Lily’s first idea, as it turned out, was to play a game of “Seek ‘n Find.” She pointed at the wildflowers, rocks, and distant clouds with a playful authority that made Erica giggle. Hunter, although he tried to maintain his stoic expression, couldn’t help but smile slightly and nod approvingly each time Lily guessed correctly.
After a while, they moved on to her next suggestion—flower crown making. Erica had shown her how to twist together daisies and wildflowers a few days ago, and now Lily was eager to teach Hunter the ‘proper’ way.
Erica leaned in, showing her how to create a strong base for her crown, while Hunter watched, his arms folded across his broad chest, clearly unconvinced.
“Ye dinnae look convinced, Hunter,” she teased, shooting him a playful look. “Come on, are ye too proud to wear a flower crown?”
He gave her a smirk, unfolding his arms. “I wouldnae say ‘proud,’” he replied, glancing skeptically at the half-made crown in her hands. “But I’m nae sure it’s me style.”
