Page 66 of Wedded to the Twisted Highlander
“There ye are. What are ye doin’? Eileen is waitin’ for ye on the pitch,” she chided, reaching for Melody’s hand.
“I dinnae want to go,” the little girl whimpered.
“What if I gave Melody her ridin’ lesson? Would that make it easier for ye?” Thomas offered, reveling in the surprise that flitted across Astrid’s face—and even that of Eileen, who had rounded the corner, her mouth slightly agape.
Melody turned to Astrid and tugged at her skirts. “Please, Astrid! Let Thomas teach me!”
Astrid’s stern demeanor softened, her resolve wavering in the face of Melody’s enthusiasm. After a moment’s hesitation, she sighed, the tension leaving her shoulders.
“All right, but only if ye promise to listen to him, Melody.”
“I promise!” Melody chirped, her joy infectious as she bounced on her heels.
The chill of the Highland air danced around them. Thomas stood tall, a rugged figure against the backdrop of the rolling hills. He never let his keen eyes stray from Melody as she sat atop the spirited mare.
She was a natural, that much was clear. Each movement she made was as fluid as the streams that cut through the glens.
“Well done, Melody,” Thomas praised. “Now, ye’ll want to ease up on the reins and give her a bit more leeway. That’s it. Like that. Ye feel how she rides just a bit steadier?”
“Watch it now,” Astrid instructed as Melody took a fast turn around the corral. The strap holding her saddle in place snapped.
“Thomas, grab Melody,” Eileen instructed as she jumped to her feet.
Thomas didn’t hesitate. He was at Melody’s side before her foot even came out of the stirrup.
“Easy there, lass,” he said, snatching her up before she could even fall. Astrid was at his side in a flash, her eyes wild with fright. “What did I tell ye? Did I nae say I’d be there for ye?”
“Are ye all right?” Astrid asked, double and triple checking.
But there was nothing wrong with Melody. Not even her pride was bruised by the sudden tumble.
“Never better. Can we do that again?” Melody asked as Thomas turned to the corral to ensure that the horse was still around.
“Maybe another time,” he said as he lowered her to her feet next to Astrid.
“What do ye say we go inside for a game of hide and seek?” Astrid suggested, trying to mask the fear in her voice.
Melody bounced up and down, clapping her hands in delight.
“Can I go first?” she asked as she glanced at Eileen, who gave her a playful wink.
“Absolutely. We can start the moment we get inside,” Astrid agreed as she guided the girl back toward the castle just as a clap of thunder rumbled overhead.
Thomas couldn’t help but smirk as he watched Astrid pick up the pace. The heavens opened the moment they reached the castle. Melody’s smile dropped as she stared up at the dreary sky.
“Well, this isnae fun,” she grumbled.
“I thought ye said something about playin’ hide and seek?” Thomas interjected. “Or did ye forget about that?”
The spark of joy flickered in Melody’s eyes once again as she started counting. “One.”
Thomas wiggled his eyebrows before taking off down the hall. Happiness bloomed and swelled inside him as the years fell off his shoulders along with all the responsibilities he had been carrying.
“Ye had better nae cheat,” he called over his shoulder when he caught Melody peeking through her fingers. “Or ye’ll have to start over.”
“Keep countin’,” Astrid called.
Thomas glanced beyond Melody to find Olivia and Eileen ushering Astrid to a different part of the castle.
