Arianna shook her head, her curls brushing her shoulders as she spun lightly beneath his arm. “And McDonalds have fine hunting grounds,” she replied. “Venison, game hens…there is nae comparison.”
“A bold claim,” Ian murmured, though his gaze lingered on her with unmistakable admiration. “I may have to stay longer and test these hunting grounds for meself.”
Arianna’s lips curved, and she leaned closer as the dance slowed, her voice softening. “I believe ye would enjoy that, husband.”
The dance ended, and Arianna allowed Ian to escort her back to the table where they sat amongst her family.
A small blur darted past them, and Arianna’s attention snapped away instantly.
“Come back here!” Anna called, laughter in her voice as she hurried after the child, weaving through the dancers.
Arianna laughed as she watched her sister-in-law chase after her child.
Arianna watched as Anna finally caught the child near their table, scooping them up with a breathless laugh.
“Ye’ve far too much energy for such wee legs,” she chided gently, brushing hair from the child’s face. The little one only giggled, clinging to her as though the chase had been a grand adventure.
“Running so fast already?” Arianna said.
Anna approached closer, her expression knowing. “Aye, I swear, I turn me back for a moment, and they’re halfway across the hall. It doesnae get easier, only faster.”
Arianna smiled, “And louder,” she added. “I daenae recall ever having this much energy when I was small.”
Anna stepped closer, her tone softening. “It is worth it,” she said gently. “Even when it feels like chaos.”
Arianna met her gaze, something vulnerable flickering there. “There are moments I fear I’m nae fit for it,” she admitted quietly. “That I’ll falter as a mother.”
Anna shook her head firmly. “We all feel that way,” she said. “But ye love them, and that is what matters most.”
Arianna exhaled slowly, the tension easing from her shoulders. “Aye,” she said, glancing down at the child. “That much I ken without doubt.”
Ian turned his attention to them, “Causing trouble, are they?” he asked, his voice laced with amusement as he brushed his hand lightly along Arianna’s back.
She glanced up at him, warmth blooming in her chest at the familiar touch. “Only a little,” she replied.
Anna smiled at the sight of them together, her gaze lingering with quiet approval. “Ye two make a fine pair,” she said before stepping back. “Now, if ye’ll excuse me, I must put me child to bed afore he's climbing the tables.”
Arianna laughed softly, nodding as Anna moved away.
A delicate wooden dish of honeyed oat custard was placed before them, its surface dusted with crushed berries and a drizzle ofcream. The scent of warm spice and sweetness rose between them, mingling with the distant hum of music and laughter from the ceilidh.
Ian leaned closer, his shoulder brushing hers as he lifted his spoon, his voice low and teasing. “If this is what yer kin call dessert, I may have been too harsh in me judgments of McDonald fare,” he murmured, a glint in his eye.
Arianna smiled softly, tasting the custard as she met his gaze, feeling the familiar warmth of him settle deep within her chest.
“Too harsh?” she echoed, arching a brow as she dipped her spoon again, her tone light with mischief. “I recall ye sayin’ not an hour ago that McGuire kitchens would put this to shame.”
Ian chuckled under his breath, the sound rumbling low and rich as his fingers brushed hers briefly atop the table. “Aye, I did say that,” he admitted, his gaze lingering on her lips as she tasted another bite. “But I didnae ken they had such sweetness hidden away… except for ye.”
Arianna’s heart fluttered at the way he looked at her, as though the world beyond them had faded into nothing.
She tilted her head, studying him with quiet affection, her gaze lingering on the dark leather of his eye patch. “I’ve always liked that about ye,” she said softly, her voice gentler now, threaded with sincerity.
Ian stilled, his expression shifting slightly as he met her eyes. “Liked what, lass?” he asked, though there was a hint of caution beneath his tone.
Arianna reached out, her fingers brushing lightly along the edge of the patch, her touch reverent. “Yer patch. It's a sign of strength,” she said. “It makes ye look fierce… like a warrior no one would dare challenge.”
For a moment, Ian said nothing, his breath catching slightly as he watched her. Then his hand came up, covering hers where it rested against his cheek, his thumb brushing softly across her knuckles. “And here I thought it made me look like a brute,” he murmured, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
