“Thank ye,” Norah said.
Isabelle led the group into the courtyard.
The sound of laughter and little footsteps was joined by Declan’s booming voice as he approached.
“Ah, there ye are, Isabelle. And Lady Norah, I apologize for bein’ late,” he said, bowing with mock solemnity. “As ye can see, I was tied up.”
The triplets had, of course, bound his coat in Yule ribbons, and all five children burst into giggles.
Isabelle folded her arms across her chest, trying not to laugh too loudly while Norah raised an eyebrow and smiled knowingly.
“Declan, let me introduce ye properly,” Isabelle said, holding her sister close and nodding toward the nephews.
“This is me sister Norah, and these are Arran and Hugh, Norah’s bairns.”
“It is me pleasure to meet ye all. Ye are most welcome here at Castle McCallum any time ye like,” Decland said.
“Thank ye, sir. Ye are most kind,” Norah said with a curtsy.
“Boys, these are our children Hallie, Beth, and Penelope,” Isabelle said.
The triplets waved enthusiastically, and Arran’s lips twitched into a tentative smile while Hugh bounced in excitement.
Penelope immediately grabbed Hugh’s hand and squealed, “Come, I’ll show ye how we decorated the great hall for Yule!”
Declan chuckled, shaking his head at the chaos of children and ribbons.
“I’ll take them, then, so the sisters can catch up,” he said, scooping up Arran with one arm while holding Hugh’s hand in the other.
Isabelle clapped her hands, beaming. “Thank ye, Declan! Ye’re a wonder with the bairns.”
He bent to hug Norah briefly, resting a hand on her shoulder. “I’m glad ye could make it, Norah,” he murmured. She smiled warmly, squeezing his arm. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world, Declan.”
With the five children in tow, Declan led them toward the great hall, their laughter echoing through the courtyard. The triplets squealed, tugging at their new cousins’ hands, and Isabelle watched her sister’s eyes twinkle with delight.
Snowflakes drifted down around them, catching in hair and eyelashes, as the castle seemed to hum with warmth, joy, and the promise of a new Yule filled with family. Isabelle’s heart swelled; this was exactly the home she had longed for.
“Come inside to me rooms,” Isabelle said, leading Norah inside.
“Sarah, fetch us tea and some cakes, will ye?” she called with a soft authority. “Bring it into the solar and see to it the children are fed as well. They are in the great hall with Declan and travel weary.”
“Aye, me Lady , at once,” Sarah said as she passed Isabelle in the castle corridor.
Within moments Isabelle led Norah into the warm solar, the fire crackling in the hearth, and settled her sister into a high-backed chair. Isabelle settled beside her, the two sisters leaning close, sharing the quiet intimacy of reunion.
Norah’s eyes glistened with emotion, her hand resting over Isabelle’s. “I missed ye deeply, Isabelle. I’ve thought of ye every day since we parted, wishing I could’ve been here to help and to see ye safe.”
Isabelle’s lips curved, a soft smile of relief and love. “And now, ye are, and we’ll have time to catch up on all the days lost, eh?”
The soft footsteps of Sarah returning with tea and a tray of cakes got their attention.
Isabelle poured the steaming liquid into delicate cups, offering one to her sister.
“To family, Norah,” Isabelle said, lifting her cup, her eyes bright with unshed tears.
Norah mirrored her, a soft laugh escaping her lips. “To family, Isabelle,” she said, clinking her cup gently against her sister’s, the warmth of reunion filling the solar.
“It feels… so good to be here and to see ye,” Norah said, taking a careful sip.
