John made a high-pitched, squealing sound.
Connor’s head turned sharply. “What was that?”
“A laugh, me Laird,” Moira answered.
“I ken what a laugh sounds like.”
Violet looked at his rigid expression. “Yer face suggests otherwise.”
She brushed her fingertips over John’s ribs again, and he giggled and kicked beneath the blanket.
“Oh.” She leaned closer. “Ye have been keeping secrets, little love.”
She touched the same place. John squealed, his mouth opening in a wide smile.
Connor stared at him. “Do that again.”
“Ye command many strange things in this castle.”
“Violet.”
She obliged, and John’s laugh came louder.
Connor shifted the baby carefully and placed one large finger against his side. His touch was so cautious that Violet nearly laughed before John did it for her.
The sound broke across Connor’s stern face. His eyes widened, then his mouth curled into a smile he failed to hide.
“He likes me,” he said.
“He is laughing because ye found his ticklish spot.”
“Aye. Because he likes me.”
“Naturally.”
Connor tried again, and this time, John laughed harder and grabbed a fistful of his hair. Violet reached to free it, but Connor shook his head. He eased each tiny finger loose with patient care.
“Wee menace,” he murmured.
Violet kissed John’s cheek, and Connor kissed the other. John waved both hands between their faces, catching Violet’s nose before reaching for Connor again.
Moira remained beside the door, smiling through teary eyes. Violet saw the way her gaze rested on John, safe between them.
“He has been waiting to do that for ye,” Moira said.
“For all of us.” Violet held out her hand. “Come closer. Ye should hear him properly.”
Moira touched John’s foot. Violet tickled his side once more, and his delighted laughter filled the chamber.
“Ye loved him before I could reach him,” she said quietly. “I will always remember that.”
Moira bent and kissed John’s hair. “He is easy to love. Speaking of, he really should be sleeping by now.”
“Give us five more minutes,” Connor requested.
Moira’s eyebrows rose; the Laird delaying the nursery schedule was a first. She bowed and left them together.
John looked from Connor to Violet and smiled. Connor drew Violet against his side while holding the baby securely in his other arm.
