She shivered, before turning to him with a shy smile.
“I am very happy,” she admitted. “I am happy I am married to ye.”
His eyes widened slightly, and the tips of his ears reddened. He cleared his throat, turning away from her.
She smiled at his boyishness and turned back to survey the dance floor, but was surprised when a hand shot out in front of her.
“Would ye like to dance, me Lady?” a voice asked.
She turned to find Callum smiling down at her. She looked back to gauge her husband’s reaction and found him glaring at his brother.
“Why would ye ask me wife to dance, Callum?” Adair grumbled.
“It seems ye daenae intend to,” Callum answered with a cheeky grin. “I couldnae bear to watch her staring wistfully at the dancers.”
“Daenae tease yer braither so, Callum,” Emily chided playfully.
“I shall try to stop,” he conceded with a bow. “But ye must dance with me first.”
Emily shook her head, laughing softly. She cast another look at Adair, and he nodded with an eye roll.
“I will be delighted to dance with ye, Callum,” she answered, placing her hand in Callum’s as she rose to her feet. “But I must warn ye, I am nae an accomplished dancer.”
He winked at her as he helped her down from the dais. “I shall teach ye everything ye need to ken. Daenae worry.”
“Alright,” she said. “I will follow yer lead.”
They took their positions as the musicians started playing the next set. Callum was at her side, holding her hand, and she saw some of the ladies lift one side of their skirts, so she copied them.
Callum leaned down to her ear. “This dance is quick-paced,” he whispered. “So if ye feel tired, tell me.”
“Alright.”
She had initially thought the warning too cautious of him, but once the dance began, she understood why he had been concerned.
They hopped from side to side at first and then forward, and spun in such a quick tempo that she found herself thankful his grip on her arm was firm. She was breathless and slightly lightheaded, beads of sweat forming on her forehead, but she was determined to finish the dance.
For the last few years, she had been cold and coasting through life, trying to bury her passions, but now that she had tasted what it truly meant to live, she wanted to enjoy it to the full.
The dance finally came to an end, and she was quick to cheer with the crowd.
“Ye really held yer own, me Lady,” Callum praised. “I am proud of ye.”
“I didnae want to waste such a beautiful moment,” she said, allowing him to lead her off the dance floor. “I daenae ken when another opportunity will arise.”
He nodded as though he understood, glancing at where Adair stood watching them. His eyes were soft when they turned back to her, and Emily found herself smiling back at him.
“Ye really do love me braither,” Callum remarked.
She nodded. “Aye, I do.”
“He loves ye as well,” he continued. “I can tell, even if he has said nothing to me. I havenae seen him smile at anyone the way he smiles at ye.”
“I should hope so,” she joked.
Callum threw his head back and let out a laugh that drew stares from the nearby guests. Emily found herself giggling as well.
“I look forward to speaking with ye more, me Lady,” he said.
