Chapter 243: Long Night VII
Ewan couldn’t get annoyed at his daughter, not with that cute pouty gesture her mouth was making, while she blinked at him innocently.
Instead, he chuckled, thoroughly amused. "You have a sharp mouth on you, Kathleen. I’m pleased."
He laughed, delighted when Kathleen joined in, her giggle infectious.
The little girl had expected a sharp retort, a rebuke of sorts, just as was customary from elders. But this man here, who seemed genuinely interested in them, was laughing instead.
Worse still, his laughter was surprisingly contagious—a laughter that was similar to hers and Nathaniel’s.
"You are pleased that she has a sharp mouth? Mother doesn’t think so," Nathaniel interjected, cutting the laughter short. Yet, the barely concealed tug at the corners of his lips revealed that he, too, was entertained by their banter.
"I doubt it," Ewan replied, his eyes widening comically as if the very thought was a revelation. "Your mother has a sharp mouth too. Have you seen her in action?"
Nathaniel smiled, thinly but genuinely. "I think so. And yes, I get your point."
The three of them shared smiles again, a brief moment of unity. But then, almost immediately, Nathaniel’s expression changed. A frown creased his brow as he was suddenly overtaken by a cloud of contemplation.
He realized with a pang that he was actually relaxing in the presence of this man, the very man who had hurt his mother so deeply. While he could allow Kathleen this moment of levity, Nathaniel felt he shouldn’t permit himself the same. After all, he was her protector; he couldn’t be swayed too easily.
Who was to say this man wouldn’t hurt them again?