“Who texted you, Mom?”
“Ian,” she replied absently. “He paid our admission.”
“Cool. Yeah, I definitely think he’s pretty nice.”
He was. He seemed determined to try and take care of her, even more so now that he knew Emily was his daughter.
Last night flashed through her head. He’d pretty much proposed out on the wharf. It had almost been comically endearing, and she hadn’t taken him the least bit seriously. Until she’d realized he wasn’t kidding a bit.
Then she couldn’t have been more stunned if he’d pulled out a ring. Well, okay, maybe that.
“Glad you girls made it.”
Emily pulled away with a squeal and launched herself at Kenzie, who’d approached from the side.
Kenzie’s as eyes closed as she drew Emily into an embrace, squeezing tightly. And Emily hugged her back. As if she somehow sensed the connection.
Kenzie opened her eyes and met Sarah’s gaze over Emily’s head. There was no anger or condemnation in Kenzie’s expression, but the disappointment there was almost worse.
Kenzie was another victim of her secret—she was obviously still coming to terms with the fact that Emily was her niece. Though she didn’t say anything to Emily, which meant Ian had probably warned her that Emily didn’t know yet.
Sarah attempted a half-smile. “We’re excited to be here this morning and support you all.”
“And I hear they have cool swords you can buy,” Emily added and slid away from Sarah. “I like your outfit, Kenzie. It’s so cool.”
As always, Kenzie looked beautiful in the Highland Dance costume that consisted of a blue-and-red tartan kilted-skirt, matching hose, and a white blouse with a black velvet vest over it.
Her makeup was darker than usual and her strawberry blonde hair was twisted up in a bun. Sarah could well understand why her daughter was enraptured. Just wait until she watched the dance competition.
“Do you get to do any games?” Emily asked.
“No, I’ll not be doing any games, Emily, but I do dance. In fact, I was just on my way over. Would you like to come watch?”
“Yes, yes, yes! Can we go, Mom?”
“We wouldn’t miss it.”
Kenzie met her gaze again, and gave a faint smile. “Good. Let’s head over then.”
Sarah went to catch her daughter’s hand, but Emily had already run up beside Kenzie to chat her ear off.
Obviously that ice cream yesterday had won Emily over. Though Sarah knew it was much more than that. Kenzie was a bright light that drew everyone to her. Not only was she beautiful, but she radiated fun and humor.
Soon Sarah and Emily were seated in the row in front of the small stage watching Kenzie and a handful of other women and girls dancing.
“This is so cool,” Emily whispered.
It really was. Sarah had always enjoyed watching her friend dance. The art of Highland dancing was fascinating. It almost seemed like an upbeat ballet. They danced on their toes, jumping and kicking to the bagpipes that played off stage.
The Highland Dance blended athleticism and grace, and the fast pace had Emily bobbing in her seat and her gaze locked on the dancers.
This was part of Emily’s heritage, Sarah thought with growing realization, and she didn’t even know it.
The hand that descended lightly on Sarah’s shoulder made her jump and she glanced over her shoulder.
“Ian.” She returned his small smile, flushing slightly at the intensity of his green stare.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Thank you for paying our way in. It wasn’t needed—”
“You’re welcome. It was my pleasure.”
“Would you like to sit? We can scoot down one.”
Emily seemed to become aware of their conversation at the point and turned to face Ian.
“Hi! You can sit next to me.” She patted the empty seat beside her.
Ian’s gaze rested on his daughter now, and Sarah could see the range of emotion in his eyes. His chest rose visibly and then he released a shuddering breath.
“Well thank you, Emily. I’d like that very much.” Ian scooted past Sarah to sit in the empty seat.
As he passed, Sarah couldn’t help but check him out. How couldn’t she? Nearly six feet of muscle decked out in traditional Scottish wear? Beneath his black Highland Games shirt was a broad chest she could envision beneath her hands again. Would always fantasize about brushing with her lips.
Ian was all man, and seeing him in that kilt made her heart do all kinds of funny things.
Where was his entourage of women that all the McLaughlins had seemed to have? Or had that faded over the years?
She glanced over her shoulder. A group of four women who looked to be in their early twenties sat giggling just a few rows behind him now.