#theactingscot

“What is it, Wee Lass?” Morven curled up against her da, lower lip trembling. “Did you have a bad dream?”

  The four year old shook her head, and David frowned. That meant the boys must have done or said something that terrified her. He just had to find out what.

  “Did the boys do something?” Another shake of the head, brown curls flying every which way. “Say something?”

  There was a crash of thunder outside that interrupted Morven, causing a soft squeak to leave the child.

  “They’re coming!” she exclaimed, beginning to cry again. “Th-th’monsters are c-coming!”

  “Monsters?” David rocked his little girl gently, pressing a soft kiss to her head. “There are no monsters, Lass. Your da won’t let them near you.”

  It seemed that Wee Lass had not only inherited her mother’s fear of storms – speaking of, he was surprised the redhead wasn’t out in the living room with him – but her brothers had decided to play on that fear, and the natural fear of monsters that little girls had. He’d have to have some words with them in the morning.

  “Y’promise, Da?”

  “Of course. See,” he dropped his voice to a whisper, leaning in close to his daughter. “Monsters are afraid of das. That’s why the monsters don’t bother your mam during storms, either. I keep them far away from my girls.”

  “Far, far, far away?” He nodded, planting another kiss onto her forehead. “They won’t never hurt me?”

  “Never, ever. You’re safe with your da. I promise.” With that said, he stood, keeping a tight grip on Morven. David carried her into his and Kitty’s room, setting their daughter down next to his wife in bed and crawling in after. Strong arms wrapped around his two girls, and Morven curled against David’s side. “Good night, my brave, wee lassie.”