Page 53 of My Highland Fling
“No you’re smart,” Tilly snapped.“Child, if I’d been present, I might’ve done the same thing.You fought with the weapons you had to hand.That Popov man wouldn’t have hesitated to hurt you worse.We’ve heard the rumors regarding his previous wives, and the chances are the same thing would’ve happened to you.Push away the guilt.You survived, and that is what you should focus on—your future.Your happiness.”
“It’s not that easy.”Gabrielle stared at her fingers and the contrasting black fur beneath them.
Tilly laid her fingers on her arm, her expression kind.“If you had a choice, what would you want, Gabrielle?”
“To go with Ramsay,” Gabrielle said, the words falling from her lips with ease.“But what happens if I’m pregnant?”Tears overflowed, and she lifted her hand from Ramsay’s back to swipe at them.
“Even if you’re pregnant, you have choices,” Tilly said.“Either you wipe your tears, straighten your shoulders, and walk forward with confidence and a can-do attitude, or you slither into guilt and let your parents’ actions destroy you.Only you can make this decision.You’ve craved your freedom for years.Now, you have it, and it’s up to you to make what you will of your life.”
Gabrielle swallowed hard and focused on the silent Saber.Although he’d remained quiet, he exuded power and confidence.Ramsay respected this man, and she trusted Ramsay.
“What would happen if Tilly and I go to New Zealand with you?Would it be a visit?A holiday or something else?Are all of you like Ramsay?”
Saber smiled.“You remind me of my Emily back when I was trying to persuade her to stay in Middlemarch and become my wife.Like you, Emily is human, although now, because she wears my mark, she’s healthier than most humans and ages more like a feline.We live for longer.”
“You persuaded her to marry you?”Gabrielle asked, curious.
“I did, and I’ve never regretted a day of our marriage.Not every day has been a good one.We’ve suffered through troubles and come out the other side together and stronger.Humans and shifters live in Middlemarch.Several felines have human mates.We support each other and enjoy a good life.You can visit, but you must keep our secret.”
“I’d agree to that, anyway.You saved me from Adrik, and I owe your people my life,” Gabrielle said.“You have my gratitude.”
Saber’s expression softened.“Thank you.If you decide to come to Middlemarch, you can stay with Ramsay, or we’ll find alternative accommodation for you and Tilly.”
“I’ll talk to Tilly.”
“Sorry to rush you, Gabrielle, but you have a few hours to decide.We fly out this afternoon.”
“I’ll let you know in an hour.”
Saber inclined his head.“Isabella is dragging us off shopping, and we’re busting to visit Edinburgh Castle while we’re here.Let us know your decision when we return.We’ll be wheels-up shortly afterward.”
“Thank you,” Gabrielle said.
Ramsay followed Saber, but Gabrielle placed a hand on his silky back.“Please stay for a few minutes.I won’t keep you long.”
Ramsay backed away and shifted to his human form.Gabrielle watched in fascination, although she winced a few times because of the stretching and snapping bones.
“Does that hurt?”she demanded as Ramsay reached for his discarded clothes.
“Can I look now?”Tilly asked, who’d covered her face.
“Keep your eyes closed for a few minutes longer,” Gabrielle said.“Tilly, do you think we should go to New Zealand?”
“Yes.The farther we travel from Konstavia, the happier I’ll be.Your parents are out of control, and we’d fare better out of their reach.”
“I agree,” Gabrielle said.“What about your friends?Will you not miss them?”
“New Zealand is a plane ride away.It’s not a different planet,” Tilly said.“They’ll visit me.None of them wanted to go to Konstavia because it was dangerous, but New Zealand is an attractive proposition.”
“You don’t have to stay if you hate it in Middlemarch,” Ramsay said, now fully dressed.
Everything in Gabrielle softened, the decision suddenly simple.“I can’t imagine hating Middlemarch when you’re there.Ramsay, I’m going with you.”
“Gabrielle, just so we’re clear, I want you in my life, to marry and mate with you in the feline way.You’ll like my friends.My adopted family.You and Tilly will fit in well.”
“And if I’m pregnant?”
“If you’re pregnant, I’ll love your baby, and we’ll raise him or her with values and family and support, or if you prefer, there are other options.”Ramsay never hesitated, making Gabrielle believe his sincerity.
