Page 54 of My Highland Fling
She stepped closer and kissed him tenderly before stepping back.“Go shopping and sightseeing.Please bring back some Scottish shortbread because Tilly and I are fond of it.”
“Done,” Ramsay said.“Are you sure you and Tilly don’t want to come with us?”
“No, I intend to call my parents.I won’t tell them our destination, but I need this closure.I need them to understand I’m done.”
Ramsay stole another kiss, and his open approval gave her the extra strength she needed to speak with her parents and draw a line in the sand.
“Just shortbread?”he asked.
“I’d like loose leaf tea and to say goodbye to my friend.Could you drop me off at his place and pick me up when you’re done?”Tilly asked.
“Done deal,” Ramsay said.“The others are heading out now.Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
“Tilly, can I borrow your phone?”
“Yes.I thought it best if we left it here when we leave.The fewer ways your parents have to track us, the better.”
“See you soon.”Gabrielle waved and sat on the bed.She sucked in a deep breath and dialed her mother’s number.
“Tilly, where are you?”Her mother’s voice sounded panicked.“Do you know where Gabrielle is?We heard a rival gang took out Adrik.”
“Mother, it’s Gabrielle.”
“Gabrielle, where are you?You must come home.”
“So you can marry me off to the next man in the line?I don’t think so.I’m calling to tell you goodbye.”
“But where are you?Your tracker is behaving weirdly as if it is malfunctioning.”
Gabrielle’s lips curled, and disgust blasted through the last child/parent bond that had remained.Her parents were still trying to manipulate her into helping them.They cared nothing for her feelings or safety.“If you don’t leave me be, I’ll take a restraining order against you and anyone from the palace.The Konstavia newspaper will receive anonymous tips featuring the truth.I was lucky to escape Adrik alive, but neither you nor the king cared for my safety.I’ve had enough, and Tilly and I will not be returning to Konstavia.Not ever.”
“That woman is a bad influence on you,” her mother snapped.“She should’ve kept you calm and pliable.”
Gabrielle released a snort.“Oh, please.She was my jailor, except she didn’t stick with the plan.Let me repeat, I will never return to Konstavia to be your obedient little puppet.I will not help save you from whatever calamity you’re mired in.You and Father are dead to me.I’ve lost what little respect I had for you, and since you’re untrustworthy, I’m turning my back on you and walking away.Goodbye, Mother.Have a nice life.”Gabrielle hung up and tossed the phone on the bed.Immediately, the ring tone blared again, but Gabrielle ignored it.After a shower, she’d turn off the phone, and she and Tilly would dispose of it.She’d meant every word.
She was turning her back on her family and her previous life and stepping into the future with Ramsay at her side.
Chapter 25
Home Again
Middlemarch,NewZealand.
Emily, Saber’s wife, and Tomasine, Felix’s wife, were at Dunedin airport to meet them.Exhaustion tugged at Gabrielle, but a lightness in her chest and thoughts had her smiling as they drove from the airport.Gradually, the building clusters gave way to farmland and sheep and cattle.It was a peaceful scene, and her lingering tension faded.
She and Ramsay had talked during the flight home.They had a plan.A future mapped out—something they’d done together, and for the first time in memory, the outlook excited Gabrielle.Because of the time difference, it was mid-morning.It was also much colder than the Scottish summer, and Gabrielle buttoned her jacket against the drop in temperature.
“You and Tomasine have a lot in common, but I’ll let her tell you,” Ramsay informed Gabrielle.
“Maybe tomorrow,” Tomasine said with a smile.“When you’re not so tired, but Ramsay is right.Life in Middlemarch is amazing.The locals are friendly, and it’s a safe place.Everyone looks after each other, although gossip passes at the speed of lightning.You’ll see.Get Ramsay to bring you to the café tomorrow.You too, Tilly.”
“I promised Emily I’d work tomorrow,” Ramsay said.
“It’s arranged then.We’ll drop you off first,” Tomasine said when she turned off the main road.
“Are you sure you’re okay staying with Tomasine and Felix?”Gabrielle asked Tilly.
