Page 57 of My Highland Fling
“Busy?”Ramsay asked.
“My cabinet is getting empty, and people keep coming in,” Emily said.“An outstanding problem to have, but still an issue.”
“Gabrielle and I will sort the cabinet for you, Emily.”
“You’ve just arrived home.You’ll be tired,” Emily protested.
“We’re trying to stay awake, but doing something would help,” Gabrielle said.“I’m going to live here.I want to contribute.”
Emily beamed, and Ramsay’s hand tightened on hers.
“Have at it,” Emily said with a sweeping gesture of her hands.
Ramsay hustled Gabrielle around the counter and out the back.The first thing he did was kiss her until she was breathless.
“Hey,” she said, laughing.“We’re working.”
“You told Emily you were going to live in Middlemarch.You’re staying?”
“I want to be with you.”
Ramsay’s beam was one of joy and happiness.“Hold that thought.”
Chapter 26
Truth and Adjustment
Itwasafterfivewhen Emily sent Ramsay and Gabrielle home, along with a dinner of soup, fresh bread, and meat pie.Ramsay walked briskly since the temperature had dropped.He raised his nose and snuffled.
“What are you doing?”Gabrielle asked.
“Testing the air.It will snow tonight.I can smell it.”
“Does it snow in town?”
“Mostly, we see snow on the hills around Middlemarch.If we get a fall in town, we normally have a party and a snowman competition.We have hot tea and coffee and mulled wine for the adults.Hot chocolate for the kids.It’s fun.”
“Emily is lovely.”
“She is.She and Saber have been awesome to me.I told you I lived with Tomasine and Felix for several years, but I became a chef because of Emily.She spotted my flair for flavors and asked if I’d like to help her.My interest developed from there.”
“You were lucky to find such a fantastic support network.”
“I give thanks most days.”He paused and cast a glance at her.“I’ve had a thought.You’ve worked with charities, so I’ll introduce you to London.She’s Gerard’s wife and does administration work.She’s also human and English.I think you’d have a lot in common.I’ll call her tomorrow.”
“Are you sure?I’d hate to impose on your friends.”
“London will enjoy meeting you.She’s on our Feline Council.”He’d explained the gathering and its purpose before they turned into his driveway.The temperature had dropped further, and their breaths emerged with puffs of steam.
Ramsay pushed open the door and stood aside for Gabrielle to enter.“It’s a lot to take in, but if anything confuses you, ask for clarification.Are you hungry?”
“I shouldn’t be after demolishing the scone and the cupcake you decorated for me.Will you give me cooking lessons?”
“I’ll teach you,” he said, so freakin’ happy to have her in his space.He detested her parents for marrying her to Popov.She’d gone through so much, and terrible memories—nightmares—were understandable.He’d exercise patience, but he wanted so badly to mark and claim her.But first, he needed to explain and give her the option.
“Come into the lounge.I’ll light the fire, and we’ll eat our dinner on trays in the warm.”
“I’ll help.”
