Page 59 of My Highland Fling
“Right, I’ll show you how we make it.You can be my helper during the breakfast rush.”
They managed a quick tea before the first of the customers arrived.Tomasine had Gabrielle scurrying back and forth and showed her how to take orders.Gabrielle loved every minute and the next three hours flew past.The next thing she knew, Ramsay arrived with two plates of food.
“Emily told me to take a break,” Ramsay said.“Let’s sit in the back corner.”
Gabrielle savored every mouthful of scrambled eggs and crisp bacon, the meal fun and relaxing with Ramsay because he didn’t continually scold her for overeating.
He glanced at her, his expression serious.“Each time we’ve made love, something strange has happened.Well, a few things.First, you always seem to conk out and go straight to sleep.Next is that we’ve knotted together, and third, each time, the condom has broken.”
Gabrielle felt her eyes widen, and she opened her mouth and shut it again.
“Sorry.I should have told you earlier, but I kept putting it off because you left before I woke.The discovery of your royal position threw me, then your parents abducted you.I’m so sorry.My shifter status was another complication, but I still should’ve found a way to let you learn the truth.”
Misery hunched his shoulders, and compassion filled her.Yes, he should’ve told her, but she understood why he’d hesitated.She might’ve done the same if she were in his shoes.
“The knotting thing—it has only ever happened with you.I figure we’ll check with Gavin since we’re visiting him later today.He’s the doctor.”
She froze.“I’m not pregnant, or at least, I had my period at the palace after my parents snatched me.”She swallowed hard.“If I am pregnant, it will be Adrik’s baby.”
Ramsay reached for her hand.“If you’re pregnant, the baby will belong to us, no matter their parentage, and we will love that baby and any others who come after it.Do you understand?”
Tears stung the back of her eyes, and she blinked hard to hold them at bay.“You would accept a baby if it wasn’t yours?”
“I love you, Gabrielle.The baby is part of you.They are an innocent being, and I have a wealth of love to offer.I want a family with you, and this would be a start, but there are other options too.We’ll do whatever you think is best for you.”
She smiled through the shimmer of tears.“What did I do to deserve you?”
“God, Gabrielle.I should’ve told you earlier, but we had so little time together.You have every right to be angry with me.”
“True.I might’ve panicked, but now that I know you better, it doesn’t matter.As I said, I had my period, so any baby will—”
“Willbe ours,” Ramsay said.
“Yeah.”Despite his words, doubts scurried around her brain like foraging mice.Could he truly accept Adrik’s child as his own?Could she cope with having that monster’s child?
The café had emptied, and only two couples remained from the breakfast rush.Both sat by the window, reading the newspaper and drinking coffee.
“There is one more thing related to my feline nature.”
“You’re a decent man, Ramsay.I can’t think of anything that will put me off you.”
He grinned, a boyish smile that made him appear younger.“Okay, when a feline finds their mate, it’s love at first sight.They instinctively understand this person they’ve met is their other half, the one to bring joy to their lives.”
Warmth grew in Gabrielle’s chest.She loved the way he spoke to her, giving her sweetness and truth and making her feel worthy—deserving of his presence in her life.
“Once they’re ready, the feline part of the couple—or both, if they’re feline—mark each other.I’d bite you here until I drew blood.”He placed his fingers at the juncture of her neck and shoulder.“This allows the enzymes in my saliva to enter your body.This will give you stronger immunity, and you should live longer and age more slowly.You’d match me in aging.The bite will leave a small scar, which, from what I hear, is sensitive to the touch.”
“Do the other woman have the scar?”Gabrielle asked.
“Yes.Emily and Tomasine will tell you about it and answer your questions if you have any I can’t answer.One more thing,” Ramsay said, his eyes glowing a vibrant green.
“What?”Her breath caught as she stared at him, entranced.He was patient, and it was clear he wasn’t intending to rush her into having sex again.She appreciated his caring, but she’d held Ramsay tight to her heart since they’d been forcibly parted.Making love with him would make her feel clean and new again.
“The bite can occur at any time, but mostly it’s given during lovemaking.I’ve heard this adds a little something to the pleasure.”
“All right,” Gabrielle said.“Thank you for explaining this to me and telling me about the condoms.”
An indecipherable something flashed over his face before his expression smoothed.She’d disappointed him with her answer.That couldn’t be helped because she wanted to speak with the doctor first.If she was pregnant, best she learned this before she committed to Ramsay.Despite him telling her he’d welcome a baby—any baby—she couldn’t be so sure.
