Page 203 of My Fake Dating with the Grumpiest Highlander
My voice breaks again.
“I can’t stay here and see him every day. Run into him in the village, at family dinners, and pretend it doesn’t destroy me.”
“But Glenfield is your home,” Emma whispers, tears in her eyes.
“Not anymore.”
The second those words leave my mouth, the three sheep react instantly.
Like one synchronized creature.
Hamish charges toward the front door and plants himself directly in front of it.
Rosita takes position beside him.
Hamish Junior blocks the center of the room.
All three bleat together.
“You’re officially being held hostage by a sheep family,” Jane says through tears and laughter.
“The parents and their child are refusing to let you leave,” Emma adds.
“This is simultaneously the most absurd and touching thing I’ve ever seen,” Keira concludes.
I walk over and crouch in front of them.
“I can’t stay, guys. Not even for you. I love all three of you. But I can’t.”
Hamish stares at me intensely.
Rosita steps forward and presses her muzzle against my hand.
Hamish Junior lets out a tiny mournful sound.
I stroke all three of them gently.
“I’m sorry.”
The sheep glance at each other.
Then, in perfect synchronization, they step aside.
Slowly.
Reluctantly.
But they clear the path.
I rise to my feet on trembling legs and walk toward the door.
The three sheep follow me.
Keira, Jane, and Emma rise too, trailing behind us.
I turn one last time and look at the living room.
The medical bag.
