Page 247 of My Fake Dating with the Grumpiest Highlander

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Uncertain.

I take one step toward her.

Then stop.

Like some cowardly part of me still wants to run.

No.

Not anymore.

“Because I’m staying. For real this time. I’m choosing Glenfield. This is where I want to live.”

The words come easier now.

Like they’ve been waiting for weeks to finally exist.

Mary rises slowly from the bench.

Ragnar lets out a faint protest but doesn’t move.

She studies me carefully like she’s trying to read every hidden thing inside me.

“You’re staying?” she repeats quietly.

I nod.

“And I know you have a choice to make. You can take the Perthshire job or stay here. And I’m not going to manipulate you or beg you to stay.”

I inhale deeply.

“But before you decide, you deserve to know that I’m staying. And… that I love you.”

Silence crashes over us.

The birds stop singing.

The wind dies.

Even Hamish and Ragnar seem to hold their breath.

Or maybe that’s just my imagination.

Mary stares at me.

Her green eyes shine strangely.

“I want a chance with you, Mary,” I continue softly.

I take another step closer and have to physically stop myself from pulling her into my arms.

“And I know I ruined everything. I panicked during the Games. I told you it was fake. I hurt you.”

I’m close enough now that I could reach up and tuck the loose strand of hair back behind her ear.

“But I can’t let you leave without finally telling you the truth. I love you. For real.”

Tears fill her eyes.

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