Page 241 of My Fake Dating with the Grumpiest Highlander

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“Whether you stay or leave, I will always be on your side. Always.”

Then she walks out, leaving me alone with my tea and a heart beating far too fast.

I sit there for what feels like forever.

Maggie’s words echo endlessly through my mind.

Don’t leave because you’re hurting. Leave only if it’s truly what you want.

Do I want to leave?

Really?

I stare at my phone.

I could call Dr. Paine right now and accept the position.

Leaving would be easier.

Safer too.

But is it what I actually want?

I think about Finn.

His rare smile that lights up his entire face.

The way he’s gentle with patients even when he pretends to be grumpy.

The way he carried Courage so carefully.

His shaking hands when he told me about his past.

I think about Ragnar resting his head against my leg.

Hamish acting like some wool-covered matchmaker.

Two sworn enemies making peace just to tell me something I refused to hear.

I think about what Callum said:

You don’t always get back what you walk away from.

I think about all the years of happiness Maggie almost lost because she was afraid.

I close my eyes.

Pull the emergency brake, Mary.

I rise and walk toward the window.

The Highlands stretch endlessly before me.

Familiar.

Comforting.

Home.

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