Page 50 of My Fake Dating with the Grumpiest Highlander
“It’s a process that takes time.”
Which is a generous euphemism for not at all.
“McKinnon was very loved,” Jane says softly. “His departure was a shock for many people.”
Even here, in this room, his shadow hangs over me.
“Yes, that’s been made very clear to me.”
I’m aware I sound guarded.
Maybe even defensive.
An uncomfortable silence settles in.
Maggie breaks it with the subtlety of a jackhammer.
“Mary’s also having trouble taking over the clinic after Jamie Fraser’s sudden departure. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”
Beside me, Mary visibly stiffens.
“Grandma…”
“Jamie was so devoted,” Maggie continues as though she heard nothing. “Always available. Always smiling. The animals adored him. And then one day, he simply left. No explanation.”
“He had his reasons,” Mary says in a tone clearly indicating the subject is closed.
Maggie ignores her.
“It was strange, though. A handsome, competent, single young man suddenly leaving a stable position in a charming village. Everyone had questions.”
“The heart wants what it wants,” Keira comments quietly.
Not quietly enough to go unnoticed.
I feel the tension rising in Mary.
Her fingers tighten slightly around her glass.
“Maybe he simply wanted something else,” I suggest.
Every head turns toward me.
I spoke without thinking.
Tactical error.
“Something else?” Maggie repeats with sudden interest.
“A change. A new opportunity. Some people need to move on.”
Or move very far away from home to start over…
“Like you?” she asks with a smile far too innocent to be genuine.
I feel trapped again.
“In a way.”
