Guarded Heart (The GH Series)

Chapter Forty-One

I sat down beside Ashley and wrapped my arm around her, pulling her close to me. I knew what was coming, obviously, but I'm still smarting that this is a discussion that could have waited until tomorrow.

"Out with-it Sarah." Fiona was blunt, straight to the point. I think she is picking up on my unhappiness that we are discussing this right here, right now.

"Well, you know we both had a blast being down in Glasgow last weekend..."

"Yeah, we know." I squeezed Ashley gently as she interrupted Sarah.

"Shh. Let her offload." It's clearly something that she needs to do.

"When we came home, Em was on our doorstep. It made me realise that I certainly do not have any lingering feelings for her anymore. It also made me realise that I am not happy, not truly."

I watched Fiona's face contort and then her worried look plastered over her face. I reached over and slipped my hand in hers and gave it a squeeze.

"Please do not look so worried Fiona. I made a decision that I am leaving Dornoch behind."

"Which in turn, means I have already started making plans to move back to Glasgow." I looked bewildered at Ashley then to Fiona who were sitting at either side of me chuckling away. "What is so funny?"

"Fiona said she would bet anything that you were already plotting your way to come back to Glasgow. Looks like she was right." I turned and faced Ashley.

"How can I spend my life up here away from you? I can't do that, I just can't."

"I would have moved for you babe." My heart stilled. This woman blows me away every time.

"Aww. But no. This town is too small, and you scream rather loud..." I grinned and watched as my gorgeous girlfriend went a bright tomato colour.

"Stop teasing her Callie." Sarah said through snorts and laughter.

"But I can't help teasing her..." I gave Ashley a wink and she gave me a look that means I'm in for it later.

"What is your plan then Sarah if you aren't staying here?" Fiona moved to the edge of the sofa slightly and was looking at Sarah intently.

"I haven't got a plan as such yet. I need to sell this place, find somewhere to live in Glasgow. On the plus side, I've already started looking for a job down there." I watched Fiona nod at Sarah's response and wished to fuck they two would hook up already. It's clear as the bright bulb in the sky that they like each other.

"Well, it will be certainly be fun having you both back in Glasgow." Ashley squeezed her fingers against mine and I smiled.

"However, I am not leaving until after the thirteenth of July."

"Why?" Of course, Ashley doesn't know. Sarah shot her a look of sympathy and nodded at me to explain to everyone why I couldn't move until after then.

"Amanda lost her life on the thirteenth. I have to go to her grave to pay my respects." I looked at Ashley and her face was something I could get lost in. Her patience, her understanding. "But...it will be my final goodbye also."

"Wait, what? I'm not following." Ashley did appear somewhat confused.

"In order to build my life in Glasgow and with you Ashley, I can't keep coming back to this town, twice a year. It wouldn't be fair." I loved Amanda, I truly did. But now is my time with Ashley and I'm willing to grab that with both of my hands and never let it go.

"Babe, Amanda is a huge part of your life. I would never ask you to do that, ever." Being pulled into her arms and they offer me such reassurance, I know I am doing the right thing.