Page 176 of The Defiant Curse

“PLUS, if you recall, on our way down the hill, a dark blue sports car went by us. The American-made one. That’s Callen’s, and he keeps it at the airfield. There is nothing at the top of the road but us, so we also knew then that someone arrived. If anything, Mom, I’m very observant. That’s why Ivan isn’t here up all of our asses.”

Well, thank God for that.

Still, it was sneaky.

But she appreciated him letting it be a surprise. It ended up being what she needed.

As Gabby and Finn came in through the garage, Graham was right behind them.

As soon as she saw Ethan, she gave him a big hug.

“Ethan!”

He hugged her back.

“Hey, Gabs,” he said. “I’ve missed you. It seems that Scotland is good for you. I haven’t seen you smiling this much in a long time.”

Yeah, the feeling was mutual.

And true.

She loved it here.

“You remember my husband,” she said to Ethan.

Yes, yes, he did.

He shook Finn’s hand. He’d met the man when Gabby headed home to pack up her place before returning to her new home in Scotland.

“Inspector,” he said. “It’s a pleasure seeing you again. Thanks for taking care of our Gabby.”

Oh, he didn’t mind.

Finn took his wife’s coat, and his, so he could hang them by the door.

“That is a pleasure,” he stated. “Gabby makes my heart happy,” he admitted. “Oh, and it’s just Finn,” he said. “Fancy meeting you here, Lad. Come for the scenery?” he asked, amused.

From what he’d noticed when they came in, Elizabeth looked better.

It looked as if she got her wish. He and Gabby had been discussing her on the way up the mountain, but now, there seemed to be nothing to worry about.

Ethan glanced over at his wife.

“Yeah, and it’s gorgeous.”

She smiled at him, and that whole thing felt like their world years ago.

Just the two of them.

Gabby pointed at her neck.

“Uh, did you get accosted by a vampire?” she asked. “Something bit you.”

She snorted.

“He’s a biter. Don’t break him of the habit. I happen to like it a little too much,” she joked. “I think he got my ass cheek, too.”

Michael stared at her.