Page 19 of The Defiant Curse

Gabby had been running from her first marriage, her soul decimated by a man who was supposed to love her, and she came here to heal.

He’d come here to escape a man who pretended to love him, only to find the man who got away.

Now, she was here to find herself.

That was what the doctor should have ordered.

While so much murder, betrayal, and death happened here, it was oddly…calming.

Hopefully, now, she’d find herself on this journey.

“Shhhhh, it’s okay,” he said. “I’ve got you, Mom. We’re going to get you through this,” he cajoled, over and over again so she knew she wasn’t alone.

The whole time, Elizabeth held onto him, and it felt good to be with Michael.

She really did consider him her son. Of all the Archangels, IF she played favorites, he would have been her favorite one.

Again…

IF she played favorites, but she didn’t.

Truthfully, there was something about him that reminded her of her father. Charlie had been the same build and had the same wisdom. That was one of the reasons she loved spending hours talking to Michael.

He was wise beyond his years, and a gentle giant. The only other man who gave her that vibe was her half-brother, Duke.

“Thank you for letting me come here to lay low for a while,” she offered.

Immediately, he stopped her.

“Oh, hell, no. Let you? You are our partner here too. Not only that, but we want you here all of the time. This is home away from home. In fact, run away and stay here forever. This castle could use a mom.”

That made her laugh.

“Don’t tempt me,” she offered.

As he wiped her tears, Michael made her look up into his face.

“I’m sorry you’re carrying this burden on your soul. Let me help carry it. Let us help you get through this as your family, and people who love you.”

She closed her eyes.

“I don’t know who I am anymore, Michael. I lost me a long time ago. I don’t know if this is a mental breakdown, or I’m having a mid-life crisis. I just don’t know anything anymore. I feel like someone put me in a bottle, filled it with fizzy water, and shook it up. I’m ready to blow.”

Oh, he got it.

“I felt the same when I showed up here. I was so empty, but Ravensmire refilled it. Give it some time, and you’ll feel better. With each day, what chases me is further away.”

God.

She needed that.

Michael knew what would make her cheer up.

“Wait until you see the fainting goats.”

As soon as he said it, she paused.

“Wait. What? There are fainting goats?” she asked, sniffling.