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Cassidy’s voice was soft as she asked, “What happened, Gregor?”
As he met her brown eyes, he knew he could refuse to say anything. After all, he’d done a good job of not talking about that day since it happened.
His dragon spoke up. Tell her.
The next bit spilled from his lips. “When I came back from a twenty-four-hour shift at the surgery, I found Bridget in our bed with blood everywhere. Her mother was supposed to have stayed with her, but had gone out to get some supper and ended up staying out longer than expected.”
Gregor shut his eyes and clenched the fingers of his free hand. If only his mother-in-law had stayed, Bridget and their son might still be alive.
His beast spoke up again. They will always be with us, but we can’t change the past. Every decision could result in death. Worrying or placing blame on a random act of fate is a waste of time.
It’s still my fault.
Rather than argue, his dragon fell silent. When Cassidy remained silent as well, he opened his eyes to make sure something wasn’t wrong.
But her eyes were merely studying him. For once, it was nice not to be bombarded with questions, false platitudes, or to be pitied. No doubt, Cassidy had gone through that most of her life.
And without the comforting presence of her dragon.
Gregor could at least be honest with her. “It was a placental abruption brought on by a genetic disorder. It came on suddenly and even if her mother had stayed, Bridget might not have lived.” He took a deep breath and whispered, “But even so, I should’ve been there for her. Bridget had trusted me to take care of her. I might’ve been able to save her.”
Cassidy finally replied, “Maybe, maybe not. I’ve thought the same thing over and over with my brother’s life, and always wondered if I had been stronger, I could’ve saved him in time. But the longer I worked as a doctor, the more I began to realize that sometimes, no matter what you do, it isn’t enough. I know it’s not the most comforting thought, but even if you had been glued to Bridget’s bedside, the bleeding could’ve been too much too quickly. You did everything you could. You both knew the risks, and she accepted them. To blame yourself for everything is ridiculous.”
He shook his head. “I should’ve resisted. Bloody hell, I was a doctor when I met her. I knew better.”
“Listen, Gregor Innes, doctors aren’t gods or wizards. We don’t have magic that can instantly wipe away any small chance of complications or death. Your mate knew what she was getting into, just as you did. There is no blame to place.”
“I appreciate you trying to comfort me, but—”
“No buts. I’m stating the facts. You both loved each other and made a decision together. I’m sorry she died, I truly am. But from my experience, whenever a dragon-shifter has left their mate behind, their dying words were always for the other one to eventually find happiness again. I imagine Bridget would’ve wanted the same. You’ve denied yourself for long enough, Gregor. Keep your mate and son in your memory, but don’t let the past barricade your heart from others.”
His dragon growled. Listen to her. She says what I have been saying for years. You wanted your second opinion, and there it is.
It’s not that simple.
Isn’t it? Wanting happiness doesn’t mean we will forget Bridget or the bairn. They will live with us. And if you give Cassidy a chance, we might be able to start again.
That almost feels like betraying Bridget.
Why? She wasn’t selfish. She would’ve wanted us to embrace a second chance. Finding a second true mate is rare. Are you really going to throw away what could be your last chance for happiness?
Searching Cassidy’s eyes, which had lingering signs of pain, he made a decision. If I can make her whole, then I will consider it.
Good. Then let’s hurry up and get to work.
Gregor cupped Cassidy’s cheek and murmured, “Once we free your dragon and make sure she’s stable, we’ll revisit this conversation.”
She frowned. “Hoping isn’t the same as having.”
“No, but I’m not going to leave Stonefire until I’ve tried everything I can think of to make you happy again, Cassidy.”
“I’m not sure Bram is going to like that,” she replied.
He squeezed her hand. “That doesn’t matter. As long as you want my help, I’ll fight your bloody clan leader if I have to. So the question is, do you want my help?”
She leaned against his hand and whispered, “I think I do.”
“Good. Then I’m going to call Bram to come here so I don’t have to leave your side.”
