Page 1 of Highlands Homecoming
Chapter1
Bursting with excitement, Melissa MacKenzie wheeled her small suitcase through the bustling Boston Logan airport. Her heart pounded in anticipation as she drew nearer to the passenger pickup. There was her best friend, Caitlin, waving enthusiastically as she hopped out of her car and rushed to help Melissa hoist her luggage into the back seat.
"Welcome home!" exclaimed Caitlin, her cheeks flushed from the cold and her blonde curls tucked snugly into a cute blue knit hat.
Melissa threw her arms around her in a tight hug and exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, it's so good to see you!"
Melissa walked to the left side of the car, excited to start the drive back toward her hometown. When she saw the steering wheel, she laughed. "Oops. Looks like I finally got the hang of it, just to be all mixed up again back in the States!"
"I'll have to reintroduce you to our culture," Caitlin teased with a playful wink. "We drive on the other side of the road over here, we spellwhiskywith ane, and … what else?"
"Do you drive with your middle finger in the air?" Melissa joked back, feeling at ease in her longtime friend's company.
"Guilty as charged," giggled Caitlin as she deftly navigated through traffic toward the Mass Pike.
"So what's on the agenda for this trip?" asked Caitlin.
"I need to ship my belongings back to Inverness, spend time with my family, finalize the divorce paperwork, and get everything sorted before officially making Scotland my new residence."
"Sounds like a busy but exciting trip," Caitlin remarked.
"And I definitely want to make a stop at Angus's bar," added Melissa.
"Absolutely," agreed Caitlin.
"And maybe surprise Colin while I'm at it," Melissa said, causing Caitlin to do a double take.
“You didn’t tell him you were coming?!”
“No, I thought it would be fun to surprise him,” said Melissa with a mischievous glint in her eye.
“He doesn’t strike me as the type who enjoys surprises,” mused Caitlin, brushing a loose strand of her blonde curls behind her ear.
Melissa considered this for a moment. “You're right. But I'm always full of surprises, so I guess this can be an early test of our relationship.”
As they emerged from the Ted Williams Tunnel into the bright sunlight, Caitlin asked, “So where should we go first?” Her bright blue eyes scanned the bustling streets of Boston, eager to explore. “We could grab some lunch if you’re hungry. Maybe shop on Newbury Street or visit Harvard Square. Or maybe we should freshen up at my place before heading out?”
“That actually sounds perfect,” agreed Melissa as they made their way through the busy streets. “It was a short flight, but I still feel like I have a layer of 'airplane' on me.”
“My house it is, then,” declared Caitlin.
Caitlin'scozy two-story condo boasted a stunning view of the January ice shimmering on Jamaica Pond. As they walked up the salt-covered wooden steps and entered the spacious living room, Melissa felt nostalgia for all the good times they’d had there.
“I've always loved your place,” Melissa said as she took in her surroundings. “And what a gorgeous view of the pond!”
Caitlin led the way up the oak banister staircase to the bedrooms and bathroom on the second floor. “It's small, but it suits me for now,” she said with a shrug. “Hey, we could grab lunch at Angus's place if you want,” offered Caitlin.
Melissa raised an eyebrow playfully. “How are those two thoughts connected? Thinking of moving in together?”
Caitlin's cheeks flushed as she stumbled over her words. “My lease is up in September and, well, wehavediscussed it.”
“So things are going well,” observed Melissa. “You move fast!”
“Once you’ve been snowed in together, things tend to … accelerate?”
“Good. You deserve it. And you’re adorable together.”
Melissa emergedfrom the shower with a radiant glow, her damp hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders. She wore a bright blue sweater that brought out the color of her eyes, and her jeans hugged her curves in all the right places.
