Page 38 of Highlands Homecoming

They droveto Colin’s father’s house, where Margaret greeted them with warm hugs, and Sandy waved ruefully from his comfortable chair by the fire.

“You gave us quite a scare,” said Melissa, hugging Sandy.

“Best laid plans, right, Colin?” said Sandy.

“I’m glad you’re okay, Da” said Colin.

Margaret filled bowls with steaming hot potato leek soup and freshly baked bread.

“To your places, with clean hands and faces!” said Sandy.

As Melissa put her phone in her purse, the three dots appeared. Dave’s new text read:They don’t need a tour; that was a courtesy. This is a large corporation who wants to buy the house, and they’re willing to pay top dollar sight unseen.

Margaret watched as Melissa’s face grew ashen. “What’s wrong, dear?”

“Just my ex … but I’d rather not talk about it,” said Melissa, not wanting to ruin the evening.

The soup was warm and comforting, and Melissa tried to focus on that.

That night Melissatossed and turned. She hated that the happiest time of her life was invaded by fears and worries from someone who had already hurt her so much. She hated that she’d worked so hard to keep this house from Dave, but he never seemed to give up.

Frustrated, she finally slipped out of bed and padded into her study where her computer was set up. Maybe she could finish ordering the designs for the inn.

Checking the MacAlister Inn website, Melissa admired the work that had been done over the past few months to make the inn ready to open. She looked again at the banner featuring opening night,7-2.She noticed that, once again, her brain immediately translated that as July 2nd. However, in the UK, that was February 7th, right around the corner.

That’s it!,she thought.

She opened her email and found the file with the finalized divorce papers, then quickly scrolled through to the final page. Dave had signed and dated his signature2-1. He meant that to read February 1st, but in the UK, Melissa realized that 2-1 meant January 2nd. “We’ve been officially divorced for weeks!” sang Melissa.

With that, Melissa plotted her plan of attack.

Melissa's carwas coated in a thin layer of frost as she climbed in. She turned on the heater to defrost the windows, her breath creating little clouds in the cold air. She arrived at Margaret’s now-familiar office just after they opened. In her arms, Melissa carried a variety of pastries, each one decorated with mouth-watering frosting and toppings. The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted out of the open door as she entered the building, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. Melissa was filled with an optimism she hadn’t felt in days.

“Good morning, Margaret. I brought breakfast and fantastic news,” said Melissa as she walked through the door of her office.

“That’s just what the doctor ordered,” replied Margaret. She took a lemon scone from the box that Melissa offered her and took a bite. “What is it?”

“I have an easy way to shut down my ex-husband, Dave,” said Melissa triumphantly.

Margaret’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Delicious! On both counts. Fill me in.”

Melissa sat down at the desk and opened her laptop, pulling up an email she had received early that morning from her legal team. As she explained the situation to Margaret, the two women sipped their coffee and laid out their plans.

Chapter15

Dave texted Melissa mid-morning, and relief washed over her, knowing that she could stop him. His text read:Got a buyer. It’s a company that wants to tear it down and build a hotel. Boo hoo.

Margaret stood poised and confident behind Melissa, her eyes fiery and ready for battle when she saw the text. She made a quick call, and soon a handsome and sharp-witted barrister appeared, ready to take down the enemy with legal prowess and a flair for dramatic revenge.

“I’m told you’ve got baked goods and a good revenge plot,” he said. “How can I be of service? I’m Andrew Douglas, Margaret’s brother.”

“And the best barrister north of Edinburgh,” said Margaret proudly.

“Maybe this side of Inverness?” said Andrew.

“Don’t sell yourself short, baby brother,” said Margaret.

“Lovely to meet you. And perfect timing,” said Melissa.