Page 17 of Highlands Summer Wedding

“It’s your lucky day! The owner says the place is still empty, and he will rent it to you until the current renter contacts him about their return. So it’s a little touch-and-go, but it’s a lovely home. I think it’ll be a win-win for all of you. And it’ll save that poor lad the rental fees he’s throwing away.”

Relief crashed over me. “Thank you so much!”

“Here’s the address. Do you have GPS? Or I can give you my back-handed, drive up the hill until you see the sheep…”

“I have a GPS,” I said.

“That’s probably the best way. You’ll find it just on the other side of the loch, with lovely views of the loch and Portree. And he’s stocked the fridge with some goodies to get you started on your stay.”

“How lovely! Thank you again!”

“Enjoy!”

I was halfway to the door when I remembered I didn’t have a car. Stranded in the rain, I pulled out my phone to search for local taxis when Angus appeared at my elbow.

“Where are your things?” he asked, glancing around. “Still in the car?”

“There’s been a slight change of plans,” I said, trying to sound casual. “They only had the one room for you lovebirds. But don’t worry—the receptionist found me this amazing rental house across the loch. I just need to figure out how to get there.”

Angus jingled his car keys. “Not a chance I’m letting you sort that out alone.”

We followed the GPS and found ourselves on the other side of the loch with a view of Portree’s colorful houses.

The home was more than I could have hoped for. Honey-colored planks stretched across the floor, warmed by afternoon light filtering through skylights. A stone fireplace anchored one wall, flanked by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. A spacious white kitchen with copper and wood accents. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a loft that overlooked the living room via a spiral staircase.

“This is amazing! Maybe you guys would rather stay here, too?”

“We’ll be comfortable in the hotel,” said Angus.

“But this place is so big!” I looked around in awe.

“Didn’t you say the receptionist said it might not be available long? Enjoy it while you’ve got it, and we’ll be on the lookout for your next room. Go ahead and unpack, have a rest, and we’ll call you for dinner.”

“I can just stay here. No need to trek back out in this weather.”

“Wheesht.We’ll meet you for a bit to eat, and I’ll introduce you to Skye Red.”

I stared at him blankly. “Old college friend?” I asked.

He threw back his head and laughed. “It’s a local beer you’ll love. Talk soon!” Angus hugged me and drove off.

Steam billowedaround me as I stepped from the shower, wrapping myself in one of those impossibly thick towels that only seem to exist in other people’s bathrooms. My limbs felt heavy as I tugged on my worn jeans and slipped a linen shirt over my head. The journey had taken more out of me than I’d realized.

I put on my fuzzy slippers and headed down the hallway toward the kitchen. There I found a baguette, cheeses, fruit, oatcakes, shortbread, and several bottles of wine and Skye ale. I wondered how long the place had been vacant, because the white wine was cold and the bread was fresh.

I put together a plate of cheese, fruit, and oatcakes then found a spot on the couch by a window overlooking the loch.

I munched a little, watching the people on the other side of Portree walking along the water like tiny birds. My plan was to read a book, but I must have dozed off.

Keysjangledinthe lock,startlingmeawake. I clutchedthe blanket tomychestas the doorswungopenand a man rolled his suitcase across the threshold. The wheels caught on the rug.

“Excuse me,” I called out, my voice still thick with sleep. “You’ve got the wrong place!”

The man froze. “Actually… I think you’re inmyrental.”

Wait a minute. The“Actually…”The cadence.

My fingers tightened around the blanket edge. Before I could move he stepped into the living room.