Highlands Homecoming (A Highlands Christmas Romance #3)

Chapter 1

B ursting 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 spell whisky with an e , 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's cozy 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, we have discussed 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 emerged from 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.

“Feeling better?” asked Caitlin.

“I feel like it’s morning … again.”

Caitlin laughed. “Are we forwards or backwards?”

“I don’t even know anymore. What time is it here?”

“Time for something to eat. Let’s go see what’s on special at the Iron Brew,” answered Caitlin.

“Angus picked a great name for a Scottish pub.”

“Definitely. No trademark issues, and the Americans can pronounce it.”

The Iron Brew was a cozy corner pub on a bustling street in a funky up-and-coming Boston neighborhood. The outside was clearly a Scottish pub—a blue and white Saltar flag waved in the breeze, and the windows sparkled with thistle decorations painted in a lovely ornate gold.

Stepping inside, Melissa felt transported back to Scotland. The whole place was a whirl of exposed brick and old wooden beams, with tartan pillows, a framed photo of Robert Burns, and a large wooden bar made from what appeared to be antique, up-cycled wood. They even had a little wooden sheep sitting on the bar.

And the music—a rich rumble of guitar with soft crooning felt like the Scottish indie rock that Melissa hadn’t quite grown up with, but had always loved. In short, the place felt as much like home as Greenhill House did the moment she first stepped inside.

“This is incredible!” gushed Melissa.

“I know, right?” said Caitlin.

“Do you want a table, or do you want to sit at the bar? Or they have tables in the bar.” Caitlin gestured to a table next to a window in the bar room.

Melissa nodded. “Definitely let’s take that one. We can watch the snow and enjoy the atmosphere at the same time.”

They settled in, and soon a young man in a plaid flannel and jeans came over to them. “Welcome to the Iron Brew. We’re known for our hearty Scottish pub grub, our extensive list of Scotch, and our good banter.”

“We’re glad to be here,” said Melissa.

He handed them menus.

“So many Scottish beers,” noted Melissa.

“They also have a lot of mocktails, teas, and coffees for daytime. And they run the brunch menu well into the afternoon, so if you want porridge or their sticky toffee French toast you’re in luck,” said Caitlin.

“Sticky toffee French toast? You’ve gotta be kidding me,” Melissa hadn’t realized how long it had been since she’d eaten an actual meal.

“Dead serious,” said Caitlin.

“Bring it!” said Melissa. They sat back and listened to the music pour from the speakers overhead. Melissa hadn’t felt this relaxed in ages, and it was doing her a world of good.

The waiter came back.

“I’d like a cappuccino and the sticky toffee French toast,” said Melissa.

“And I’ll have the full Scottish breakfast,” said Caitlin.

“Anything to drink?”

“Just tea. Earl Gray,” said Caitlin.

“You’ve gone full-on Scottish,” commented Melissa.

“It was a life-changing trip, and I have you to thank for it,” said Caitlin.

“And I also like to take some credit,” said a tall man in a blue flannel shirt and jeans. A cascade of long, wavy dark hair fell over his face as he greeted them. “Welcome, Melissa! Thanks for coming!”

Melissa stood and gave him a hug.

“Angus! I love your place. It’s fantastic. I love the decor. I love the atmosphere. And the music is absolutely you.”

“Thanks. I try to make it feel like a little bit of Scotland here in Boston. The parts I miss the most,” said Angus as he pulled up a chair. “You’re not back here permanently, are you? Not that we wouldn’t love to have you.”

“No, I’m just here to get my ducks in a row before I finalize all the paperwork to stay in Scotland,” said Melissa.

“Grand. It really suits you. And your home is wonderful,” said Angus.

“Right on Loch Ness. My eleven-year-old Scooby-Doo-watching self is thrilled. Heck, my present-day self is thrilled!” said Melissa.

Her gaze lifted to the wall behind the bar where the infamous grainy black and white photo of Nessie hung. She was aware that this particular photo had been debunked as a hoax, but she appreciated that Angus was a believer. After all, what's life without a little mystery and wonder?

The waiter brought their drinks. “Anything for you, Angus?”

“I’m good, thanks.” Angus got up. “Back to the salt mines.”

Caitlin gave him a quick kiss. “Stop back later?”

“Of course.”

They sipped their warm drinks and looked out the window. The city bustled with pedestrians—families with strollers, dog walkers, and some ambitious joggers bundled for the cold.

Melissa scanned the rest of the Iron Brew, taking in every detail of the bar area. The walls were adorned with exposed wood and bricks, each one decorated with paintings of breathtaking Scottish landscapes. Highland cows and sheep grazed peacefully in the scenes, while maps of Scotland and photos of notable Scots added a touch of history to the room. A cozy stone fireplace crackled in the corner, casting a warm glow over the fifteen wooden tables scattered throughout the main restaurant area. The air was filled with the comforting smell of hearty food and chatter from other patrons, creating a welcoming atmosphere. “This place is just perfect. If I had come here before finding out about Greenhill House, I might have never left!”

“Not true. I truly believe that house and that land are your destiny,” said Caitlin.

Melissa threw back her head and laughed. “Who are you, and what have you done with my practical, no-nonsense friend Caitlin?”

The waiter returned with their orders. Melissa’s plate had thick slices of brioche drizzled with sticky toffee sauce, topped with a whipped toffee butter, with blueberries sprinkled over the top.

Caitlin’s full Scottish breakfast included eggs, potatoes, white pudding, black pudding, and a tomato.

As they finished their breakfast, the snow started falling harder. “It’s beautiful out there,” said Melissa, watching the giant flakes cascade to the ground. They were beginning to stick. “The last few winters, we’ve hardly had any snow.”

“I know, right? We might actually live up to our reputation for snowy New England winters again.”

Melissa dug around in her purse for her credit card, but Caitlin shook her head. “Angus won’t allow it.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

Caitlin shrugged. “He’s a proud man.”

“Well, I’ll have to leave a hefty tip.”

“That’s the way.”

“Except I don’t have any US dollars,” Melissa said, flushing.

“I’ve got it.”

“How ridiculous. You’re driving me around. You’re hosting me … I’ll get dinner.”

“No worries, Melissa.”

They left a hefty tip for the server and thanked Angus before walking back to the car. Melissa pulled her relatively thin coat around her. “I bet I’ve got a better coat and snow boots in storage.”

“Do you wanna go there now?” asked Caitlin.

“Ugh. No, I’ll suffer through today. I don’t want to tackle that mess until the jet lag wears off.”

As they drove across town to the building where Colin worked, Melissa couldn’t contain her excitement. It had only been a few weeks, but she already missed him and couldn’t wait to see him.

“Want me to just drop you off, or should I go in with you?” asked Caitlin.

“Whatever is easier,” said Melissa. “Actually, you probably need a break from me to do your own thing, right? Go ahead and run your errands or go home and do what you need to do.”

“I’ll come back in an hour? Two?” asked Caitlin.

“Seriously, whatever works for you. He’ll certainly be working, but maybe I'll grab coffee with him.”

“Text me.”