Highlands Homecoming (A Highlands Christmas Romance #3)

Chapter 7

M elissa spent the next day in a flurry of boxes, packing tape, and wrapping as she sorted through keepsakes and decided what was worth shipping overseas and what was going to be donated.

That evening, Melissa sipped a glass of wine in a window seat overlooking Jamaica Pond, feeling the relief that comes with lightning your load—quite literally—down to the bare necessities.

Snowflakes drifted gently down, and people strolled by, walking their dogs. She missed her border collie puppy, Jingles, terribly. Though she was relieved that her little dog was staying with Colin’s father—who had trained Jingles and all of his ancestors—she longed for Jingles' unconditional cuddles and playful energy. Caitlin’s large orange-and-white cat ambled over, stretched his paws, and gazed up at her.

“Sure, come on up, Ollie,” said Melissa, patting her leg. Sure enough, the cat leapt up and nestled into her lap.

Caitlin came in with the bottle of wine, some cheese and crackers, and fruit. “Now he’s got you just where he wants you!” she laughed.

“Trapped!” Melissa laughed as she scratched Ollie behind his ear.

Caitlin refilled Melissa’s glass and offered her the plate of snacks. As she reached for a piece of cheese, Melissa groaned.

“I’ve got muscles aching that I never knew I had,” Melissa said ruefully.

“You and me both,” said Caitlin.

“Thanks for your help with all those boxes. I never could’ve moved all that without you and Emma,” said Melissa.

“How are you ever going to unload the packages once they arrive in Inverness?”

“Colin’s dad has a dolly. We’ll figure it out. He and Lindsay know everyone in town, and it’s a really strong community. Fortunately, I’ve got so much room in Greenhill House.”

Just then, her phone buzzed an email alert: New forms available via DocuSign . Melissa clicked on the link and took a deep breath.

“Everything okay?” asked Caitlin.

“More than okay. Colin has officially finalized the divorce documents!”

“That calls for another glass of wine! Or should I find some celebration music so we can dance the night away?”

Melissa laughed. “All of the above. Maybe I should do this on a computer so I can see what I’m doing,” she said.

Melissa opened her computer and found the link. She clicked and soon was engrossed in the legalese that would divide up everything she and Dave had owned together, although somehow he was keeping the Boston house. Whatever. It didn’t matter. She and Dave were officially over. She and Colin had a new beginning.

Colin came over with a box of pizza from their favorite spot in the North End. They gathered around the fireplace, savoring the crispy, thin-crust slices generously topped with gooey cheese and spicy pepperoni. The aroma of fresh basil and melted mozzarella filled the room, and their cheeks were flushed from the never-ending glasses of wine Caitlin poured, until Colin finally covered his glass.

“No more for me. I’m on my way to being well and truly blootered,” said Colin.

“Blootered, eh?” said Caitlin with a laugh. “I’ll try that one out on Angus.”

“Too bad he can’t be here.”

“The work of a pub owner’s never done,” said Caitlin. “Neither rain, nor snow, nor well and truly blootered … something.”

Colin laughed, and he and Melissa began to clear the table.

“So all those things you can’t tell me about … they’re going to be okay?” asked Melissa as Colin ripped the pizza boxes in half for recycling.

“I can’t discuss any work with my client. But, as your boyfriend, what I can tell you is that I’m not reading any work emails until Monday morning, because I was so busy finalizing the paperwork after that confrontation—which will be billed—on the weekend,” said Colin, planting a kiss on her cheek.

Melissa sighed contentedly, while she tried to push aside thoughts about flying back to Scotland … alone.

Riding in Caitlin’s car toward Logan airport, Melissa was feeling all the feels as she watched the major landmarks of Boston pass by. Fenway. The Citgo sign. The Prudential Building. But as much as Boston was home, she was filled with nervous excitement at the prospect that she was heading home . Her real home. Her own home.

As Caitlin turned into the busy airport and followed the signs for departures, Melissa felt like the bottom of her stomach was dropping out. She started to hyperventilate a bit, and Caitlin glanced over at her.

“You okay?”

Melissa took a deep breath. “Think so?”

“What’s up?”

“On my way here I felt like I was coming home. And now that you’re taking me back to the airport, I’m realizing I’m actually going home. It’s just … a new feeling.”

“I bet. You’ve got this, though, Mel.”

Caitlin maneuvered the car into a spot at the curb and beamed at Melissa, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “It’s an adventure, and one hundred percent meant for you.”

Melissa hopped out. Caitlin popped the trunk, and Melissa grabbed her bag and hugged her friend. “Please come visit again.”

“Angus comes out several times a year, so I will too.”

Thankfully, the check-in and security lines moved quickly, giving Melissa enough time to get herself a sweet treat before boarding. At the gate, Melissa sipped her coffee and watched the people reading, playing games, and staring into space, and she realized it was only about six weeks ago that she’d sat at this same gate, waiting for a flight that would change her life forever. She took a deep breath and a long sip of her mocha. She was on her way to greener pastures.