Highlands Homecoming (A Highlands Christmas Romance #3)

Chapter 13

T he road was lined with tall trees, their branches reaching up to the sky. In the distance, Greenhill House stood, a dark silhouette against the colorful sky. As they drove closer, Melissa couldn't help but notice the bright green hue that seemed to intensify as they got closer. "Are those the Northern Lights?" she asked in awe.

Colin squinted out the window and confirmed her suspicions. "Yes, it appears so."

Melissa couldn't believe her luck, living in a place where such otherworldly beauty was a regular occurrence. "It's incredible," she remarked.

Colin nodded in agreement, adding, "It's been a while since I've seen them. We'll have to take a walk and admire them when we get to your place."

After parking in the driveway, they walked out toward the loch. The Northern Lights danced above them, swirling in mesmerizing patterns of green, turquoise, and purple.

“It’s just amazing,” said Melissa.

As they stood there, Colin gently put his arm around Melissa's shoulders. She leaned into him, feeling a warm sense of comfort and closeness. They stayed like that for a while, standing by the edge of the loch, watching the lights twirl and dance in hypnotizing patterns above them. The greenish glow reflected off the water, creating a magical atmosphere.

"I can't think of a better ending to such a perfect evening," said Melissa, breaking the silence.

"Aye?" said Colin, a glint in his eye.

Melissa raised an eyebrow in response, curious about what he was thinking.

Colin took a deep breath and turned toward her, his expression serious yet playful. "Well, there’s one thought I’d had …”

“And what would that be?" she asked coyly.

Without hesitation, Colin leaned in and kissed her. Their lips met in a tender yet passionate embrace, and Melissa felt herself swept away by the whirlwind of emotions that flooded through her body. She wrapped her arms around him and melted into his embrace, feeling like she was exactly where she was meant to be.

After what felt like both an eternity and only a few seconds, they pulled away from each other, their faces flushed with excitement and desire. They gazed into each other's eyes for a moment before Colin spoke up again.

"I've been wanting to do that all night," he admitted sheepishly.

Melissa chuckled and gave him another quick kiss. "I'm glad you finally did," she replied.

They stood there a while longer before the wind picked up. Melissa shivered, and Colin put his arm around her. “Let’s get you inside by the fire!”

Inside, Melissa put on a kettle, while Colin started the fire. As she got two mugs out and fixed hot chocolate, she realized how long it had been since they were truly alone. Perhaps this was the first time since she was officially divorced. She certainly hadn’t intended to find someone new so quickly. Well, she hadn’t intended to get a divorce at all. She was amazed to think how long her life had been the same old predictable pattern of work, groceries, dinner, sleep, coffee, work, gym, sleep … and now to break free of these patterns and live a new life.

She knew she was stalling.

She brought the mugs of steaming hot chocolate into the living room where Colin was coaxing the fire. Jingles followed Melissa from the kitchen and sat down on the rug by the hearth.

“This night just gets better and better,” said Melissa.

“That it does,” said Colin as Melissa snuggled next to him.

“Was Burns Night our second date?” asked Colin.

“You know, I think New Year’s—I mean, Hogmanay—probably counted as a date.”

“So we’re into third date territory?”

Melissa and Colin sat close to each other, their faces lit by the warm glow of the fire. Melissa's hand grazed Colin's as she reached for her cup of hot chocolate, the rich aroma filling her senses. As they sipped from their mugs, the warmth spread through their bodies. Colin's hand tenderly stroked Melissa's cheek before he leaned in for a kiss.

Melissa's heart fluttered as Colin's lips met hers. The kiss was gentle at first, but gradually grew in intensity as they melted into each other. Jingles watched them curiously, his tail thumping against the rug.

When they finally pulled apart, Melissa's eyes twinkled with joy. "I think that definitely counts as a third date," she said breathlessly.

Colin chuckled and leaned back against the couch, pulling Melissa closer to him. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying each other's company and the crackling of the fire.

"Can I ask you something?" Melissa finally broke the silence, her fingers tracing patterns on Colin’s arm.

"Of course," Colin replied, turning to face her.

“Do you really think you could live here full time? What made you leave?”

Colin took a deep breath. “Well, I loved the croft, but I was young, and I wanted something more. I wanted to see the world, big cities with skyscrapers and subways and art museums. Certainly there’s London and Edinburgh, but I wanted to … I needed to escape.”

“And now? There aren’t any skyscrapers and subways around here.”

“I no longer feel a need to escape. I am right where I want to be.”

Melissa’s heart filled with warmth, and she blushed before changing the subject. They talked about their childhoods, their dreams and goals, and everything in between until the fire started to die down.

Melissa tried to stifle her yawn, but Colin spotted it.

“Same here.”

"We should probably head to bed soon," Melissa said regretfully, looking at her watch.

Melissa didn't want this magical night to end just yet. Then she realized she’d said we .

Colin waited, watching as Melissa replayed the words in her head. She hadn't meant to say it out loud, but now that it was out there, she couldn't take it back.

“Sorry, I didn't mean … I mean, we don't have to …” she stumbled over her words.

“I'd like that,” said Colin.

Melissa's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't believe how comfortable and open she felt with Colin after such a short time. But then again, these past few weeks had been nothing short of magical.

Flushed with excitement and nervousness, Melissa led Colin up the staircase toward her bedroom.

Just as Colin leaned in and kissed Melissa hungrily, his phone buzzed. Melissa paused, but he shook his head and continued kissing her.

The phone buzzed again.

And again.

Colin sighed and looked at it.

“It’s Lindsay.”

“She wouldn’t call at this hour if it wasn’t important.”

Colin answered. “Aye, Lindsay, what’s the—” He listened, his expression growing more grave by the second. “I’ll be right there.”

He hung up and shook his head. “Melissa, I’m so sorry. There’s been an accident.”

He was already starting down the stairs with Melissa right behind him.

“Is it Lindsay? Is she okay?” Melissa's voice trembled.

“My dad and his friend … Margaret. They took a cab home, but there was ice?—”

“I’m coming with you.”

“You don’t have to.”

“But I want to,” Melissa said firmly.

They slipped on their coats and raced outside to Colin’s car.