Highlands Homecoming (A Highlands Christmas Romance #3)

Chapter 16

O pening night at the MacAlister Inn was the talk of the town. After their soft opening for Burns Night, the small, well-chosen crowd of locals who’d attended had spread the word about the wonderful food, updated interiors, and all the promise of events to come.

Melissa stopped in early to find the inn buzzing with excitement. Elspeth and Sydney had hung a giant Grand Opening banner in the entryway. Lindsay had created a gorgeous selection of appetizers and mixed drinks that waiters, circulating around the room, served on trays as guests arrived. The white tablecloths were adorned with lovely heather and thistle bouquets and candles. A fire crackled in the hearth, and the delicious scents of pine, haggis, and scotch filled the air.

Melissa made her way to her table with Colin. They savored their drinks and dug into tiny meat pies, croquettes, oatcakes, and an assortment of cheeses. Melissa felt a warm glow around her as she realized this was exactly where she belonged.

Just then, Sandy and Margaret arrived. Hand in hand, they looked like they were ready to celebrate a 60th anniversary rather than six weeks or so of dating.

Sandy pulled the chair out for Margaret, who greeted Colin and Melissa with little cheek kisses before sitting down. Sandy gave Melissa a gentle kiss on the cheek, feeling like a father figure to her. She couldn't help but hope for something more in the future, but she knew she was getting ahead of herself.

Once all the guests arrived and the main courses were served, Lindsay was able to slip in and join the table.

“You’ve done it again, Lindsay!” said Sandy, raising a glass to his daughter.

“Incredible. I’d ask for the recipes, but I’m sure it’s a trade secret,” said Margaret.

“Oh, these are just traditional Scottish recipes that I’ve made my own. I learned it all from my mother …” But as Lindsay spoke, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness in her chest. Her mother was no longer here to taste her creations and offer her words of praise.

Sandy, sensing Lindsay's change in mood, reached out and gave her a gentle squeeze on the shoulder. "And your mother would be right proud of you. I guarantee it.”

“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go see the new tiles in the loo,” said Margaret.

As Lindsay watched Margaret walk gracefully through the dining room, Sandy watched Lindsay, understanding the bittersweet emotions that must be running through her mind.

"It's all right, Lindsay," Sandy reassured her. "She understands."

“She’s a wonderful woman, Da. Truly,” said Lindsay, her eyes glistening as she looked at her father.

“I’m glad you feel that way,” Sandy said mischievously. “How did the desserts turn out?” he asked, almost in a whisper.

“I think everything’s in order,” Lindsay responded with a grin..

Margaret returned, and soon the waiters had cleared the tables and brought out a selection of deserts.

“This looks incredible!” said Melissa, “But how do we decide between cheesecake, raspberry cranachan, shortbread, and rice pudding?”

“A little bit of everything!” said Colin, taking a knife and beginning to divide and conquer. Sandy subtly took the knife from Colin and gave him a knowing look.

“Allow me, son.”

Sandy began carefully cutting each slice into four small pieces, then passed around the plates.

“What’s your favorite, Margaret?”

“You know I’m always partial to cranachan,” she said.

Sandy nodded. He scooped a large dollop of cranachan onto her plate and handed it to her. Margaret dug her spoon into it. “I love the mix of raspberry, whisky, whipping cream, and—” Margaret stopped abruptly as she found something on her spoon that was not any of those things.

Colin's brow furrowed in concern as he asked, "Is everything alright?" But Lindsay's eyes sparkled with joy and excitement, and Sandy stood and moved closer to Margaret.

“Let me help you with that, Margaret,” said Sandy. As it became evident to Margaret just what was going on, her face flushed pink, and her eyes sparkled as she looked lovingly into Sandy’s eyes.

“Margaret Douglas. You’ve got a bloody stubborn little bampot of a dog. And I love every stolen glove and other act of disobedience that creature has ever committed, because otherwise, we might not have ever met. I thought I was just fine living on my croft alone with my own dogs, tending the sheep and meeting friends at the pub. I had no idea what I was missing out on. And now that I know, I never want to be without it ever again. And I know this may seem awfully soon, but at our age, there’s no time like the present. So, Margaret Douglas … will you marry me?”

Margaret's eyes shimmered with tears of joy. “Sandy, you are so incredibly sweet,” she said, her gaze fixed on the ring that was now resting on her spoon, topped with a small dollop of whipped cream.

“Does that mean yes ?” Sandy asked eagerly.

“Yes. Without a doubt and completely,” Margaret replied joyfully. Sandy burst into a little happy dance and leaned in to kiss Margaret tenderly. The other diners in the restaurant paused their conversations to witness this heartfelt moment between the two lovers.

Lindsay stood and made a toast.

“Thank you all for coming to our grand opening here at the MacAlister Inn. Thanks to Drew for his vision that made all this happen, thanks to Sydney and Elspeth for their organization, and thanks to Margaret, who has just made my father the happiest man in the world!”

“A round of drinks on me,” said Sandy.

They all raised their glasses to toast the happy couple. The clinking of glasses echoed through the restaurant, followed by cheers and well wishes from the guests.