Highlands Homecoming (A Highlands Christmas Romance #3)

Epilogue

A FEW MONTHS LATER

R ows of white chairs and tartan bows lined the backyard of the MacGregor croft, and guests dressed in their finest milled in to take their seats.

Sandy stood beside a gazebo dressed in his Highland formal—his red and green plaid MacGregor kilt, white fur sporran, a white kilt shirt, his Prince Charlie jacket, kilt hose, flashes, ghillie brogues, and a fly plaid.

Lindsay, dressed in a dark green bridesmaid gown with a MacGregor tartan sash, walked down the aisle arm in arm with Drew; while Melissa, dressed in the same gown and sash, followed behind them on Colin’s arm.

A string quartet began playing Pachabel’s Canon in D , and guests turned to Margaret. Her white hair was adorned with heather and thistle, and she wore a silky ivory gown—simple yet elegant, with long sleeves and a slight ruffle down the middle that added a delicate touch.

Though she started out walking down the aisle on her own, after a few steps, she nodded to the beaming Sandy, who reached into his pocket and pulled out a dog whistle. With a quick tweet, Bella, Margaret’s golden retriever—matchmaker extraordinaire—trotted down the aisle with a MacGregor tartan plaid scarf around her neck. In her mouth, Bella proudly carried a delicate tartan glove, with their wedding rings securely tied to it.

As the two reached Sandy and the minister, Sandy handed the dog a treat, gently took the glove from the now-compliant dog, and handed the glove and rings to Colin for safe keeping, then beamed at his bride-to-be.

As the sun began to set on the horizon, the minister began the wedding ceremony. Margaret and Sandy stood side by side, their hands clasped together as they exchanged loving glances. The minister spoke about love and commitment and how the joining of two souls in marriage was a sacred bond. In the distance, a bagpiper played a traditional Scottish tune, adding to the magic of the moment.

After exchanging heartfelt vows and rings, Margaret and Sandy were declared husband and wife. They sealed their union with a kiss, surrounded by their loved ones, who cheered and clapped joyously.

As Margaret and Sandy walked back down the flower-petal-strewn aisle as Mr. and Mrs. MacGregor, Lindsay and Drew followed, arm in arm.

Behind them, Melissa clutched Colin's hand tightly, her eyes shining with unshed tears. As they passed by rows of happy guests, Colin leaned in and whispered, “Walking down the aisle is easier than I had expected.”

Melissa's heart skipped a beat at his words. She squeezed his hand in response, feeling hopeful for their future together.