Page 36 of Highlands Homecoming

“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.

Chapter14

Colin drove carefully down the icy driveway. As they approached the main road toward Inverness, the car nearly spun out on the slick surface.

"Are you okay?" Colin asked, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.

Melissa nodded, taking a deep breath as she looked out at the snowy landscape passing by. They stayed silent, Colin clearly worried about his father and Melissa worried for Colin.

Melissa and Colin burst through the doors of the hospital, their hearts racing with worry. They quickly scanned the waiting room until they spotted Lindsay, still dressed in her chef’s gear, sitting with Drew.

"How's your father doing?" Melissa asked as she rushed over to them.

Lindsay shook her head tearfully. "I don't know. They're still running tests."

Melissa hugged her friend tightly, and Colin, ever the lawyer, had questions. "How did the car accident happen? I mean, he took a taxi ... he should've been safe."

Lindsay let out a heavy sigh before explaining what had happened. “Apparently, the taxi driver lost control on the ice and crashed into another vehicle. Both drivers are fine, but Margaret has some glass in her arm, and Da hit his head during the impact. He’s having some memory loss and confusion.”

Melissa felt her heart sink at the news.

"Is there anything we can do?" asked Melissa, who had been standing quietly by Lindsay’s side.

Lindsay shook her head again. “No, but thanks for being here.”

As they waited for more updates on Sandy’s condition, Melissa couldn't help but feel grateful that they were all able to be here together to support Lindsay and Colin. Eventually, after what seemed like hours of waiting, Margaret emerged with a bandage on her arm and shared the good news that Sandy would be okay with some rest and observation time in the hospital.

“Thank you all for coming,” Margaret said. “He’s asleep, but if you want to see him?—”

“We’d better let him rest,” said Colin.

“You all should try to rest, as well,,” said Margaret. “Get some sleep and come back in the morning. I expect they’ll release him then.”

Colin and Lindsay shared a knowing look. Margaret was new in the picture, but everything she said and did suggested that her relationship with Sandy was much more than dog trainer and client.

Lindsay hugged Margaret. “I’m glad you were there for him. I mean, I’m not glad you were there, but?—”

“I know what you meant, lass.” Margaret planted a soft kiss on Lindsay’s forehead.

Melissa watched her friend carefully, worrying it would be too much, but Lindsay softened. She hadn’t had a mother figure in her life for a long time, and it looked like, even though Lindsay was certainly an adult, Margaret might be well suited for the role.

“Shall I drive you back to Greenhill?” asked Colin, stifling a yawn.

“Yes, but you need to promise to get some rest,” said Melissa.

Colin sighed but nodded his head. “Aye, I’m pure done in.”

As they drove backin the early morning light, Melissa began to realize this was the new normal.

“Colin!”