Page 9 of Highlands Homecoming

Melissa nodded. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Emma’s housewas a cozy two-story Cape Cod nestled in the woods, surrounded by pine and maple trees, with an old-school New England stone fence along the driveway.

“What a great place!” said Caitlin, getting out of the car and walking toward the front steps where Emma waited.

“It’s perfect. A fifteen minute drive into Boston, easy access to outstanding museums and restaurants, and yet we’re in the woods,” said Emma.

“Amazing.”

As they strolled up the sidewalk, Colin pulled into the driveway. Melissa ran back to meet him. He was still sitting in the driver’s seat when Melissa opened the car door and planted a warm kiss on his cheek. He laughed and quickly got out of the car to give her a proper kiss.

Hand in hand, they strolled up the driveway to join Caitlin at Emma’s front door.

As Emma opened the door, Melissa felt butterflies in her stomach as she looked between two of the most important people in her life.

“Emma, I’d like to introduce Colin MacGregor. Colin, meet my sister, Emma.”

Colin stuck out his hand for a handshake while Emma leaned in for a hug. They both laughed at the confusion before finally settling on a quick embrace and an awkward handshake.

“We’re a huggy family,” said Melissa with a laugh as she put her arm around Colin.

Thomas, Emma’s husband, arrived at the door and greeted Melissa with a hug, then shook Colin’s hand. “Come on in, Colin, and welcome! Caitlin, good to see you,” Thomas said with a quick embrace.

Inside Emma’s house was just as cozy as the outside. A fire crackled in the fireplace, an inviting sectional couch was covered with handmade throws and pillows, and a gray-and-white kitten snoozed on a braided rug next to the fireplace.

“And who is this?” asked Melissa, getting down on the floor next to the kitten.

“Big Papi,” replied Thomas.

Melissa laughed. “Of course it is. Only the biggest Red Sox fans would name their tiny kitten?—”

“We’re optimistic about this season,” said Thomas.

“And Thomas is a lifelong fan,” said Emma.

“What a lovely home,” said Colin as he looked at the childhood photos of Emma and Melissa by the fireplace.

“Thank you,” said Emma. “It’s a work in progress. I wish I had someone with Melissa’s eye for interior design for the new paint job we need.”

“You know I’ll help with whatever you need, Em,” said Melissa.

“Soup’s on,” said Thomas.

They sat around the dining room table with blue pottery bowls full of steaming, thick clam chowder. Melissa shook a hefty portion of pepper onto hers and dipped a piece of crunchy bread into the creamy soup.

“This is amazing, Thomas. I must have the recipe,” said Melissa.

“It’s easy,” said Thomas with a twinkle in his eye. “My mother’s family secret. Go to the store. Find the frozen section. Get the local bestselling, award-winning chowder. Heat. Impress your friends and family.”

“Well, you did a great job,” Melissa said with a laugh.

“All right, I think we’ve had enough of the pleasantries,” said Emma. “Spill the tea. Tell me what’s going on with you!”

“So much I can’t even decide how to begin,” said Melissa.

“Come on …” Emma said, all but pleading.

“Well, you know Dave surprised me with his request for a divorce right after Thanksgiving. Then there was that letter I received about inheriting a home in Scotland.”