Page 16 of Highlands Summer Wedding

“This is perfect!” said Caitlin.

“This car park is full of film trucks,” said Angus.

“But you made a reservation, right, Angus?” asked Caitlin.

Angus froze. “You said you were going to make it, right?”

“I got caught up in the whole dress thing…”

“I’ll pop inside and see what’s up,” I said, pulling the hood of my raincoat over me and grabbing an umbrella.

I darted through the downpour, skipping over giant puddles that had formed in the parking lot, and finally made it to the shelter of the entrance.

Inside the inn, a fire crackled, its light dancing across amber-hued wood panels while the scent of peat smoke hung in the air. As I pulled down my hood, a somewhat skeptical receptionist greeted me. “How can I help you?”

“Reservation for two rooms under the name of Caitlin Montgomery.”

The receptionist typed into the computer.

“One room for Caitlin Montgomery. Yes. It’s upstairs, room 217.”

“Um. That was supposed to be two rooms. There are three of us.”

The receptionist frowned. “Oh, dear. I’m afraid we only have confirmation and payment for one room.”

Okaaaaayyy.

“But there are three of us,” I repeated.

“Would you like a roll-away bed?”

I cringed slightly. “They’re newlyweds.” I mean, it was close enough.

A look of understanding crossed her face. “Ah. I’m afraid I can’t help you.”

I turned and started to walk out when the receptionist called to me.

“Lass, hold on. Don’t give up so easily.”

I turned back to her. She smiled kindly. “I saidIcan’t help you. That doesn’t mean no one can. I can share that a good friend of mine has rented out his home. However, the renter has been away traveling and will likely be gone for a while. I bet you could sublet from him and have a lovely stay.”

“That would be wonderful!”

“I’ll ring him and find out the details. In the meantime, please let the newlyweds know their room is ready.”

I pulled my hood up and braved the cold sheets of rain to tap on the car window. Through the rain-streaked glass I could make out Caitlin and Angus belting out some tune, their heads thrown back in laughter. Something tightened in my chest watching them.

I would do my damndest to make sure their wedding went off without a hitch. The irony of that word was not lost on me.

Caitlin rolled down the window. “Are we screwed?”

I shook my head. “Nice cozy place, and they have your room ready.”

“What about your room?”

I offered her a tight smile. “They’re working on it. C’mon, let’s get you settled.”

Caitlin struggled with her billowing white dress, trying to keep it from dragging through puddles while wrestling with her raincoat. I grabbed the train of fabric, bundling it against my chest as we hurried inside. Angus followed with the suitcases. The receptionist caught my eye with the phone receiver pressed to her ear, gesturing toward a hallway as she handed Angus a brass key. Moments later, she set the phone down with a triumphant click and turned to me with a conspiratorial smile.