Page 75 of Highlands Summer Wedding

I gasped dramatically. “We could’ve organized a party boat! Oooh, that would be fun. Maybe I can still make it happen?”

Caitlin shook her head, an indulgent smile tugging at her lips. “Abby, it’s 12:45. Time to eat a little toastie, double-check on the photographer, and relax.”

And then, thunder boomed across the loch. My stomach dropped—we all froze for a heartbeat. I raced into the hallway where Drew, Max, Colin, and Angus joined me, scrambling down the stairs.

Angus and Drew quickly organized the staff to help move all the beautifully and painstakingly decorated chairs out of the rain. The podium was heavy, and it took two workers and a dolly to move. The ground was already turning to mud.

Max ripped off his windbreaker and threw it over my meticulously styled hair. Giggling, we carried chairs through the rain and into the inn already crowded with guests.

With Caitlin’s dreams of an outdoor wedding dashed, we searched for a suitable alternative inside, settling on the largest room—the bar. The staff quickly pushed all the tables to the side and filled the open space with as many of the decorated chairs as they could.

I checked my watch. It was 1:00—the wedding was due to start in 30 minutes. Guests kept arriving as sheets of rain fell. Max grabbed a large golf umbrella and went outside to escort people in, but most already had their own rain gear.

Inside the inn, I worried whether everyone would fit in the bar.

Angus seemed to read my mind. “It’ll be fine. People can spill into the hallway. We could even set up cameras so some can watch from the dining room.”

My head fell back on a groan. “Ugh.”

“It’s all right. It’s just a little rain. My family wouldn’t be surprised if we still held the wedding outside, but I know your side wants to keep dry—and, of course, there are all the decorations and hair…,” Angus said, gesturing towards several strands of hair that had escaped my loose knot.

“I must look like a drowned rat.”

“You look just fine. Go on upstairs if you want to check.” He gave a playful shove. “Drew and I will work with the staff.”

“I’ll be back down in five seconds. I wouldn’t normally care what I look like while working. It’s just because it’s family.”

“Dinna fash, lass,” he said with a wink.

I scrambled up the stairs, finding Caitlin staring out at the rain. I reassured her everything was fine. The wedding would go on, and no one would be getting wet.

She looked at me for a moment, unblinking. “Your mascara… here, let me.”

She wiped it away and re-applied it for me—and that’s when my tears spilled over.

I ran my fingers under my eyes. “It’s your wedding and here you are, trying to fix me! You’re the best older sister anyone could ever?—”

“Oh, gimme a break. Quit crying or we’ll have to wash your face and start all over. Here, take this.” She handed me a handkerchief.

“Isn’t this your ‘something borrowed’?”

“You can give it back to me.”

Mom approached, and I took a deep breath. “Angus has everything under control. It’s going to be just fine.”

At 1:15 the bridal party started down the stairs. I took my place next to Max. Although Drew was the best man, we decided I would walk with Max and Drew would walk with Lindsay. Max smelled like cedar, pine soap, and wool, and his arm in mine felt steady and safe. I took a deep breath and he nodded.

At 1:25 the music began. We took our first steps forward—and with a flash of lightning and a crack of thunder, the power went out.

Fortunately,daylight streaming through the windows meant we didn’t need many lights. The bar staff scattered some battery-powered lanterns around, adding to the intimate atmosphere. Meanwhile, Drew and Angus got the generator working, keeping the food cold and allowing the cooks to continue preparing for the reception.

“Looks like the kitchen is under control. Shall we get back to business?” asked Drew.

Angus looked at Caitlin, then Max. “Reset. Back to one. Take two.”

The guests filtered back to their seats.

I took my place next to Max.