Page 8 of Highlands Summer Wedding

“Yeah.”

The Culloden movie. After all this time.

I stayed where I was, listening to the production noise fill the silence between me and Max, and told myself the tightness in my chest was just anger.

CHAPTER 4

As we stood in the parking lot watching crew members scurry about carrying props, bounce boards, and electrical equipment, I watched Caitlin and wondered whether her interest was curiosity or fatalism. All this make-believe was here to ruin her real-life fairy tale.

“Okay. So we’ll try the other MacAlister Inn—the one where Angus’s sister works and Melissa did the design work.”

“Brilliant! Let’s go!” said Angus, his arm around Caitlin.

We hopped back into the car and drove to Inverness.

We had skirted around Inverness on the way to Drumnadrochit. Now that we were finally seeing it, the place was absolutely overrun.

Massive trailers choked every available space, equipment trucks blocked entire streets, and swarms of crew members darted between them like ants on a disturbed hill.

Angus gripped the steering wheel tighter. “These film people have taken over the entire town. Who is this director anyway, Abby?”

I stared out the window. “Just someone I knew when I worked in film.”

“Max is her ex,” Caitlin added, her voice softening. “They were engaged.”

Angus’s eyebrows shot up as he glanced at me in the rearview mirror. “I see. That certainly complicates things.”

“Yeah. Well.” The last thing I wanted was to discuss my failed engagement with this radiant couple on the cusp of their own happily-ever-after. Angus slid the car into a parking spot just across from the inn. As we stood at the crosswalk waiting for the light to change, a golden blur darted into the road. Suddenly Angus was entangled with a beautiful blonde—golden retriever, that is.

“Bella! Get back here!” An older gentleman yanked the leash, his face flushed with embarrassment. “I do apologize?—”

“It’s quite alright, Mr. MacGregor,” Angus said with a laugh. Noticing the man trying to recall his name, he continued, “It’s Angus—I’m friends with Colin and Melissa.”

“Ah, Angus! Good to see you, lad,” said Sandy as he untangled the leash from Angus. “This beast is the only one I’ve never managed to?—”

“I hope you’re not referring to me, Sandy MacGregor.” An elegant woman with silver-streaked hair appeared beside him, taking the leash.

Sandy kissed her cheek. “Never you, Margaret. Never you.”

Margaret flashed a grin and extended her hand to me. “You must be Caitlin’s sister, Abby. Melissa has told us all about you. What a wonderful job, getting to be a wedding planner.”

“It can be a lot of fun,” I said, which was technically true.

“We’re actually looking to book the Inverness MacAlister Inn,” I said.

“Ooh, you’d better hurry. They’re filling up fast,” said Sandy.

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I replied. “Angus, why don’t you all find a nice spot for tea while I go see about their availability?”

I left them to enjoy some scones at the bakery next door and made my way into the MacAlister Inn - Inverness. Despite the clunky name emblazoned in gold letters on the black signboard, the place had an undeniable charm.

I crossed the cozy lobby and approached the front desk, where a fresh-faced receptionist greeted me with a smile.

“Hi. I’m here to inquire about booking a wedding?” I said, trying to sound confident.

“Lovely. When were you planning to have it?” she asked, stepping up to her computer.

“Next month. June 18.”