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.”
She clicked her mouse a few times and frowned. “I’m afraid we’re completely booked for the next eight weeks.”
Oh, come on. “You have events every day and night for the next two months?”
She flushed and whispered. “They’re making a film, and the cast and crew is huge. They are running out of hotels in the area, and they’re also using them as locations.”
“When you say ‘the area,’ do you mean Inverness, the Culloden area, or—”
“I’m afraid to say, I mean the Highlands in general. It’s going to be a rough season for tourists, but I understand why it’s difficult to make a film here in the winter. Good for business, though.”
Just then Melissa walked in. “Abby Montgomery? Is that really you?”
She hugged me, then, stepping back, looked me up and down.
She narrowed her eyes slightly. “What’s wrong?”
“Caitlin and Angus got engaged…,” I began.
Melissa’s face lit up with excitement, but her smile faltered when she caught my expression. “Let me guess—they wanted the MacAlister in Drumnadrochit?”
“The very spot where they fell in love,” I confirmed.
“And you tried this location too.” It wasn’t a question. “Birthday wedding?”
I sighed. “Exactly. Her birthday, at the place that changed her life, and I—supposedly a professional wedding planner—can’t deliver either MacAlister property. Please tell me there’s a secret third location hiding somewhere.”
Melissa shook her head. “I wish. The film’s taken over everything within fifty miles.
These quaint little inns only have a handful of rooms each, but when you’ve got an entire production crew needing beds…
” She lowered her voice. “They’ve imported talent from all over—Americans, of course, but plenty from Edinburgh and Glasgow, too. ”
I looked around the lobby and into the dining room beyond Melissa, where a stone hearth crackled with warmth and tartan-upholstered chairs nestled around polished oak tables.
This place would’ve been a great second choice.
It was both cozy and elegant, with all the little Highland touches that Caitlin would’ve loved for her wedding.
I blinked back tears of defeat and tried to put a positive spin on the situation. “So, we’ll explore new areas of Scotland that Caitlin will love.” My eyes wandered to the brochures on the receptionist desk.
“Absolutely. Scotland is gorgeous. There are so many great places for weddings, even with a filmmaker taking over most of the Highlands. In fact—” Melissa stopped and grabbed a few brochures.
“I think the Isle of Skye may be just the perfect place. It’s nearby, absolutely stunning scenery, and I wouldn’t think the filmmakers would venture up that far, just because it is an island and it makes things that much more difficult for a crew. In fact, let me help you book a place.”
“Except that Bonnie Prince Charlie famously travelled ‘over the sea to Skye’ with Flora MacDonald,” I reminded her.
“I think I heard they already filmed that part. Actually—I’m not sure how to broach this, but—do you know who the filmmaker is?”
“Yes. Max.” The knot in my stomach shifted—growing tighter.
“He’s done well for himself,” Melissa said carefully.
“That he has. But I want to keep as far away from him as possible.”
“How did it end between you two?” Melissa asked gently. “I don’t remember you two ever not getting along.”
“That was never the problem. It was the twelve to eighteen hour days and constant travel. I felt like I never saw him, and when I did, he was either exhausted or still working or both. He never seemed to have time for me. Or wouldn’t make time.”
As Melissa’s brow furrowed, I braced for the questions.
She hesitated before speaking. “Anyway… back to the wedding.”
I straightened my spine. “Nothing’s going to ruin my sister’s wedding if I have any say.”
Melissa rummaged in her purse and held out a green spray bottle. “Here’s some Skin So Soft. Essential equipment in the Highlands.”
I stared at the bottle, then at her. “If this is some metaphor about softening my stance on Max—”
“No, no,” she laughed, tapping the bottle. “It’s for the midges. Avon doesn’t sell it in stores, but every local keeps a bottle. It’s one of the few things that actually works against those tiny bloodsuckers.”
I sighed. “These mysterious midges again. Everyone keeps mentioning them like they’re Scotland’s national monster instead of Nessie.”
“They are their very own sort of monster. Awful. You’ll need this.”
Melissa handed me the bottle as if it were a sword and she was knighting me. I took it with reverence and pretended it was a microphone. “I’d like to thank the Academy… and my friend, Melissa, who’s always prepared for anything.”
Melissa laughed and shook her head at my antics. “Now, let’s organize a trip for you three to the Isle of Skye.”