Page 94 of A Scottish Highland Hideaway

I attempted to call Marcus, but it went straight to voicemail. I hung up and stared down at my phone, deciding to text him instead, with a few green heart and Christmas tree emojis:

Hi Marcus. Merry Christmas!

I’m at Mum and Dad’s. I’m missing you so much.

Hope you’re having a lovely time at the cottage.

Love you XXX

I pressed the “send” button and strode on, tugging my dusty-pink pom-pom winter hat further down over my ears. My long brown leather boots scrunched on the snow and the naked trees had layers of ice dripping from them, like ostentatious Christmas baubles.

I paused, breathing in the tang of winter and relishing the way the bitter cold skimmed its way across my cheeks.

The ping of my phone made me jump.

I scrambled around in my coat pocket to find it again.

It was a reply from Marcus:

Merry Christmas

X

Not exactly War and Peace, but it was a start.

Boxing Day was a test of endurance because Mum had invited some old friends of hers over for afternoon drinks and nibbles. I managed to make polite conversation, but this wasn’t the Christmas I was used to or loved. It felt like forced, contrived joviality. I missed my brother and I didn’t feel like this was where I belonged anymore. I couldn’t wait to head back home to Heather Moore and reopen Flower Power on the 28th.

Home. Yes. Heather Moore was home to me now.

The realisation made me prickle with an independent excitement.

“So that’s you setting off then?” Dad said, shuffling from foot to foot as I came down the stairs with my bags.

“Yep. I’m opening the shop tomorrow and I have a lot to do.”

Dad pulled me into a hug. “I’m sorry this Christmas hasn’t been the one you hoped for, sweetheart.”

“It’s not your fault, Dad.” I planted a kiss on his cheek, just in time for Mum to appear. “Drive carefully, won’t you? Please let us know when you get back.”

“I will.”

My mother gave me a prolonged hug and kiss, before drawing away from me.

“I’ll be back in a few days anyway to set up for Ezra’s party. I’ll let you know when Amber, Rowan, and I will be arriving, Mum. And thanks for insisting they stay here.”

My mother’s dark blue eyes sparkled with anticipation. “No problem at all. Always glad to accommodate the hired help.”

I ground my jaw and Dad rolled his eyes.

“I’ll make sure Mrs Bamber has all the guest rooms ready.” She studied me from under her lashes. “I hope you have your little flower displays for Ezra well in hand, darling.”

I gave my dad a quick glance. “I can assure you, Mum, that Ezra doesn’t know the meaning of the word ‘little’. These floral arrangements make Kew Gardens look like a tawdry affair.” I couldn’t resist adding: “Oh, and by the way, Mum, we’ll be arriving in my Flower Power delivery van, as we’ll have the flower displays with us.”

Mum’s glossed lips parted in horror. “What? Not that pink and white thing that looks like the van in Scooby-Doo?!”

From beside her, Dad was clamping his lips together, trying not to laugh.

“You mean The Dream Machine?” I asked, hiding a smile. “Yes, that’s it. See you in a few days!”