Page 1 of Reunion at Mistletoe Lodge
CHAPTER 1
Barb
18 Months Ago - Maji Safi, Central Africa
Barb Gardener stood at the edge of the village, the sun casting its golden rays across the breathtaking landscape of Central Africa. She took a deep breath, letting the warm, humid air fill her lungs, and tried to steady the excitement bubbling inside her. Today, she would become Barb Shields, wife to Zac, the man who had changed her life in ways she could never have imagined.
The village of Maji Safi had come alive in celebration. The locals had worked tirelessly to prepare for the wedding, transforming the heart of the village into a vibrant, colorful display of African culture. The air wasthick with the sounds of drums, laughter, and the scent of spice wafting from the cooking fires where the feast was being prepared.
Barb’s heart swelled as she glanced around at the people who had come to mean so much to her. The villagers, with their radiant smiles and unwavering kindness, had welcomed her and Zac as their own. King Bahati, a man of great wisdom and stature, had even offered to give her away. It was an honor beyond words, one she had accepted with deep gratitude.
She looked down at the dress she wore, a beautiful blend of Western elegance and African tradition, a gift from the women of the village. The fabric was soft against her skin, adorned with intricate beadwork that told the story of Maji Safi’s rich heritage. She felt a gentle squeeze on her hand and looked down to see her son, Oscar, standing beside her. At nine years old, he looked so grown up in his little suit, holding the ring bearer’s pillow with pride.
“You ready, Mom?” Oscar asked, his big brown eyes wide with excitement.
Barb bent to his level, brushing a stray curl away from his forehead. “More than ready, sweetheart. You look so handsome.” She kissed his rosy cheek.
Oscar smiled and adjusted the pillow with the rings on it. “Let’s do this.”
“Let’s do this,” Barb repeated, straightening, her voice thick with emotion.
Oscar grinned, and Barb couldn’t help but smile back, her nerves settling as she looked into her son’s eyes. It wasn’t just her life that was changing today. Oscar had been through so much with her over the years. He never knew his real father, Trevor Gardener, who had been an FBI agent and died in the line of duty when she was two months pregnant with Oscar.
Her boss, Giles Holland, had been a role model for Oscar, but Zac had become a father to her son in the past six months they’d been working on the Maji Safi Clean Water Dam Project. Today, they were officially becoming afamily!
Heather, Giles’s wife and Barb's maid of honor, called out from behind her. “It’s time, Barb.”
Barb turned to see her best friend with her thick, deep red hair glinting in the son, also dressed in traditional African wear and looking as stunning as ever, approached. Heather's eyes sparkled with excitement as she dipped and kissed Oscar on the cheek. “Hey Oscar, don’t you look handsome.”
“Thank you, Heather,” Oscar replied, straightening his shoulders and standing proudly. “You look gorgeous.”
“Why thank you, young man,” Heather replied with a warm smile before turning toward Barb. “Youlook radiant.” She hugged Barb. “Are you ready to get married to that handsome FBI cowboy of yours?”
“I am.” Barb nodded, feeling her heartbeat accelerate as she thought of Zac. “Is King Bahati ready?”
“Oh, yes, and he’s looking kingly!” Heather laughed and drew in a nervous breath. “I don’t know why I’m nervous.” She shook out her hands and picked up the bouquets, handing the larger of the two to Barb. “I’ll go get the king.”
She held out her hand for Oscar. “Come on, handsome. Let's go take our places.”
Oscar put his hand in Heather’s and turned to Barb. “I’ll see you on the other side, Mom.” He blew her a kiss as they left the small rondavel that had been done up to be her bridal hut.
Barb took a few minutes to gather herself before taking a deep breath and stepping out of the hut where King Bahati waited for her. His tall, regal figure, proudly wearing his traditional robes, exuded authority and a sense of calm as he held out his hand to Barb.
“You look lovely, Barb,” King Bahati complimented her, smiling warmly. “You honor us today by allowing us to host and witness this union.”
“The honor is mine, Your Majesty,” Barb replied, her voice trembling with emotions as she placed her hand in his.
Together, they walked toward the ceremonial platform where Zac was waiting. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw him. Zac looked every bit the rugged cowboy she had fallen in love with, yet there was something more in his eyes today—something that made her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
Zac’s best man, Giles, stood beside him, looking sharp in his suit. Barb and Giles’s eyes met for a brief moment as he smiled warmly at her and gave her an encouraging wink. Giles was revered in this small village as he’d saved the project and ensured that it happened. He’d also been the one who’d splashed out to give Barb, Zac, and Oscar this special day.
Barb smiled back at Giles before her eyes moved to meet Zac’s intense amber ones, and her breath caught in her throat—I’m really about to get married! The thought hit her in her heart, and tears stung the back of her eyes.
King Bahati led Barb to Zac, and as they reached the edge of the ceremonial platform, he turned to Barb. “Barb Gardener, I present you to Zac Shields. May your union be blessed with joy and harmony.”
Barb felt a rush of emotion as she handed her bouquet to Heather, who took the flowers with a beaming smile, her eyes misting over. Barb’s gaze fell on Oscar, who was standing proudly beside King Bahati with the rings. His little suit was impeccably neat, and he looked every bit the important ring bearer he was meant to be.
Turning back to Zac, Barb locked eyes with him. The world seemed to narrow down to just the two of them. Zac’s gaze was filled with a mixture of love and anticipation, grounding her as the ceremony began. Barb’s heart fluttered, the weight of the moment settling over her like a gentle embrace.
