Page 12 of Reunion at Mistletoe Lodge
“I studied psychology in college,” Emily explained, straightening as Liam stopped beside them.
“Look,” Liam began, his gaze sliding from Emily to Barb. “I’m sorry I tried to make you leave, Barb.” His eyes met Barb’s, and her heart picked up speed at the look that flashed in his. It looked a lot like regret and longing. “I just didn’t want you or…” His brows creased as if he was trying to find the words. “Oscar, to get hurt when you see mybrother and he doesn’t remember you the way you want him to.” He ran a hand nervously through his hair. “In his mind, it’s still ten years ago—my brother is stuck in the past.”
“That’s so considerate of you!” Emily took control of the conversation, much to Barb’s relief, as right now, the words seemed to be lodged in her throat from Liam’s words. “But you need to get one thing straight,Liam. This is Barb and Oscar's home. They are part ofmyfamily, and if it comes down to your family or her having to leave—” she left the obvious unspoken.
“I understand,” Liam said, his eyes sliding back toward Barb. “I’m truly sorry for the way I handled our first meeting. When my brother came back from Africa, all he could speak about was you and Oscar.”
Barb felt a lump rise in her throat, and she had to fight back the tears. Not trusting her voice, she nodded in response.
“While he might not be able to show it now,” Liam continued, and Barb got the impression he was talking from the heart, “he loves you and Oscarmore than you’ll ever know.” He gave her a strained smile. “He was excited to get to Africa to bring you and Oscar home to meet the rest of our family.”
“Mm,” Emily said, skepticism dripping from her voice. “Well, then his family,” she looked pointedly at Liam, “really let Zac down then, didn’t they? Bynotinforming his wife, son, and…” She caught herself just in time when Barb shot her a warning look. “About Zac’s accident and let them think the worst for ayear.”
“As there is a possibility he may not completely regain his memory,Ithought it best that you and Oscar didn’t know,” Liam admitted. “The reasoning behind my decision was that it would be better and easier for both of you to think that he had just moved on.”
“Is that why you came back here?” Emily’s voice got frosty. “To cause Barb more distress and ruin our hot chocolate?”
Liam ran his hand through his hair. “I came here to apologize for my thoughtlessness earlier and to say that I’m sure if we work together, we can avoid any awkwardness.”He looked at Emily. “I can’t stress how important it is for my brother to be here for this stage of his recovery.”
“Barb?” Emily looked at her questioningly. “It’s up to you.” She leaned forward and put her hand comfortingly on Barb’s knee. “Say the word, and they’re gone.”
Barb avoided looking at Liam and shrugged. “It’s fine. Let them stay. I’ll explain things to Oscar.” Her eyes met Liam’s, and she swallowed, trying to still her pounding heart and suck in a bit of courage. “But I have one condition.” Her voice dropped, and she cleared her throat.
“Okay?” Liam frowned.
“In two to three days, I get the divorce papers, and I need you to getZacto sign them,” Barb stated.
Barb saw shock flash through Liam’s eyes, making her heart jolt, and she knew at that moment she was right—the man in front of her wasnotLiam Shields. It was Zac. Barb didn’t know why he and his brother had pulled a twin swap, and while she still felt numb with shock,Barb didn’t really care. She glanced at Emily and smiled, but she also knew that when the numbness wore off, she’d want answers! If Barb had some doubt about Emily’s plan before, it was gone—Barb was all in.
She turned and looked at Liam, her eyes hooded as Emily asked him. “Well? What do you say,Liam?”
A muscle ticked in Liam’s jaw, and he nodded. “If you’re sure that’s what you want?” His eyes met Barb’s. They were dark with emotion. “I’ll see to it.” He pulled a business card from his pocket and handed it to Barb. “You can call me on this number if you need me.”
His eyes held Barb’s for a few moments longer before glancing at Emily. “Thank you.” With that, he turned. “Good night.” He left and stalked out of the living room.
“Barb!” Emily’s brows were raised as she leaned forward, saying quietly. “I think your gut was right.” She watched Liam climb into the limo. “That’s definitely Zac. And if the real Liam is stuck in the past and needs to be here, I think we need to dig into the old guest's records to start the investigation.”
CHAPTER 4
Liam
The limo pulled away from Mistletoe Lodge, and Liam pulled out his phone, found the number he was looking for, and hit dial. The call was answered after the third ring.
“You’re late,” a voice snapped through the receiver.
“I gottiedup,” Liam hissed, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Thanks for the heads-up about Barb.”
“Oh, I thought I mentioned Barb and Oscar were spending Christmas and New Year at Mistletoe Lodge.”
“No!” Liam growled, glaring out the window into the inky night as the car turned toward Denver. “I thinkwe both know you didn’t.” He took a deep breath. “Did you know Barb had divorce papers drawn up?”
“We’ll talk when you get here.” There was a pause, and Liam held his breath, hoping to hear some more information about Barb. “Let me know when you’re ten minutes from the hotel.”
The line went dead.
“Great!” Liam slammed his phone against the seatback.
“Are you okay, sir?” Patrick, Liam’s driver and bodyguard, glanced at him through the rearview mirror.
