Page 2 of Reunion at Mistletoe Lodge
The ceremony was beautiful and simple yet deeply meaningful, as Judge Makahli from one of the larger nearby cities officiated. Zac’s voice resonated through her making her eyes well with tears that spilled over as Oscar stepped up to hand them the rings.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss!” Judge Makahli pronounced.
Zac pulled Barb to him and crushed her lips with his to the pounding drums and the roar ofapplause from the villagers and their friends. Suddenly, the world sped up into a blur of afternoon choruses of congratulations and celebrations. The villagers prepared a magnificent feast with dishes made from local ingredients rich in flavor and traditions. The tables were adorned with flowers, and the air was alive with music and laughter as the village celebrated the newlyweds.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the night rolled out, its inky carpet adorned with billions of glittering stars, the night creatures started another symphony as they serenaded in the evening.
“Are you ready to get changed?” Heather found Barb standing, staring out over the dark landscape lit by the silver glow of the giant moon.
Barb turned and smiled at Heather. “I guess!”
“I’m sorry we’re muscling in on your honeymoon,” Heather said. “But Giles and I wanted to give you and Zac some time on your own while we took Oscar all over the place.”
“Oh, no, please,” Barb said. “I’m just in awe at the present Giles and you have given us—this honeymoon.” She smiled. “I’ve been to Cape Town with Giles twice, but I never really got to enjoy the place as it was always just business.”
“Well…” Heather looked sheepish. “We have another big surprise for you when we get there.”
Barb's eyes narrowed. “What have you done?”
“I can’t say.” Heather pretended to zip her lips and lock them. “Now, let's go get ready.”
Twenty minutes later, amidst farewells, Barb, Zac, Oscar, Heather, and Giles climbed into Giles’s private jet that was waiting on a makeshift runway just outside the village. As they stepped onto the plane, Barb took one last look at the beautiful village of Maji Safi, grateful for the memories of this day made possible by the incredible villagers and her good friends.
As she settled beside Zac with Oscar across from them with Giles and Heather, Zac put his armaround her.
“I love you, Mrs. Shields, and I’m looking forward to our life together,” Zac whispered before capturing her lips as the plane lifted off the ground and soared into the sky.
“I love you too, Mr. Shields, and I can’t begin to explain how happy I am,” Barb replied as the kiss ended.
Barb rested her head on Zac’s shoulder, feeling a sense of exhilaration as the plane ascended, leaving Maji Safi's familiar beauty behind. It was as though she were not merely ascending into the clouds but into a future brimming with promise and new beginnings. Each moment of the day—the love she felt, the joy of the ceremony, the warmth of the village—mingled with the anticipation of what lay ahead.
She closed her eyes and let the sensation of soaring wash over her, embracing the hope and excitement of their new life together.
Eleven Months Ago -Maji Safi, Central Africa
The connection was spotty as Barb and Zac tried to speak through the crackling static of the video call. Barb sat in her small makeshift office at the edge of the village, surrounded by blueprints and the Maji Safi Clean Water Dam Project updates. The room, though modest, filled its purpose and offered a cool respite from the blazing African sun outside.
“The project is coming along nicely. With the way we’re going, we’ll be done in nine to ten months,” Barb told Zac, hitting the screen as his face froze before looking like a disjointed puzzle. “Zac?”
“Barb?” Zac’s voice crackled through the screen as the pieces of his face started to fall back into place. “Can you hear me?”
“I can hear you now,” Barb replied. “You broke up a bit for a while. I was telling you about the progress of the project. While the work makes the days go quicker, Oscar and I miss you so much.”
“I miss you too, my love, and would much rather be there with you and Oscar,” Zac assured her before hisbrows creased with concern. “Are you okay? You don’t look like your usual sprightly self.”
“It’s nothing,” Barb lied, not sure if she wanted to say anything to him about her news just yet. “Just a bit tired. It’s the heat, and I’ve been pushing hard to keep the project on track.” She gave him a forced smile. “You know how these things go.”
Zac nodded, though he still looked worried. “I can’t wait to get back and should be there in a couple of weeks. I just have to help Liam out with a problem he’s having.”
“Oh!” Barb’s brows rose. “Is he okay?” She had met Liam a few times many years ago, but that was before she and Zac fell in love. It was when she was still engaged to Trevor and in witsec.
“I’m not sure.” Zac’s brow creased some more. “But it shouldn’t take too long to wrap up.” His face relaxed, and he smiled. “Then I’ll be back in Africa with you.”
“I can’t wait!” Barb sighed, her heart hammering in her chest at the thought of feeling his arms around her again.
“At least now, when the project is done, you and Oscar are free to come home to the States without having to worry about your family stalking you,” Zac reminded her. “That must be such a relief for you.”
“You have no idea,” Barb told him. “I have no idea how to ever thank the FBI for all the support they’ve given Oscar and me.”
