Page 32 of Reunion at Mistletoe Lodge
“Not really,” Patrick said. “Your brother tried to break into Barb’s bungalow.”
“Heck no!” Liam breathed, gritting his teeth. “What on earth did he do that for?”
“He didn’t say,” Patrick answered. “But he’s insisting on talking to Barb.”
“Where is he now?” Liam asked.
“Sleeping,” Patrick answered. “I gave him some tea dosed with sleeping pills.”
“Great!” Liam sighed. “When we’re all rested and thinking straight again, I’ll take him to see Barb.”
“I think that’s a good idea,” Patrick agreed. “How is Charlotte?”
“Better,” Liam told him.
“That's good,” Patrick said. “I’m going to catch a few hours of sleep. The Carlisles have announced that all the guests who want to participate in the Christmas decoration competition must be at the big barn by three this afternoon.”
“And you want to enter it?” Liam laughed.
“I do.” Patrick said. “My niece will be so proud. She wants me to send pictures.”
“Awesome.” Liam felt a pang of guilt keeping Patrick away from his sister and niece, whom he adored, during the festive season. “I’ll see you this afternoon.Get some rest.”
No sooner had he hung up when Barb climbed back into the car with an armload of shopping bags. “Thanks, Garth.”
“Got everything you need?” Liam asked as Garth took off.
“I do,” Barb nodded and glanced at Charlotte. “Do you want me to take her?”
“No.” Liam shook his head. “Let her sleep.”
His eyes met Barb’s, and at that moment, he knew that Patrick had been right—Barb was suspicious! When they got back to the lodge, Liam was going to suggest Barb, his brother, and he meet.
CHAPTER 10
Barb
Barb had just settled Charlotte in her crib in Barb’s room when someone knocked on the door. She went through and found Emily at the door.
“Hi,” Emily greeted her, stepping into the bungalow and hugging Barb. “How is she?”
“Much better,” Barb told her, feeling the relief flood through her as she realized the truth in her words. “It’s been quite the night.”
“I believe so,” Emily replied. “I’ve ordered you some breakfast and,” she held up the coffee cups, “brought you some coffee.”
“Thanks, Emily.” Barb took the coffee and sipped the warm brew. “I needed this.”
“You need a good soak and then to go sleep for a couple of hours,” Emily stated as they traipsed through to the living room where the fire had long since died. “Do you want me to start the fire?”
“No,” Barb shook her head. “The heating is on, and it’s fine for now.”
“Okay,” Emily said, taking a seat beside Barb on the sofa. “Want to tell me what happened?”
Barb told Emily the story and didn’t leave anything out, including all the tension between Doctor Reece and Liam.
“I’m so glad Doctor Reece was able to get to you,” Emily said, giving a sheepish smile. “I have to confess that I called and asked him to go see you.”
“What?” Barb looked at her in disbelief.
