Page 48 of Reunion at Mistletoe Lodge
“You may, but they have to be donated to the children's hospital after the season for next year, and there’s a spending limit on them,” Pricilla answered. “I’ll message you the rules.”
“Great,” Zac said, starting to walk back toward the limo, his heart feeling a lot lighter as a few snowflakes began to fall.
Eight hours later, they were back at Mistletoe Lodge. Zac had wanted to stay in Denver for the night and get back the following day, but his sister insisted they get back to Frisco.
It was early evening, and the lodge was buzzing with activity. As they pulled up to the front of the main lodge, Zac saw Emily, Rose, Oscar, and the child who had been with Doctor Reece through the living room window. They were laughing and decorating a big tree that was now dominating themiddle window.
“Looks like the fun has begun,” Paige commented as they piled out of the big car.
“I have a headache,” Liam admitted. “I think I’m going to go to the chalet, order some food, and go to bed.”
“I’ll come with you,” Courtney said.
They looked at Zac and Paige. “Let’s go offer to help,” Paige suggested to Zac with a sly grin. “You can start to mend bridges with the Carlisle family.”
“I’m pretty sure I’m the last person they want help from,” Zac pointed out.
“But we’re going anyway,” Paige stated, linking her arm through her brothers and looking at Liam. “We’ll see you later, other big brother.” She glanced at Courtney. “Take care of him.”
“Will do,” Courtney nodded.
“I’ll get all your parcels back to the lodge,” Herschel offered.
“That leaves you and me, Zac,” Paige grinned, dragging him into the lodge. “If nothing else, we can have dinner.”
“Do you ever not think about eating?” he asked his sister.
“Yes,” Paige nodded as they walked into the warm foyer. “When I’m working.”
“Figures,” Zac said with a sigh.
They walked into the living room and were surprised to find guests scattered throughout the room. They were making Christmas decorations.
“Hello, Zac, Paige,” Priscilla greeted them. “Have you come to join in and help make Christmas decorations?”
“Yes, we have,” Paige answered before Zac could. “Point us in the direction.” She shrugged off her coat.
“Okay, well, we need to paint the baubles.” Priscilla took them to the far sideof the room.
Zac’s heart leaped in his chest when he saw Barb laughing as she instructed a group of women on how to mix colors.
“Uh…” Zac looked at Priscilla. “I think I should be helping with the lights on that huge tree outside.
“Oh, now,” Priscilla said with a knowing smile, “there are too many men working on that already. We need some men here to help with the artwork.” She walked forward. “Barb, I’ve found a new recruit for you.”
Barb’s smile froze on her face as she glanced around and saw Zac.
“We’ve got enough people, thank you, Priscilla,” Barb said rather frostily. “I’m sure Avery could use some help with stringing the popcorn.”
“Nonsense,” Priscilla tutted. “Zac, you can help Barb.” She linked her arm through Paiges. “And you, my dear, can come help me.” She lowered her voice. “We need to come up with a plan to help your brother.”
“I agree,” Paige said, smiling at Barb as she and Priscilla turned to leave. “Good luck, big brother. Have fun.”
Zac watched them leave and turned to Barb. He took a breath and shrugged out of his coat, hanging it over the back of the chair directly in front of Barb. “How can I help?”
“By being somewhere else!” Barb suggested sweetly.
“Oh, Priscilla is calling us,” Julie, the one woman at the table, said. “There’s some sort of knitting emergency?” She looked at the other four women helping Barb. “I’m sorry, Barb, but we have to go. Are you going to be okay here?”
