Page 45 of Reunion at Mistletoe Lodge
“That’s good, kiddo, because I’ve missed you too.” Zac’s voice came from behind Barb.
She shot around with fright as her heart thudded against her rib cage. Before she could say anything else, Oscar was out of his chair and flew into Zac’s arms.
“Dad!” Oscar shouted as Zac lifted him into a bear hug.
The reunion should’ve made Barb’s heart swell as she noted the genuine love for Oscar in Zac’s eyes, but instead, it sparked her anger as she stood and her eyes met Zac’s.
“Are you here to stay?” Oscar looked into Zac’s eyes. “Or do you have another case?”
“I’m no longer working for the FBI,” Zac told Oscar, his eyes sliding to Barb’s. “I’ve been offered another job that doesn’t take me away from my family.”
Oscar sucked in an excited breath. “Really?”
Zac nodded and gently put Oscar down. “But I still have to do a bit of work with the FBI and my brother, so I won’t be home with you right away.” His eyes met Barb’s. “Your mother and I have to work out a few things.”
Oscar looked up at Zac and smiled. “I understand, Dad.” He gave Zac one more hug before looking at Barb. “Do you need to speak to me some more, or can I go to the kitchen to find Rose?”
“No, that’s all, sweetheart,” Barb kissed his head. “I’ll see you back at the bungalow.”
“Okay, Mom,” Oscar said. “Welcome home, Dad.” He waved at them and took off toward the lodge's kitchen.
As soon as Oscar was out of hearing range, Barb’s angry eyes turned on Zac. “Thatwas uncalled for.”
“I’m sorry,” Zac said, his eyes dark with emotion. “I just wanted to say hello to my son.”
“Itold you to stay away frommykids,” Barb seethed. “I was trying to explain things to Oscar as I haven’t had a chance to since finding you here yesterday. You had no right to barge into that moment.”
“You’re right!” Zac agreed. “I’m sorry, Barb.” He took a breath. “I…” His eyes held hers. “I miss you and Oscar, and I just want to get to know Charlotte.”
Barb felt that pain squeezing her heart get a little tighter as she looked into his eyes and saw the emotion in them. She tried to put herself in his position and knew she’d never be able to be so close to her child and not be able to see them or hold them. Her resolve started to soften, but as she opened her mouth to say something, the brunette popped up beside him.
“There you are,” the woman said, linking her arm possessively through Zac and turning her smile toward Barb to greet her. “Hi.”
Another wave of pain hit Barb, and she felt like she’d been slapped in the face as she gave the woman a tight smile. She was searching for an exit to excuse herself when Doctor Reece and his son walked into the lodge.
“If you’ll excuse me,” Barb told them. “My visitor is here.” She looked at Zac. “Please stay away from my kids until we’ve had a chance to talk.” Her eyes slid pointedly to the brunette hanging on Zac’s arm. “If you send me a message, we can set up a time to discuss the papers that I’m expecting to arrive soon.”
With that, she stepped around them and complimented herself for walking smoothly to where the handsome doctor who had spotted her was waiting for her.
CHAPTER 13
Zac
“Well, that was a little frosty,” Paige said, frowning at her brother. “She didn’t even let me introduce myself.”
“I guess Barb was in a hurry to meet her new friend.” Zac’s eyes narrowed as she turned to see who Barb was walking to.
“Who is he?” Paige asked.
“Charlotte’s pediatrician,” Zac answered.
“Are you sure?” Paige asked. “Because he seems awfullyfriendly with your wife.”
“According to Barb, I’m her soon-to-be ex-husband,” Zac said through gritted teeth.
“Oh!” Paige’s eyes widened. “Are the papers she mentioned the divorce ones?”
“Yes,” Zack said, biting down his anger and jealousy as he watched Barb greet the little boy with the doctor. “Patrick was supposed to get them delayed.”
