Page 66 of Reunion at Mistletoe Lodge
Zac pointed at Paige, his tone light. “You’re not getting away with this. We’re taking you down in the next event.”
“Oh yeah?” Paige challenged. “It’s the three-legged race?” She raised an eyebrow. “You know you can’t beat me at that!”
“He can if we race together!” Daven grinned, joining in the banter.
“No fair!” Paige wiggled her index finger. “You know the rules.”
“Dad, I don’t like that race,” Max said, shuddering. “You’re a giant compared to me. Why don’t you and Emily do the racetogether?”
“Sure,” Emily said. “I’m game.” Her eyes narrowed in on Paige. “Let’s take Paige and Oscar down.”
“Bring it!” Oscar laughed.
“Yeah. Let’s see if you can keep up!” Paige taunted them all teasingly. “Come on, Ozzie, let's get ready.”
“Love you, Mom and Dad.” Oscar blew them a kiss as he left with Paige hugging their trophy.
“Love you too, honey,” Barb called after him. “He’s really taken to your sister.”
“She loves him and Charlotte,” Zac replied. “I’ll speak to her about dialing back the competitiveness.”
“Nah!” Barb said, shaking her head. “They’re having fun, and Oscar knows that.”
“We’ll keep an eye on it,” Zac said. “I grew up with my sister.” He shook his head. “Are you readyfor the next race?”
“Of course,” Barb said, grinning. “Maybe we should take a page out of your sister’s playbook this time.”
Zac feigned shock as he stared at Barb. “Why, Barb, are you saying we should cheat?”
“If you can’t beat 'em…” Barb laughed, shrugging.
Paige and Oscar came second behind Rose and Max, who’d teamed up. As they were a better height match, they managed to slip past all the other odd matches. To Zac’s delight, Oscar was so excited for his friends that they now each had a trophy.
With the race behind them, the group made their way to the next part of the festival. The atmosphere was full of joy and camaraderie, and Zac couldn’t shake the warmth he felt being surrounded by the people he cared about most. Despite the playful rivalry, the day was shaping up to be one of the best he’d had in a long time.
“I’m so glad tomorrow’s only the snowman building and chili contest.” Emily breathed a sigh of relief. “I need a nap after all that excitement.”
“Well, cousin, you can get off your feet while we go make our chili.” Heather joined them. Her eyes met Paige’s. “As Avery has defected to Ryder and Hank’s team, would you like to join our chili-making team?”
“Ooh, I’d love that,” Paige said, turning to pull a face at Zac. “See, some people do trust my cooking skills.”
“Don’t leave her with any sharp knives,” Zac warned Heather, and Emily then looked at Daven. “Maybe you should be on standby just in case my sister cuts hers or someone else's fingers off.”
On that note, Zac and Barb checked in on Jackie, who still had Charlotte and was gathering the rest of the kids. As they were about to make their way to Barb’s bungalow, Paige and Oscar appeared.
“Mom, do you mind if I go with Paige and Herschel to ride the hayride course?” Oscar asked. “Max is going home, Rose is going into Frisco with her parents, and Jackie is with Charlotte in the main lodge decorating the small trees.”
“Herschel needs someone to go with him to make sure the hayride is exciting and fun,” Paige told them, grinning. “I’m sure you two could use the time to get yourchilidone.”
“Please, Mom.” Oscar bounced in front of them. “I really, really want to ride on the cart.”
Zac’s heart swelled when Barb turned to look at him. “What do you think, Zac?”
He swallowed his throat suddenly dry and nodded. “Of course, buddy. I don’t mind.”
“Then I guess it’s okay,” Barb said and turned to Paige. “Thank you for spending time with him. He really enjoys being with you.”
“You raised a great kid, Barb,” Paige said with a warm smile. “I love spending time with him too.”
