Page 6 of Reunion at Mistletoe Lodge
“Mmm.” Emily’s eyes narrowed at Heather. “I keep wondering if there are any other murderous animals who have a beef with you.”
“I’m a wildlife veterinarian. I’m sure there are a lot of animals that could bear a grudge.” Heather rolled her eyes. “But I think if animals did turn on humans, the first ones they’d go after would be the hunters and humans who stole their habitat.”
“Awesome!” Barb laughed. “That’s not a plot for a horror movie.”
“Yeah, and it would mean the entire human race,” Emily pointed out before turning her attentionback to Charlotte, who was getting fussy. She handed the bottle to Barb and put a burpee towel over her shoulder before burping her.
“You are such a natural mother,” Barb noted. “Charlotte is as happy as pie with you.”
“She can probably pick up on your stress,” Emily said softly, her eyes filled with compassion. “But don’t worry. You, Oscar, and even little Charlotte are going to have a ball.”
“The Mistletoe Lodge Winter Festival starts in a week. There’s a lot to do if you’d like to help out with that,” Heather said. “Then there’s the Mistletoe Lodge Countdown to Christmas fun.”
“Let’s not forget the Winter Festival Ball and then the New Year Ball,” Emily reminded them. “You’re going to have so much fun. It will give you a chance to heal and think.” She smiled when Charlotte burped. “Oh, there you go, sweetie.” She cradled the little girl once again. “Are you feeling better?” she cooed. “Let’s hope we can make your mommy feel better, too.”
“I’m feeling better,” Barb assured them. “Once I’ve filed for the big D I can move on, as I feel like I’m stuck in this void of uncertainty right now.”
“I can only imagine,” Heather said, her eyes flashing angrily. “I can’t believe what he did. He’d better not show his face around me again.”
“I agree with Heather,” Emily said protectively. “We willnotwelcome that man back into our lives. How dare he just go completely silent and ghost you like that, especially when you’re married, for goodness sake. It wasn’t just some fling or a relationship.”
“You’re both so sweet,” Barb said, swallowing another burning lump as tears stung her eyes. “But I’m sure he’s one man we’ll never see again. I think he’s helping his brother run for the Montana State Senate.”
“I don’t care if the man’s father’s becoming king,” Emily seethed. “That’s no excuse for ghosting your wife, son, and newborn.” She glanced at Oscar, happily watching a movie on the tablet. “I can only imagine how he must be feeling as he lost afather.”
“I know!” Barb’s heart ached some more. “Oscar has put on a brave face, but I know he’s hurting inside. The school teacher at the village in Africa told me that Oscar told her that his father was on a deep undercover mission.”
“The things men do sometimes…” Heather shook her head in disgust.
“Can make no sense,” Emily finished for Heather. She turned to Barb. “You deserve a lot better than that cowboy! My Christmas wish is that you find your true soulmate this festive season, one that won’t break yours, your son’s, or daughter’s hearts.”
“I second that wish,” Heather stated.
“Aww, you two are the best friends I could ever have hoped for,” Barb told them before giving a tight smile. “I never had many friends growing up as we had to move around a lot because of my mother’s family.”
“You, Oscar, and Charlotte deserve true love and stability in your lives,” Emily said. “And this time, whoever tries to win your heart will have to be vetted by Heather and I.”
“Yup!” Heather nodded. “You’re our family now, and we stick together through thick and thin. We’re also fiercely protective of our own.”
Barb couldn’t stop the emotion that welled up inside her at her friend's kindness and love they showed her and her kids, and a few tears escaped and rolled down her cheeks. Barb wiped them away and sniffed.
“Gosh, now look what you’ve done.” Barb gave a watery laugh, grabbing a tissue from her purse to wipe her eyes and blow her nose. “You’ve made me all emotional.”
“Well, I think you’ve been bottling up all this emotion over Zac for far too long,” Heather pointed out. “It’s going to try and start seeping out sooner or later in small ways like this.” She handed Barb a bottle of water from the picnic basket. “Here. Take a few sips of water. It usually helps.”
“Thank you.” Barb took the water. “I have a small cry when I’m alone at night,” she admitted. “But it’s gradually getting better, and I’ve been crying less and less over the past month.”
“I know thisis so cliched, but it will get better with time,” Heather said. “And you haven’t had much time to process everything with having to look after Oscar, a new baby, and finishing off the clean water project.”
“Now that you’re at the lodge,” Emily told Barb, “we’ve arranged for a nanny to help you with Charlotte so you can get some time to do things for yourself.” She smiled and gently bumped Barb’s shoulder. “And spend some time with us.”
“What my cousin is trying to say in a roundabout way,” Heather laughed, “is that she has an ulterior motive for getting you a nanny. She needs your help with the festival.”
“You didn’t have to get me a nanny for that,” Barb assured Emily. “I would love to help out with the festival, dances, and around the lodge. It will be great to keep myself busy, and I know Oscar’s going to be busy with Rose.”
“Oh, yes, we have a lot planned for those two,” Emily informed Barb. “Ourgrandmother is home as well, and she’s planning on spending as much time as possible with Rose and Oscar.”
Heather sighed. “Our grandmother has it in her head she doesn’t have a lot longer to live and wants to spend as much time as she can with her great-grandkids.”
