Page 71 of Reunion at Mistletoe Lodge
Oscar was ecstatic as he did a little victory dance on the porch before running off to join his friend as Zac and Barb made their way to the chili competition, a tradition at Mistletoe Lodge. Barb, Zac, Oscar, and Charlotte gathered around as the judges tasted the various entries. Despite their best efforts, Chef Nora’s Chili won for the third year in a row. Barb couldn’thelp but laugh as Oscar pouted slightly before congratulating Nora with good sportsmanship.
“I guess she just has a whole lot more love for her chili than we all did, Ozzie,” Paige told him with a sigh. “And trust me, Chef’s chili is the best.” She held her bowl of food out to him. “Want to try some.”
Barb laughed as she saw Oscar recoil in horror. “No, thank you, I’m full.”
With the competition behind them and a hard day of helping out at the booths, it was nearly dinner time when Oscar found Barb and Zac closing up the candy cane booth.
“Mom, Dad, can I go meet Rosie and Max? Emily said we could stay over at hers tonight,” Oscar told them. “Can I, please?”
Barb exchanged a glance with Zac, who nodded. “Alright, but ask Jackie to take you to get your pajamas, clean clothes, and toothbrush.”
“Will do,” Oscar said, running off to join his friends.
Zac took Barb’s hand, and they walked together through the festival, enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. They stopped by a stall selling candy cane cocoa, a specialty that was impossible to resist. With steaming cups in hand, they made their way to the edge of the forest, finding a quiet spot to sit on one of the benches and watch the festivities.
Zac wrapped his arm around Barb, pulling her close. “This is how every Christmas should be spent,” he said softly, his voice full of contentment. “With family, friends, and a whole lot of festive fun.”
Barb leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his embrace and the steady beat of his heart. “I couldn’t agree more. This Christmas will be one I’ll never forget.”
They sat there together, watching the twinkling lights and listening to the joyful laughter that filled the air. For the first time in a long time, Barb felt at peace. The danger, the uncertainty, the fear—all of it was behind them now. What lay ahead was a future filled with love, family, and the promise of countless more Christmasesspent together.
Later that night, when Barb switched off the lights to go to bed, she glanced out of the window and smiled at the stars twinkling above. The world outside was quiet as silvery white snowflakes fell from the sky. Barb’s smile grew, and her heart warmed as she knew that this Christmas was the beginning of something beautiful. A new chapter in their lives, one filled with love, hope, and the promise of many more Christmases spent together at Mistletoe Lodge.
