Page 7 of Reunion at Mistletoe Lodge
“As you may have realized, that includes Oscar and Charlotte, as my grandmother has adopted the three of you,” Emily told Barb. “Grandmother loved spending time with all of you in Africa a year ago. When she got home, Grandmother said she wished she could’ve been there longer.”
“We loved having her there,” Barb replied. “I think King Bahati was very taken with Priscilla.”
“Or scared of her.” Heather snorted. “Gran can be quite a formidable force to be reckoned with.”
The journey to Mistletoe Lodge in Frisco helped Barb unwind. A few times, she nearly dozed off from the soothing motion of the large car and knew that Charlotte was being taken care of. About forty minutes into thetrip, Oscar dozed off with his head in Heather’s lap while Charlotte rested peacefully in Emily’s arms.
Barb was looking forward to taking a hot bath, having dinner, putting the kids to bed early, and then curling up for a good few hours of sleep. She remembered the Christmas she’d spent at Mistletoe Lodge two years ago. While a lot was going on, even the danger of being chased didn’t seem that bad while she was nestled in the safety of the tranquil setting of Mistletoe Lodge.
As they neared Mistletoe Lodge, Heather remembered that she needed diapers and baby formula. “Shoot.” She lowered the partition to the driver's section of the car. “Garth, we need to go into Frisco as I need some baby supplies.”
“I do, too,” Barb realized.
“Of course, Mrs. Holland.” Garth smiled into the mirror.
As they passed the turn-off to Mistletoe Lodge, another limo was waiting for their vehicle to pass soit could turn into the lodge.
“I wonder who that is?” Emily said as they drove by, and she glanced at Heather. “Is anyone booking in today?” Her brow furrowed. “I thought the second half of the season visitors were only arriving in two days?”
“I don’t know.” Heather looked equally confused. “Could it be the special guests that grandmother has reserved the new deluxe bungalow for?”
“Who are they?” Emily looked at Heather. “Did grandmother tell you?”
“No.” Heather shook her head. “She was being rather cagey about them. Said something about them wanting their privacy and not wanting the word that they were at the lodge getting out.”
“Celebrities!” Barb and Emily said in unison, then laughed.
“Could be.” Heather shrugged. “Grans family’s law firm in Los Angeles does defend a lot of A-listers.”
“Great!” Emily rolled her eyes. “Now we have to pander to the every whim of a demanding A-lister.”
“We have a lot more staff now and a new manager,” Heather reminded her. “Let them deal with the divas.”
“Heather’s right,” Barb agreed. “I don’t mind dealing with them if you want me to.”
“Thank you, Barb,” Emily said. “But we already have you helping with the festival and dances on your holiday.”
“Oh, I don’t mind at all. Like I said, it will be good to keep busy,” Barb assured her. “I kind of like the idea of working at the lodge for the winter.”
“We certainly need the help,” Emily replied. “Well, let’s talk about it when you’re rested tomorrow.”
“Deal,” Barb agreed. “I’ll also feel a lot better if I’m earning my keep, and besides, if I’m family now…” She grinned. “I need to pull my weight around the lodge as well. So, let me deal with the celebrities,” Barb offered. “I’m used to them.” She frowned. “I didn’t know you had new bungalows at the lodge.”
“They were put up a year ago,” Emily answered. “Two of them for now, but they’ve been so popular, and this is the third season we’re fully booked so we may build a few more in the new year.”
“Heather was telling me how well the lodge has done in these past two years,” Barb said. “I’m so glad.”
“We’re all relieved,” Emily told her. “I still have nightmares about nearly losing the place.”
“I’m so glad you didn’t,” Barb replied. “It’s a very special place.”
They pulled up at the store, and Emily offered to keep an eye on the kids while Heather and Barb went shopping. Forty minutes later, they were pulling into the driveway of Mistletoe Lodge, and Barb’s longing for a bath, dinner, and an early night grew stronger.
By the time they arrived at Mistletoe Lodge, the afternoon was fading into evening, and the temperaturehad dropped a little more. Barb had managed to buy a few supplies for the bungalow that Oscar, Charlotte, and she were going to be staying in.
As the limo drew to a stop at the lodge's main entrance, Barb climbed out after Heather and Oscar before reaching in to relieve Emily of a now peacefully sleeping Charlotte.
“Thank you so much,” Barb whispered, cradling her little girl and shivering as the cold sliced down the back of her coat. “I really need to get a scarf.”
