Reunion at Mistletoe Lodge (Sweet Colorado Romance #3)

2. CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

Barb

30 November Present Day - Denver, Colorado Airport

The biting cold of December greeted Barb as she stepped into the airport building, her tanned skin prickling from the sudden shift in temperature. The warmth of the African sun felt like a distant memory, replaced by the crisp, wintry air of Denver.

Exhaustion clung to her from the long journey from Central Africa, with stops along the way to refuel Giles’s private jet—a luxury Barb was thankful for, but it didn’t erase the fatigue of traveling—especially when traveling with an active, inquisitive ten-year-old and a three-month-old daughter, Charlotte, the new addition to their family. Unlike Oscar, Charlotte hadn’t fared well during the flight.

Barb looked down at her daughter, who had just woken up and cooed softly, “Hey, sweetheart. " She smiled. “Just a few more hours, and we’ll get you settled.”

“There they are, Mom.” Oscar’s voice was filled with excitement as he tugged on Barb's winter coat, his arm waving frantically over his head.

“Barb! Oscar!” Heather called out, her voice cutting through the hum of the airport. She hurried forward, her arms open in a welcoming embrace. “I’m so glad you had a safe flight.”

“It’s so good to finally have land beneath my feet.” Barb sighed tiredly, smiling when her eyes landed on Emily, who was rushing toward them.

“Heather, you took off like a freaked-out stallion!” Emily groaned, breathless, as she reached them. She immediately hugged Oscar. “Hey, handsome. Rose is going to be so glad to see you. She’s bored with no other kids but babies at the lodge.”

“We have a new baby, too,” Oscar answered her and pointed proudly to his sister. “I’m also looking forward to seeing Rose.”

Before Heather could say anything more, Emily’s eyes widened, looking at Charlotte. She gasped, rushing forward with a delighted expression. “Oh my goodness, is that little Charlotte? I’ve been dying to meet her!” She grinned at Barb. “Can I hold her?”

Barb laughed softly as she handed Charlotte over to Emily, who immediately began cooing and fussing over the baby. “She’s a bit fussy from the flight, but I’m sure you’ll work your magic.”

Emily cradled Charlotte gently, her face alight with joy. “She’s absolutely precious, Barb. Look at those little cheeks!” She swayed Charlotte back and forth, soothing the baby with practiced ease. “Welcome to Denver, sweetheart. I hope you’re ready for some holiday cheer! ”

“Is it true we’re going to Frisco in the limo again?” Oscar’s eyes glowed with excitement. “I loved riding in it the last time.” He grabbed Heather’s hand.

“It’s right outside waiting for you,” Heather assured him before turning to Barb. “Garth, our new driver, is getting all the luggage.”

Barb followed Heather, Oscar, and Emily, who couldn’t take her eyes off Charlotte, out of the terminal. Exiting the terminal, the cold blast of air hit her in the face once again for a few minutes before she slid into the warm limo.

“Gosh, I’d forgotten how cold Denver could get in the winter,” Barb said, settling beside Emily and Charlotte while Oscar sat beside Heather, facing them.

“Our chef packed some food and beverages for you,” Heather told Barb, pointing to the large picnic basket.

“Oh, cool.” Oscar breathed a sigh of relief. “ I’m starving.”

“You’re always starving.” Barb laughed at her son.

Heather opened the basket while Barb pulled out a bottle. “I don’t have anywhere to heat this for Charlotte.”

“Chef thought of that too,” Emily told Barb, turning to Heather. “Can you take out the portable bottle warmer and plug it into the USB port?”

“Sure,” Heather said, pulling the device out and connecting before taking the bottle. “This shouldn’t take long.”

“Where’s Phoenix?” Barb asked Heather.

“He’s at home at the lodge with Giles,” Heather replied, shaking her head. “Giles hardly lets him out of his sight.”

“At least he’s involved in his child’s life,” Barb pointed out, not able to hide the twinge of bitterness in her voice. “How is Phoenix? ”

“Beautiful,” Emily answered, glancing from Heather to Barb. “It must’ve been nice having your babies a few weeks apart.”

“Yes,” Barb said, nodding, ignoring the familiar ache in her heart when she thought of the pregnancy she once again went through with the baby's father absent. “I was glad I could help Heather through her first baby.”

“You were so great,” Heather said. “I can’t believe I didn’t even realize I was pregnant until Barb was eight weeks.”

Barb laughed, remembering that day. “We went into the larger town so I could get a scan. It was a scorching day, and Heather passed out in the waiting room. They ran some blood tests and then, after a scan, found out that she was two weeks further along than me.”

“How could you not know you were eight weeks pregnant?” Emily rolled her eyes at her cousin. “Really, Heather, you’re a veterinarian.”

Heather shrugged. “I’m not the most regular with women’s things,” she pointed out. “I’ve had the operations on my leg and all the medication for that. I just thought that had affected my cycle.”

“It was nice, though, to be pregnant with you,” Barb told Heather, swallowing the burning lump in her throat. “It helped me cope.”

Heather leaned forward and squeezed Barb’s hand. “Maybe now that you’re back…”

“No!” Barb shook her head. Her features set stubbornly. She glanced at Oscar, who was now eating his way through a pile of sandwiches with headphones on and watching something on a tablet. She lowered her voice. “I’ve decided to file for the big D.”

“What?” Heather and Emily spluttered in unison.

“Are you sure you want to do that?” Emily asked.

Barb nodded, her gaze distant as she spoke. Her heart had started to splinter after three months had gone past with no word or contact with Zac. Despite Giles’s efforts to reach him, they couldn’t even get hold of Zac’s family or his brother, Liam. She had clung to hope for nearly a year, enduring the silence even after giving birth to their daughter—a daughter Zac didn’t even know existed.

She had left several messages after their last conversation, each one revealing her pregnancy, with the final message sent on the day she gave birth to Charlotte.

Eventually, Giles managed to contact someone in the FBI who informed him that Zac had left the agency eleven months ago. At first, Barb had panicked, fearing something terrible had happened to him. However, a week after Charlotte was born, Heather found a photo from ten months ago in a U.S. newspaper. It showed Liam Shields running for the Montana Senate seat, with his wife and younger brother beside him supporting him. Though a cowboy hat obscured Zac’s face, it was unmistakably him, with a brunette on his arm. That was when Barb’s already splintered heart finally shattered into a million pieces.

Pieces still lay scattered around her soul. The only thing that kept her together was her beautiful children. They had saved the most precious part of her heart, giving her a reason to keep going.

“Barb?” Heather’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. “The bottle’s ready.”

“Oh, thank you,” Barb said.

She reached out, took it, and tested it, and before she could reach for Charlotte, Emily asked, “Oh, please, can I?”

“Of course,” Barb replied and handed the bottle to Emily. “How is Daisy?”

“Getting too big, too quickly,” Emily sighed, feeding Charlotte. “I can’t believe she’s two already.”

“I know,” Barb said, her brows rising. “It’s scary how time flies by.”

“Well…” Emily said, a teasing smile splitting her face. “It seems in another seven months, there will be a new addition to my family, too.”

“Emily!” Heather and Barb squealed in unison .

“That’s wonderful news,” Heather said in amazement. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“You didn’t know?” Barb looked at Heather, surprised.

“No,” Emily answered. “We haven’t told anyone yet. We’re going to announce it after the first scan next week.”

“We won’t say a thing!” Barb assured her, squeezing Emily’s shoulders. “Congratulations.”

“Yes, congrats, my beautiful cousin,” Heather said. “I’m so happy for you and Hank.”

“How is Avery and Ryder’s son?” Barb asked, looking from Heather to Emily.

“Luke is one already,” Emily replied. “I think Avery’s already started getting broody again after Heather arrived with Phoenix.” She snorted. “Her and Giles fight for his attention.” She glanced at Heather. “Much to Heather’ s amusement.”

“I have people fighting over my son to take care of him.” Heather sighed. “It’s heaven. I get to chill and wind down a bit when I need to go for a walk on my own or visit my eagle, Jasper.”

“Is Jasper still alive?” Barb asked curiously.

“Oh, yes.” Heather nodded. “Bald eagles live to be thirty years old. Some even get to fifty.”

“Huh!” Barb said, amazed. “I’ve lived with you for two years, and it still amazes me that you have absolutely no fear when it comes to wild animals.”

“I have a healthy respect for wildlife,” Heather replied. “And I do fear some animals, like polar bears. Those huge white snowballs are like the assassins of the wild. They will hunt you down when they have your scent.”

“But you’ve been photographed with one,” Barb commented.

“It was knocked out with heavy sedatives,” Heather told her. “And we had to cover up our scent and take a whole lot of other precautions, then make sure we were far away before it woke up.”

“You’re crazy!” Emily stated and looked at Barb. “Since she told us that story. I keep waiting for a freakin’ polar bear to pop out of nowhere looking for her.”

Heather laughed at her cousin. “Don’t worry, Em, I’m sure that’s not going to happen.”

“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 attention back 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 will not welcome 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 a father.”

“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 this is 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. “Our grandmother 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.”

“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 the trip, 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 so it 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 temperature had 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.”

“I have a few you can borrow,” Emily offered before instructing Garth to take Barb’s luggage to Bungalow One. “You’ll love it—it’s just been revamped and has the best views of the lake, mountains, and orchard.”

“That sounds heavenly.” Barb sighed, the weariness in her bones making her long for the comfort of the bungalow.

“It’s got three bedrooms, and we set up a crib in the one closest to yours,” Emily added, smiling. “And there’s a state-of-the-art baby monitor so that you can keep an eye on Charlotte from anywhere in the bungalow.”

“You didn’t have to go to all that trouble,” Barb protested, though her heart swelled with gratitude.

“You’re right next door to us,” Heather said, pointing to Bungalow Two. “So you’ll have company.”

As they noticed the other limo parked near the entrance, Emily said, “I’ll find out who it belongs to.” Then, turning to Barb, she asked, “Do you want to come inside for hot chocolate or head straight to your bungalow?”

“Do you think I could get that sent to my bungalow?” Barb asked, giving an apologetic smile. “I’m beyond exhausted. I just want to soak in a bath, eat something, and crash.”

“Of course,” Emily said, her eyes lighting up as she suddenly remembered, “I should’ve arranged for Jackie to be here tonight.”

“Jackie?” Barb asked, confused.

“The nanny we hired for you,” Emily explained.

“Oh, that’s okay,” Barb assured her. “I’ll be fine.”

“Hank, Giles, Avery, and Ryder are going to Denver this evening,” Emily piped up. “They are staying over. Why don’t I take Oscar for a sleepover with Rosie?”

Oscar’s face lit up at the idea. “Please, can I, Mom?”

“Sure,” Barb said. “But let’s get settled in first.”

Heather grabbed the keys and led the group to the bungalows. The group walked down a charming path lined with twinkling lights. The bungalows were nestled among the trees, each offering a slice of privacy. As they reached the cozy log structures, Barb noticed two larger chalets further down.

“Wow!” Barb whistled in admiration. “Those are more like chalets than bungalows.”

Emily laughed. “Gran calls them executive bungalows, but you’re right—they’re definitely chalets. ”

Barb shook her head, grinning as they climbed the steps to the porch. “They’re stunning.”

Once inside, the warmth of Bungalow One enveloped Barb, chasing away the last remnants of the cold. Garth swiftly stored their luggage. Emily helped Oscar grab some clothes while Heather gave Barb a quick tour of the space, showing her how to operate everything.

Ten minutes later, Emily and Oscar left while Heather helped Barb unpack the groceries she’d bought in Frisco when Barb remembered she hadn’t given Emily Oscar’s inhaler.

“Oh, shoot,” Barb hissed. “I need to take Oscar’s inhaler to Emily and explain how to use it.” She glanced down the hall to the room where Charlotte was sleeping.

“Go!” Heather smiled. “I’ll stay with Charlotte, and while you’re at the lodge, order yourself some dinner to be delivered here.”

Grabbing her coat, Barb rushed out, only to slip on a patch of ice. Her heart lurched as she lost her footing, bracing herself for the fall—only to be caught by a pair of strong arms.

“Whoa there!” a deep, familiar voice rumbled, sending a jolt through her.

Barb spun around, her breath catching as she stared into a pair of amber eyes she never thought she’d see again. “Zac?” she gasped, her voice trembling with shock.