Mistletoe Wedding Read Online Free PDF Page B

to disappear.” Her attitude annoyed him. Not only that, she was confusing Brooklyn, who wanted to join in the fun and hang ornaments on a tree with others.
    Not his problem, he reminded himself.
    He stood. “Thanks for keeping me company during breakfast, Brooklyn.”
    The little girl’s face fell. “You have to go?”
    The sad tone of her voice poked at him like a hoof pick, but he couldn’t stay. Hanging around would be a waste of time. He had work to do. “Yes. Remember, I’m the boss man.”
    She nodded, but her eyes gleamed, as if on the verge of tears.
    “Brooklyn . . . ” Meg’s voice held a warning.
    Ty touched the girl’s shoulder. “I’ll see you later.”
    Brooklyn perked up. Her gaze narrowed. “When?”
    He nearly laughed at her serious expression. “After my chores are finished.”
    “How long will that take?” she asked.
    Meg shook her head.
    “Depends on when I get started,” he answered.
    “Go.” Brooklyn waved him off. “Now.”
    “Brooklyn Redstone.” Meg’s voice sounded sharper this time. “That’s not nice.”
    “If he goes right now, he’ll be back sooner,” Brooklyn explained.
    “Can’t beat a six-year-old’s logic,” he said before Meg could speak. She needed to relax. Her kid was six and speaking her mind. He didn’t mind, so why should her mother be bothered. “Looks like I’ll have to start calling you, Boss Girl.”
    Brooklyn beamed. “I like that, Boss Man.”
    Meg cleared her throat. “Thanks again for bringing Brooklyn to breakfast.”
    Her dismissive tone bristled. He’d done something to rub Meg the wrong way. Probably better for him to get out of here. He’d learned to cut his losses with women before things got out of hand or too serious. He tipped his head at the two females. “Enjoy your day, ladies.”
    “You, too, Boss Man.” Brooklyn’s sweet voice was auditory sunshine and made him smile.
    “Will you be out in the barn?” he asked Meg.
    “Not until later,” she said. “I have to drop Brooklyn off at her babysitter’s first.”
    The girl pouted. She crossed her arms over her chest, then harrumphed.
    Someone wanted to stay at the ranch. Too bad he was busy. Not that he was up for watching a kid longer than a meal or a trail ride. Best to go now. “Have a nice day.”
    He headed out, feeling two pairs of eyes on him.
    Walk away, Murphy. Don’t look back.
    Even if a part of him was . . . tempted.

Chapter Three

    T he tree decorating party was in full swing. Meg felt as if the date were December 24 th , not still November, with so much holiday cheer filling the lodge’s great room. Christmas carols played. Jingle bells rang each time a door opened. Laughter and giggles, particularly from Brooklyn, warmed Meg’s heart.
    The smells of vanilla and cinnamon tantalized. No doubt, another one of Rachel’s magnificent desserts. The baker-chef had outdone herself tonight and provided a hint of the dream-come-true cake she planned to bake for Caitlin Butler and Noah Sullivan’s upcoming wedding.
    Only three weeks away.
    Ellie, a young woman on the ranch’s housekeeping staff, handed a glass to Meg. “Rachel wants you to try her eggnog. It’s her special recipe.”
    “Thanks.” Meg took a sip. She tasted nutmeg, cinnamon, a hint of cloves, and a hefty dose of rum. “Delicious, though I have a feeling, potent.”
    Ellie grinned. “Wait until you try her gingerbread cookies. Less potent, unless you plan on weighing yourself the next morning.”
    Meg doubted there was nothing Rachel couldn’t make given the amazing spread of food in the dining room. If tonight was a sign of what was to come food-wise at the Bar V5 during the holidays, her New Year’s resolutions would be about dieting and exercise. Not that she had any complaints—she loved to eat—but her waistbands might not be too happy with the outcome.
    Glass in hand, she moved toward the tree, at least sixteen feet tall, centered between two floor-to-ceiling windows. The