The Accidental Mrs. Mackenzie Read Online Free PDF

than she’d expected, Brynn hurried out of her room. Still, she was unable to resist learning more about her surroundings. Once downstairs, Brynn took her time finding the dining room.
    In the confusion of arriving the previous afternoon, she hadn’t had the time or opportunity to really look at the interior of the lodge. Now she saw that log-planked walls of the spacious lobby led to other wings that widened and rose above the main area. Discreet signs indicated that dining rooms and banquet halls were close by.
    Huge picture windows allowed the mountains and farreaching views to come inside. Tastefully, the MacKenzies hadn’t given in to the formerly faddish rage of decorating in a Southwestern motif. The true Western style, interspersed with striking antiques and traditional pieces, was far more intriguing.
    Comfortable, overstuffed leather chairs invited her to sink into their depths. Grouped to take advantage of the imposing river-rock fireplace, more chairs, covered in tasteful, warmcolored fabric, flanked it on each side, and long, deep-seated couches faced them.
    Tables of heavy wood burl offered a place to rest a book or hot drink and ottomans offered equally pleasing spots to rest tired feet. Tall indoor trees soared toward the atriumlike ceiling. Skylights crisscrossed the roof, meeting the floor-to-ceiling windows. Except for the reflections of the sun glinting off the polished glass, it looked as though the lobby were set outdoors beneath the pines.
    What a magical place to grow up in, she decided, thinking of all the towns and cities she’d lived in during her childhood and adolescence, how eventually they had all blended into one faceless, anonymous lump.
    But her mother had been restless, unable to settle long in any one place, always sure that she’d find that elusive “greener grass.” Brynn didn’t think that grass existed for Charlene Magee, but she’d never voiced that opinion—not that her mother would have listened.
    What must it feel like to have always lived in one sturdy home? Lived there long enough to memorize the scenery, to have the landmarks branded in your consciousness for all time. No wonder Gregory was such a sensitive, far-thinking man. He’d taken this solid background and used it as a launching pad into an equally solid career, one that had brought him success and recognition.
    Recognition that had gotten him kidnapped.
    Trying not to think of that, or how he was faring, Brynn. thought instead of the weeks and months of jogging along the same paths, the serious concentration he put into that task, as well.
    She’d often dreamed of approaching him—jogging casually alongside him and introducing herself—and of course, his response. He would begin with a casual invitation to coffee...then dinner...and before long they’d be inseparable. He would wonder how he could have jogged past her so many times before asking her out. They would laugh together over his timing; then the laughter would give way to passion as they realized why they truly belonged together. And...
    “Brynn. Brynn! Are you all right?” Miranda MacKenzie reached out one hand to gently tap her arm.
    “I’m sorry. Just thinking, I guess. About how beautiful the lodge is... And about Gregory.”
    “It’s painful for us all, my dear.” Flagrantly dyed blond hair bobbed as Miranda nodded her head. Ten years older than her brother Frank, she was holding on to the last of her middle age with a vengeance. Carefully applied makeup hid many of those years, as did her sharp, intelligent eyes and agile movements. Now that gaze met Brynn’s. “But he’s a sharp boy. Always was. Always figuring angles, coming up with answers no one else does. If anyone can get out of a sticky wicket, it’s our Gregory.”
    Brynn listened to this new information about him, eager as always to gather more details. “Really?”
    Miranda tipped her head, studying Brynn. “But surely you already know that. Gregory is a fairly open