The Accidental Mrs. Mackenzie Read Online Free PDF Page B

book—if you can find the index. He likes to put on airs as though he’s part of an old Eastern family rather than an equally respectable Westem one, but I’ve never let that dissuade me. And gauging from what I’ve seen, I doubt you do, either.”
    Brynn remembered to shake her head and pretend that this was old news. “No, of course not. I’m sure—I mean, I know that Gregory is very proud of his heritage.”
    Miranda looked puzzled again. “Usually not so that it shows. But I expect he let you beneath the layers since he married you. It would be horrific to keep up a pretense like that for long.”
    “Absolutely,” Brynn agreed with conviction. Nothing less than horrific. “I thought I smelled waffles....”
    “Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot you hadn’t eaten. There are waffles, omelets, french toast, you name it—it’s all good. We have a minibrunch during the week, and on weekends it lasts till three in the afternoon, and we serve up everything but the woodwork. And there are times I wouldn’t swear we hadn’t thrown in a two-by-four, as well. But the guests love it.” She took Brynn’ arm. “The dining room’s this way. And everyone’s dying to meet you.”
    Brynn. gulped. “Gregory has more family?”
    Miranda chuckled. “Not exactly. I was referring to the staff—but they’re just like family. I think Dustin’s the only one who actually met you when he brought up your drafting table. The others wanted to meet you as well, but Ruth insisted that you be given your rest and some privacy. Now I think your time’s up!”
    It was hard to take offense at Miranda’s cheerful manner or words. So she was going to be the center of attention. Inwardly, Brynn cringed, hating just such situations. It was one of the reasons she loved her chosen field; she didn’t have to deal with many attention-getting predicaments since it was Stephanie’s face that graced the funny papers. Smoothing her hands down the soft fabric of her long skirt, Brynn hoped for some composure.
    But composure flew out the window when the staff surrounded her, introducing themselves, asking her dozens of questions, crowding out any responses she had to make. It was at once overwhelming and heartwarming. As the MacKenzie family had done, the resort staff welcomed her with warmth and affection. It amazed her to think such openness existed outside of sitcoms and fairy tales.
    When she finally sat down at a table, she nearly forgot she was there to eat. Instead, she let her dazed senses take in only a portion of what had transpired in the last twenty-four hours.
    “You forgot to get a plate—” an amused voice washed over her “—not that one of your new devotees wouldn’t be happy to fetch a plate, or fill it with what you want.”
    Brynn raised startled eyes and focused them on Matt MacKenzie. He sat at a small table next to hers, some sort of ledger spread out in front of him, along with a carafe of coffee and a thick white mug.
    “Good morning,” she replied cautiously. “Where do I get a plate?”
    He gestured toward the buffet cart. “Unless you’d rather have something from the menu, but the brunch has the best of both—the day’s specials and the pick of the menu.”
    “Uhm, thanks.” She rose, suddenly self-conscious as she made her way to the cart to join the other guests already lined up for the buffet. Steaming servers held all sorts of wonderful-looking things, while a second smaller tray was filled with ice, cooling sliced fresh fruit, yogurt and cream cheese.
    Deciding on a piece of french toast and some berries, Brynn carried her plate back, pausing as she looked between the table she’d chosen and the one Matt dominated. She wasn’t certain she wanted to share that small space with him. Turned halfway toward her table, she stopped as Matt spoke.
    “Would you care to join me?”
    She wavered, wishfully glancing at the safety of her previous table before twisting back to face him. “ Sure—uh, I mean, that