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Authors: Bonnie K. Winn

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BOOK: The Accidental Mrs. Mackenzie
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Before Brynn could reply, Ruth pulled her forward in a huge hug. Helplessly she was enveloped by each family member.
Never having encountered such an outpouring of loving welcome, Brynn was speechless.
“Hey guys! Look! Brynn draws comics!” Andy called out from her drawing board.
“Really?” Heather questioned, turning to Brynn. “Real comics? In the newspaper?”
Uncomfortable with praise, Brynn shrugged, downplaying the cartoon. “I draw a strip.”
Heather had moved over to the drawing board as well. “It’s
Stephanie
,” she shrieked. “My favorite!”
“Mine, too,” Andy insisted, not to be outdone.
“We all read it,” Ruth chimed in.
“I never miss it,” Miranda added. “I can’t wait to see what new scrape Stephanie’s gotten herself into!”
Brynn felt a blush begin. While she loved hearing that people read her strip, she never knew quite what to say. “Sometimes I feel that way, too, when I start to draw it.”
They all laughed appreciatively and Brynn relaxed a fraction.
“Then you work at home?” Frank asked.
“Yes, it’s great. I get to be my own boss.” She pushed at her oversize glasses. “And I don’t have to go to an office.”
“You could work in your jammies if you wanted to,” Miranda guessed.
“When it snows, I often do,” Brynn admitted.
“You don’t have to go to an office at all?” Ruth questioned.
“No. I send my work by courier to the publisher.” She gestured toward her drafting table. “So this is it.”
A new light was twinkling in Ruth’s eyes. “So, your work is completely portable? You can do it wherever you want?”
“Luckily, yes. I’ve finished more than one strip while I’ve been traveling.”
Ruth clapped her hands together. “That’s perfect!”
Brynn felt the first stirrings of premonition a shade too late. “What do you mean?”
Ruth turned to the rest of her family, sharing a smile with them. “Then you
can
come home with us!”
Brynn could only stare.
“Family should be together at a time like this,” Miranda added. “And we’d so hoped you’d be able to come home with us, but we didn’t know what other commitments you had in the city.”
“But now that we know you don’t have other family here and you don’t have to be at an office...” Frank added.
“I can’t possibly leave,” Brynn began desperately. “I have to be in my studio to work....” Glancing around, she searched frantically for excuses. “And I couldn’t possibly impose.”
They all laughed as though she’d made a huge joke.
“Since the ski resort has more than a hundred rooms, we can probably squeeze you in
somehow
,” Frank replied.
Ski resort?
“But I have to get my work to the courier,” Brynn protested. “So you see—”
“Even though it’s not ski season yet, we have enough off-season visitors to send the shuttle down real often. That’s not a problem.”
“And I have my pets.” She seized on that excuse, feeling inspired that she’d remembered her little brood.
“With thousands of acres of land, a few pets aren’t a problem.”
“You don’t understand. They’re really difficult at times. Snookems is nearly blind. Bossy has a terrible mouth. And Lancelot is only sociable with me. He was abused by his former owner and I’ve just gotten him to trust me. He’s unfriendly and aggressive toward strangers.” As she spoke, Brynn glanced across the room, seeing that Heather was gently petting Lancelot who was loving it. “Most of the time, anyway.”
Heather met her eyes. “If you come home with us, it’d be like having part of Gregory there.”
Brynn could see the distress on the girl’s face; she had been badly shaken by her brother’s kidnapping. Glancing at the rest of the family, Brynn saw similar reactions. While they were bearing up under the pain, they were all equally affected Knowing they were struggling to maintain optimistic, happy attitudes for her benefit made the ache in her heart that much stronger. But deceiving them would only make that worse. “I’m so sorry, but I—”
Ruth tugged on her arm, dragging her away. “Could I get a glass of water, my dear?”
“Certainly.” Brynn glanced once more at the expectant faces and then pushed through the swing door into the small kitchen, Ruth tagging right behind her.
She reached for a glass but Ruth stilled her arm. “The water was just an excuse. You can see that everyone’s just holding together by a thread.”
Brynn nodded, the truth bubbling on her tongue, churning in her stomach as she tried to think of how to best confess it.
“And I want to tell you about Frank’s health.”
When Ruth’s lips began to quiver, Brynn instantly took her hands. “His health?”
Ruth took a deep breath. “Frank had a triple bypass recently and he’s still not well. When word came of Gregory’s disappearance—” she put two fingers against her lips to stop their trembling “—I thought we might lose Frank, as well. That’s why it’s so important that you come with us. If he had something of Gregory’s to hold on to, to keep Frank’s hope alive...” Ruth smiled then—a tremulous lifting of her lips. “And nothing would be better than Gregory’s perfect bride. As soon as we received the album and saw that you two had been married, it brought Frank out of his downward spiral. So you see how important you are...how important it is that you come home with us.”
“Brynn! Where’s your suitcase?” Miranda’s voice carried into the kitchen, startling them both, prompting Brynn into action.
She pushed open the kitchen door. “But I didn’t say I could leave, and...” Her voice trailed off as she met their expectant faces, her gaze lingering on Frank’s pale countenance.
Ruth went to stand beside her husband, her eyes pleading with Brynn, silently reminding her of his precarious health.
“Like I said, I have the pets....”
Heather scooped up Lancelot. “I’ve got the dog and Andy can take Snookems. There’s plenty of room in the van for your bird and drawing board, too. We brought the resort bus. Please, Brynn?”
Meeting their faces one more time, lingering on Frank’s shaky expression and Ruth’s beseeching one, she crumbled. Knowing she was crazy, her eyelids fluttered shut briefly. As Brynn opened them, she managed a smile. “I suppose I could come for a while.”
A general whoop echoed throughout the room. Miranda took the bird’s cage from its stand, looking around for the cover as Frank started to clear her drawing table. Andy was collecting the dog leash from the hook by the door as Heather searched in the hall closet Brynn had indicated for a suitcase.
Ruth smiled widely. “Just until Gregory comes home.”
Brynn whipped her head around to see them all smiling and nodding in agreement, realizing she’d just arranged for the final take in her wedding album.
Chapter Two
T
he drive northward was far more magnificent than Brynn had expected. Early fall had carpeted the canyons with color—not only brilliant autumn reds and oranges. Gold, crimson, purple and sienna leaped from nature’s wildest palette. As they climbed in altitude, snowcapped summits rose above the timber line and aspen leaves trembled against spruce’s dark green. Wildly soaring mountain peaks competed with plunging canyons. It was a land of contrasts—start and beautiful.
Through the open window she could smell the Douglas firs, mountain lupine and the unmistakable novelty of clean, fresh air. Beyond each crest was another discovery, a newly unfolding panorama.
Unable to tell the MacKenzies that she didn’t know which ski resort they spoke of, Brynn had no idea they planned to travel so far northward, away from the multitude of ski resorts that were closely situated to Salt Lake City, most within halt an hour to an hour from the city. Instead they passed even the well-known northern resorts—Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, Nordic Valley—as they continued driving.
She hadn’t expected to see the rush of Logan River and the mountain streams. or to experience sensory overload from more colors than she believed existed in even the most daring artist’s imagination. It was a true feast for the senses.
Baffled, Brynn could only take in the scenery as she tried to guess where in the world they were going. Vaguely she knew that Sun Valley was to the north in Idaho, and wondered if that was their ultimate destination.
Heather and Andy had kept up a steady stream of conversation, each positioned on either side of her.
Bossy continued adding more than his two cents’ worth—Brynn figured he was up to at least a ten-dollar bill by now. She couldn’t help wondering what the MacKenzies thought of her bird’s salty language. But they seldom stopped talking, all wanting to tell her about Gregory, the family, the resort, and just about anything else that popped into their minds.
Used to a quiet, solitary life, Brynn was fairly overwhelmed by it all, but found herself charmed rather than annoyed. She was touched that they were so eager to include her. She couldn’t help but wonder if these bizarre circumstances would bring her and Gregory together at last.
Gregory would be thin when he came back after his ordeal, realizing that life was shorter than he’d ever imagined. Realizing that it wouldn’t be complete without the woman he loved by his side. Realizing that Brynn was that woman—not some shallow socialite, but a genuine woman; one who appreciated the sensitive side he kept hidden. One who—
“Brynn. Brynn,” Heather repeated. “We’re here. This is the road that leads to our place.”
Jerked back to reality, Brynn stared ahead at the road that appeared to climb the mountain. Swallowing, she gulped back her apprehension and smiled at the girl. “I can’t wait to see everything.”
The road, a daunting course of switchbacks, wound upward, but Brynn found herself nearly hanging out the window in anticipation rather than fear. As Ruth navigated the turns, it was clear she’d had a great deal of experience driving the challenging road.
“Do tourists ever get intimidated by the approach?” Brynn finally asked, staring downward at a steep canyon drop-off.
Miranda chuckled. “Most of our guests prefer to take the shuttle. There’s not much need for a rental car when you spend all your time on the slopes in the winter, or hiking in the off-season.”
Brynn listened as she watched the panorama unfold. Each bend took them to more brilliant foliage, more exquisite views. When the bus cornered one particularly narrow bit of road, the vista that suddenly opened up was so incredible, Brynn blinked to see if it was real. While she was well acquainted with the eye-popping scenery throughout the state, this particular view looked as through it stretched out endlessly. “It must be wonderful to see this every day,” she breathed, caught up in the wonder.
Frank chuckled. “I’ll be glad to hear you say that in the winter when we’re under a ton of snow.”
Winter! Surely they didn’t think she was staying until then. She only planned to stay a few days at the most.
But the road was leading to a wide-open space. An exquisitely carved sign indicated the resort entrance. Everyone in the van began talking at the same time and Brynn wondered how any of them could follow what was being said. She couldn’t have wedged in a protest with an industrial-strength shoehorn.
The bus bumped over a bit of rough road, then sped on toward the sprawling lodge that dominated the mountaintop. Brynn was briefly reminded of the mystical headquarters of the gods, looming over the rest of the world. Was this Zeus’s second home?
Tall spruce towered over the imposing redwood-and-stone structure, making it, too, look as though it had been lifted from a postcard. Entranced, Brynn climbed quietly from the bus as the others chattered, everyone grabbing pieces of her luggage and life as they prepared to go inside. Lancelot strained on his leash as Bossy warned them that “Last call” was in effect.
The place literally took her breath away. It was the sort of resort that awed, welcomed, charmed and made you feel as though you’d just stepped into the postcard, as well. Far larger than she’d expected, Eagle Point was impressive and then some. Somehow she’d envisioned a quaint family lodge—not this prosperous-looking resort.
Suitcases, birdcage, drafting table and supplies scattered about her, Brynn supposed she must look like one of the Beverly Hillbillies come to stay. Only Granny and Jethro were missing from the tableau.
As a tall, lean man unfolded his body from the glider near the massive double entry doors, she wondered if Jethro, too, was about to make an appearance.
“Matt!” Ruth called out, obviously delighted. “You’re home!”
Wondering who Matt was, Brynn tugged gently on Lancelot’s leash so that the dog wouldn’t growl or jump at him. Brynn guessed that Lancelot’s former abusive owner had been a man, since the dog was most agitated around men.
But Matt didn’t rush his approach. In fact, he only took a few steps forward, meeting his family partway. While the others crowded around him, he answered their questions, but his gaze never left Brynn. Uncomfortable beneath his scrutiny, she awkwardly dug the toes of her sandals into the soft grass.
As the babble died down a bit, Matt gestured toward her and Ruth jumped on the opportunity. “Of course, Matt, you haven’t met the newest member of the family.”
Brynn grimaced at Ruth’s choice of words. But Matt didn’t seem to notice, allowing his mother to think she was in control as she tugged his tall body in Brynn’s direction.
“I got so caught up in Matt’s update about Gregory that I nearly forgot you were standing there,” Ruth babbled. “Matt just got back from Washington—trying to find out more about what’s being done to find Gregory.” Tears threatened, then Ruth smiled. “But I didn’t mean to leave you out. Brynn, this is Gregory’s brother, Matt.”
Another brother. Why couldn’t Gregory have been an orphan?
She tried to ignore the fact that Matt was sizing her up as she greeted him. “I’m pleased to meet you. I ... I’ve heard so many nice things about you.”
His eyebrows rose. “Not from Gregory you didn’t.”
Brynn sucked in a deep breath, not certain it was relief she felt. So the jig was up. “Well—”
“Gregory never has anything ‘nice’ to say about me,” Matt continued, his scrutiny not pausing. “Unfortunately, he didn’t have anything to say about you, either. So, you’re a complete mystery.”
Brynn managed to smile, barely. “Perhaps I exaggerated. Maybe...‘nice’ isn’t the right word.”
“Perhaps,” he agreed. “But you’re still a mystery.”
Brynn willed herself not to flush. “So are all of you,” she responded, not without a touch of irony.
“But then normally the family gets the chance to meet the new bride
before
the ceremony’s a done deal.”
“Well... uh... yes...” she stuttered.
Ruth playfully swatted her tall son. “That’s enough of that. Brynn and Gregory have every right to get married the way they want.” Ruth turned sympathetic eyes toward Brynn. “I’ll admit I would love to have seen you walk down the aisle, but the important thing is that you two found each other, made a commitment before...before.” Her voice wavered and tears were threatening again.
Matt put an arm around his mother and she smiled bravely. “Look at me, starting off again and today such a special day. We’ve brought home a part of our family and I
know
Gregory will join us soon.”
Brynn looked helplessly between Ruth and Matt.
“Welcome to the family,” Matt added slowly. With his free hand, he pushed at his already tousled hair. “We’re all pretty stressed about Gregory....”
Brynn waved her hands to stop the flow of words. “Please don’t apologize.” She didn’t think she could stand any more guilt. At this rate she’d be under tons of the uncomfortable emotion soon. “I’m afraid I’ve made an already difficult situation worse by being here. I’ll leave on the next shuttle to the city.”
“I won’t hear of it!” Ruth declared in a rapidly rising voice.
“Hear of what?” her husband questioned as he rejoined them, his face pale, his breathing uneven.
“Brynn’s talking of leaving.”
“We won’t hear of it,” Frank declared, his voice still weak, but his tone filled with conviction. “We’ve barely gotten you here. You can’t leave.”
“Leave?” Heather questioned, bending to pet Lancelot as she, too. joined them. “Who’s leaving?”
“Brynn says she is,” Ruth replied, clearly agitated.
“But why, Brynn?” Heather asked, turning large, hopeful eyes on her. “Don’t you like it here?”
“It’s not that.... It’s just that I’m making things worse for your family and—”
“Of course you’re not!” Ruth contradicted her. “Your being here makes things easier.” She reached out to enfold Brynn’s hand. “We have a link to Gregory through you. And that’s very precious to us.”
And very bogus
, Brynn wanted to add. “But I don’t want to trouble you. This isn’t a good time for guests—”
“Number one, you’re not a guest, you’re family,” Frank interrupted. “Number two. You keep forgetting our business is guests. Wouldn’t have a business without them. So stop worrying.”
She’d barely gotten here and she was already sinking fast. There were simply too many things she didn’t know, couldn’t know about Gregory and his family.
She nearly thumped the side of her head. But you’d think she could remember they were at a ski resort since the mammoth buildings surrounded her, not to mention the ski lifts dotting the mountainsides. Feeling as she often did when lost in her daydreams, Brynn wished she wasn’t always one step out of pace.
Heather picked up Bossy’s cage. “I’ll take this in and show you to your room. Mom picked out the best one for you this morning.”
Ruth had been very sure of her persuasive powers, Brynn acknowledged silently. “Thank you. I wouldn’t mind freshening up.”
Matt grasped her suitcases, looking skeptically at the dog and cat.
“They’ll follow,” Brynn told him. “They’re not used to being outside and I’m afraid they’d get hopelessly lost.”
“We’re used to dogs at the resort,” Matt replied, not mentioning the cat.
The omission worried her. “Snookems won’t get into anything. She doesn’t have much sight left, so she sticks pretty close.”
“Just what I wanted to hear,” he muttered.
“I knew I shouldn’t have come with the pets and all—”
“Don’t start that again,” Matt warned. “You don’t want to see Act Two if you get Mother stirred up.”
“He’s right,” Heather agreed tactlessly. “Mom’ll come unglued.”
“And the meltdown’s not always pleasant,” Matt added as they left the stone floor of the spacious lobby and ascended the stairs. “She’s on the edge already. Won’t take much to push her over.”
Brynn bit down on her lower lip, considering. The MacKenzies were lovely people and she didn’t want to contribute to Ruth’s breakdown. Still, when they discovered the truth, the meltdown would be on a nuclear scale. Obviously the best plan was to make her stay brief, leave behind good feelings, and escape before Gregory returned. And then when he did come back and discovered how noble she’d been, he’d be grateful. Grateful and more, because his eyes would finally be opened. He would see her as she really was, rather than—
“This is your room,” Matt told her, shouldering open the door.
Brynn shook off her daydreams and followed him, trailed by Heather, Lancelot and Snookems. Their mini-parade came to a halt when Matt lifted the heavy suitcases onto the luggage rack near the door as though they were weightless.
The effortless bunching of his considerable muscles led Brynn to believe that this MacKenzie brother must be one who used his brawn instead of his brain. Probably a ski burn, one of those dedicated only to the slopes, rather than pursuing important goals or a career. And having a resort in the family was a cushy way to indulge that habit.
BOOK: The Accidental Mrs. Mackenzie
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