Christmas at Barncastle Inn: Four-in-One Collection

by Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin, Janelle Mowery, Lynette Sowell

  The kids looked at each other then at her again. Brandon scrunched up his face. “But we have our own legs to run on. Why do we need wooden ones?”

  Stephanie smiled. She had no doubt Brandon would be the one to question this part of the hunt. “You’re pirates, so you have to dress and act the part.” She motioned to Jayne, who pulled the patches and legs out of a box. “We’re going to help you get these on. Then I’ll give you the first set of directions.”

  The kids slid the patches over their eyes while she and Jayne strapped the wooden pegs to the kids’ legs. Brandon grinned when he saw how they had to “wear” the pegs.

  “I thought we’d have to use these fake legs instead of our real ones.”

  Stephanie grasped the rim of his tricorn and gave it a tug. “I know that’s what you thought, and I can fix these up so you can do just that if you’d like.”

  He shook his head. “Nope. I like it like this better.”

  “I thought you would.” She pulled the paper out of her pocket. “Written on this is your first set of directions that will lead you to the next location where you’ll find your next set of directions. Keep following each of them until you reach the treasure.”

  Jen grabbed the paper. “The first step in this search of yours will take you down many more. Go down the stairs to the water’s edge. More directions can be found on the shore.”

  Squealing, the children raced off the porch. Jayne leaned over the railing and cupped her mouth.

  “Be careful. Those steps might be slippery.”

  Stephanie picked up the paper Jen had dropped. Then she returned to Matt’s side to watch the kids find the next part of the hunt. “You sure the directions can still be seen scratched in the ice after all this time? They’ll be mighty upset to get down there and not find anything.”

  He motioned with his head. “Watch.”

  She leaned closer so as not to be heard by others. “Have you seen Greg anywhere?”

  “Nope. And I’ve been looking. You think he went out to eat with Steve and Emily?”

  “Doubtful. They wanted a romantic evening alone before listening to all the noise of the kids opening their presents in the morning.”

  “So it’s just yours and Jayne’s gifts they’ll get tonight?”

  “If they can find them.”

  He laughed. “Oh come on. Knowing you, you made sure the directions were clear enough for a baby to follow.”

  She bumped him. “I’m not that easy. They have to work for the goods.”

  He pointed. “They’re off to the third set of directions.”

  They all moved to the end of the porch to keep the kids in sight. Jayne gave Stephanie a hug.

  “You did a great job on this hunt. This is the most excited I’ve seen them yet.”

  “Thank you, but they’ve loved every bit of this vacation, starting with the great rooms you decorated. I still don’t know how you do it.”

  “I love it.”

  “It shows.” She glanced at Matt. He was no longer watching the kids. “What’s wrong?”

  He shook his head. “A feeling. Did Greg see your list for the treasure map? Does he know all the locations?”

  “Not that I know of, unless he went in my room without my knowledge.”

  Matt glanced at the kids one more time. “I’m going to go to the final stage. I just want to make sure nothing goes wrong. You did too great a job coming up with this idea.”

  “You need help?”

  She could see his mind working. Finally he shook his head. “Best keep an eye on the kids. We’ll join up again at the end.”

  “All right. See ya later.”

  Maybe that’s when they’d get their chance for the serioustalk Matt had mentioned. Whenever it happened, she looked forward to some alone time with him.

  “There they go.” Luke had his arm around Jayne as she pointed at the kids. “Where to next?”

  Jayne peeked at Stephanie. “The ‘W’ tree. You think they figured out that last verse in order to find that tree?”

  “I hope so. I tried to make it as clear as possible. Plus Andy knows about the tree and I mentioned how the tree looked like a letter the other day. Hopefully, they’ll remember.”

  Jayne grinned. “Matt’s right. You made it easy on purpose.”

  She shrugged. “I can’t help it. I want them to succeed.”

  As they watched, the kids did find the tree as well as the next three locations after that. Jayne smiled at Stephanie again as the children ran toward the barn.

  “This one borders on mean, Steph. You know full well they’re going to think their gifts are in that chest on the ship.”

  She laughed. “I know. But like the Magi stopping in Jerusalem and learning they still had farther to go, the kids will find the note inside the chest and learn they’re not finished yet.”

  Jayne grinned. “Like I said. Mean.”

  Luke, Jayne, and Stephanie descended the steps of the porch and headed toward the place where the end of the hunt would take place. The kids only had one more stop after the chest before they reached their destination, and they all wanted to be there to see what happened. When someone yelled, they stopped and looked toward the barn.

  Then they heard Jennifer’s voice loud and clear. “No!”

  The shout sent them running toward the barn as fast as they could.

  Chapter 9

  Luke was the first through the barn door with Jayne and Stephanie right behind. Stephanie moved around them for a better view. The three children stood on the ship with the lid to the chest open. They all looked down at them.

  Jen stomped to the ship’s rail. “Where’s the next set of directions? The chest is empty.”

  Stephanie and Jayne blew out a breath and exchanged a look; then they hurried up the steps to see for themselves. Stephanie peeked inside. She’d put the instructions inside the chest herself. So where were they?

  She shrugged at the kids. “I guess some other pirates got here before you. Lucky for you, I’ve got a copy of the directions.” She dug into her pocket and tore out the missing verse from her sheet. “Here you go. Better hurry so the other pirates won’t find the treasure before you.”

  Jen was the first to reach for the verse. “You’re almost there. The treasure’s near. But things aren’t always as they appear. The three kings trailed a star to this place, in order to see their Savior’s face.”

  Brandon stuck out his bottom lip. “We can’t get to Bethlehem.”

  Andy hopped from one foot to the other. “No, but the manger scene’s out in front of our house.”

  Once again, the kids were off as fast as they could run. The three adults tried to keep up. They came around the corner of the house to find the kids kneeling around the manger.

  Stephanie groaned. “Man, I need a camera. That would make a great picture.”

  She spotted Matt standing at the panel waiting for the perfect moment to throw the switch. She gave him a smile and nod and received a thumbs-up.

  The kids were moving, obviously looking for the final note. They glanced back at her. Stephanie’s heart dropped. Were the directions missing again? She was about to join them when Andy gave a shout. He waved the paper in the air then handed it to Jennifer.

  “The star was key back in Christ’s day, and now you’ll see it light your way.”

  Stephanie motioned to Matt. He lifted the switch and the bright beam of light rose into the sky from behind the head of the baby Jesus.

  “Whoa!”

  “Look at that!”

  Brandon rose to his feet. “Oh man! It goes all the way up so you can’t even see the end.”

  Their reaction was what Stephanie had hoped for. She had to admit, the sight was impressive, especially now that dusk was minutes away. Jayne moved to her side and gave her a hug.

  “Very nice.”

  “Thanks.”

  Brandon dropped back to his knees. “What else does that paper say?”

  As Jen started re
ading again, Stephanie motioned to Matt again, then waited for the reflector to move into place.

  “Just track the beam and you will see a bounty of treasures for all you three.”

  Brandon scrunched his face. “Track the beam?”

  They all looked up again and repeated their first reactions. Jayne and Stephanie laughed. All three kids stood as their eyes followed the beam of light from the baby’s head, to the reflector several feet above them, and on to the large pile of straw mounded under a copse of trees.

  “There’s no treasure.” Brandon scowled their direction. “I don’t see no treasure.”

  Jayne took a step toward them with her hands out. “It’s buried, hon. You have to dig for it.”

  Seconds after Jayne’s words sank in, the kids raced to the straw and flung it everywhere. They squealed as packages were revealed. They didn’t stop until the straw lay flat.

  “Can we open them now?”

  Jen’s plaintive voice begged for a yes. Stephanie smiled and shook her head.

  “Let’s get them inside before the snow gets the paper all wet.” She looked around. “And before it gets completely dark. I think opening them in front of a warm fire sounds best, don’t you?”

  The kids moaned but scooped up as many gifts as their small arms could carry. The adults gathered the rest and followed the kids inside. Matt fell in step beside Stephanie.

  “That seemed to go well.”

  “It did. I think they had fun.”

  He smiled and winked. “What happened in the barn? Iwanted to run after you to make sure nothing had happened, but when I saw Luke with you, I stayed put to make sure nothing happened to the ending of the treasure hunt.”

  “The directions I’d put inside the chest were gone. The kids were upset.”

  “No doubt. What happened to it?”

  “I have no idea. I put the paper in the chest myself.”

  They walked several seconds in silence. Then Matt stopped her by grasping her arm.

  “Greg?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know who else would have the chance or even want to try to ruin the game. I think maybe he wanted you to look bad again, like the first time.”

  Matt blew out a breath as he shook his head. “I don’t figure this. How old is this guy?”

  “Old enough to know better, which is the scary part of all this.”

  “Have you said anything to Steve and Emily? You think they know anything about Greg’s odd behavior?”

  “I don’t know. They haven’t spent a lot of time around him, but you can be sure we’ll be having a talk when they get home.”

  He nodded. “Sounds like a good idea.” He motioned to the kids. “You enjoy their fun. I’m going to see if I can find Greg. Maybe he can explain himself before this goes any further.”

  “Be careful.”

  “I will. Have fun. And let me know about your talk with the Tollivers.”

  Stephanie’s eyes might have been on the kids as theyopened their presents, but her mind was on Matt and what he’d find.

  Matt headed straight for the parking lot. Greg’s car was gone. He hadn’t wasted any time running from trouble, even on Christmas Eve. Question was, would he be back? Matt returned inside and entered Greg’s room. Shirts and pants hung in the closet. More clothes still sat inside the dresser. Either he was in too big a hurry to pack, or he planned on coming back.

  Matt planned to watch him closely from now on. In the meantime, there was something he needed to do and was running out of time to get it done. The idea came to him the other day. Now he was convinced it needed to be done.

  He went in search of Jayne and found her in the kitchen. “I’ve got an errand to run. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  “And Greg?”

  “Gone, but his clothes are still here. Tell Luke to keep an eye on everyone. Try to keep everyone together inside.”

  “All right. Thanks, Matt.”

  He wasted little time driving to his house and grabbing the needed items. Jayne would have anything else he might need. He didn’t want to be away from the inn any longer than necessary.

  Greg still hadn’t returned when Matt arrived. Matt rushed to his room to get a new game put together. He didn’t have much time, but if need be, he’d work all night.

  With only a few hours of sleep, Matt rose the next morning and entered the kitchen with map in hand. “Merry Christmas.”

  Jayne eyed him for several moments. “Merry Christmas to you. You look tired. You play watchdog all night?”

  Matt poured himself a cup of coffee. “Part of it. The rest was spent working.”

  She frowned. “On what? Your job for this reservation is almost over.”

  “I know. But what I was working on is personal, and I need your help on part of it.”

  “Oh? What do you need, Matt? You know I’ll do almost anything for you.”

  He smiled. “Thanks, cousin.” He slid the map across the counter. “First, I need you to put this in Steph’s room for me. Then if the Tollivers need help with the kids, I need you to do that for Steph so she can go on her own treasure hunt.”

  Jayne’s smile was slow in coming, then she beamed. “You gonna let me in on the game?”

  He wiggled his brows. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

  “Aw, now that’s just wrong. You know I can’t control my curiosity.”

  He waved over his shoulder as he left the kitchen, laughing as Jayne continued berating him and his inconsiderate attitude. The screeching and squealing coming from the Library Suite told him the Tolliver children were opening the gifts from their parents. Chances were, Stephanie wasn’t in there with them, so where was she? Sleeping in?

  Matt wandered to the parking lot. Greg was back. Was he in his room? Someone sneezed then blew their nose. Matt followed the sound to the porch facing the lake. Stephanie sat in one of the Adirondack chairs bundled in a blanket with a steaming coffee cup on the table next to her. She tucked her handkerchief into the pocket of her coat and then cupped the coffee mug in her hands. He must have just missed her when he left the kitchen.

  Nerves made his heart thump. He licked his lips and headed her way. She looked at him before he reached the steps.

  “Hard to sneak up on someone when your boots squeak against the snow, isn’t it?” She grinned at him and motioned to the chair next to her with her head. “Merry Christmas, Matt. Want to join me?”

  “Merry Christmas.” He climbed the steps and dropped onto the proffered chair. “Don’t you think sipping coffee in front of a fireplace would be more appealing on a crisp morning like this?”

  She took another sip from the mug. “Mmm. Maybe, but the view in there isn’t nearly as good as here.”

  “But only as long as the hot coffee lasts?”

  She laughed. “Exactly.”

  As she stared at the frozen lake, he stared at her. She was beautiful. And by all evidence, the beauty went all the way to her heart.

  “What changed you, Steph?”

  She turned to look at him, her eyes shimmering in the morning light. “What makes you think I’ve changed?”

  “I don’t think it. I know it. I’ve seen it. I’ve experienced it.”

  Stephanie turned back to the lake and he followed her gaze.

  “I also experienced the other Stephanie, the one who always looked out for herself and put her best interests first.”

  “Goodness. She sounds awful. How did you put up with her?”

  He laughed. “Oh, she wasn’t that bad. She also had some good qualities. Likeable personality. Fun. You’re still likeable and fun, but you’re not the same girl I knew. Everyone else comes first now.” He took a breath and looked at her. “So, what brought about the change?”

  She took another sip of coffee, then set the mug aside. “Years ago, I remember someone telling me that we should take care of ourselves first, then others. At the time, I thought that sounded like wise living. Self-preservation.” She blew out a breath and
the steam rose above her head before disappearing. “Works great for animals, not so much for people.”

  “That’s the way most of the world lives.”

  “Yeah. Shame, isn’t it?”

  “What changed your mind?”

  “The Vicker family.”

  “Your ice cream employers?”

  She smiled and he could almost feel the warmth and love she had for them emanate through the gap between them.

  “They never preached at me. They just loved me and showed me what real life and living was like. They were the perfect example of real godly love and mercy.” She took a deep breath. “I believed in God and that Jesus was His Son, but I only allowed that belief to go skin deep. Until I met the Vickers, that belief never reached my heart.”

  She turned to look at him. “This is the first Christmas that I’ve truly felt the real meaning. I mean, think of it, Matt. Think about how much love it took for Christ to leave His Father’s side to come to this world.” She waved her hand through the air. “A world filled with pain, suffering, and so much selfishness. And He came as a baby so He could be an example of how we’re to live before He sacrificed His life for us.”

  He could hear her throat growing thick. Tears would soon follow. But these would be good tears. He fought some of his own, but because of his own happiness. All his questions about the new Stephanie were answered.

  “I’d like to meet the Vickers.”

  Her throat worked as she nodded and wiped at her eyes. “I have a two-week vacation coming up. I plan to visit them then, right after I spend some time with my parents and maybe get them attending church again.”

  He smiled. “I’m in need of a vacation, too.” He shivered. “But only after we get inside and warm up.” He stood and held out his hand to her. “How can you sit out in this cold? I haven’t even seen you shiver.”

  She laughed and put her hand in his as she rose to her feet. “I’m warm from the inside out.”

  “Which explains your cold fingers.”