Christmas at Barncastle Inn: Four-in-One Collection

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

  She grabbed her mug as she followed him inside. “Will I see you later?”

  “Count on it. I have a little work to do first, but the rest of the day is free until tonight.”

  And he couldn’t wait to see the look on her face at the result of his so-called work.

  Chapter 10

  Stephanie returned to her room for some warmer socks. What she’d said to Matt about being warm on the inside was true, but her extremities were frozen. Despite the freezing temperatures, she wouldn’t trade the time on the porch with Matt for anything, even if it meant fighting frostbite.

  She stopped at the mirror to check her hair. A light brown sheet of paper sat on the dresser next to a small box. Her smile grew as she realized she was being sent on her own treasure hunt. She opened the box and discovered a compass. After taking a minute to put on her warm socks, she grabbed the map and compass and headed for the starting point.

  From the manger of the nativity scene, the map said she needed to take fifty-eight paces to the northeast. As she held the compass in front of her, she counted off each step. At fifty-eight, she read the map and turned south for another forty-nine steps, then turned north for sixty.

  She stopped then to blow on her hands. She wasn’t quite halfway through the map’s instructions. If she didn’t hurry, she’d have frostbite for sure. Certain the map came from either the kids or Matt, she hoped they realized just how cold it was out here while they sat in their heated rooms.

  After another blow on her hands, she read the map and started off to the east for forty-five paces. She ended up atthe edge of the woods, putting her in the shade and even colder than before. She glanced at the map. At least the next set of paces sent her back toward the inn. She pulled her collar up higher and started counting. Before she reached three, she was grabbed from behind.

  Matt waited in the barn until he could stand it no longer and went in search of Jayne. She sat reading in front of the fireplace in the Abbott’s Chamber.

  “Did Steph get the map I made?”

  Jayne gasped and jumped to her feet. “Oh Matt. I’m so sorry. I forgot. It’s still in the kitchen.”

  Disappointment filled him but he’d never let Jayne know. She usually had her hands full with the guests. He shook his head.

  “You’re too young to be so forgetful, cousin.”

  She patted his arm as she rushed past. “It’s not going to work, Matt. You can’t make me feel better about dropping the ball.”

  He trailed behind her. “It’s all right, Jayne. We’ll just get started a little later than planned.”

  “I hope she’s not in her room. Otherwise I don’t know how I’ll get it in there without being seen.”

  “Jayne.”

  She waved her hand at him. “I’ll make it right. Just get ready.”

  Matt smiled and shook his head. He’d never get her calmed down until Stephanie found the map to her treasure. He headed back out into the cold to wait once again. Right before he reached the barn, an odd noise came from thewoods. Almost like a screech but like none he’d ever heard before.

  “Steph?”

  Greg!

  Matt raced toward the trees.

  Stephanie only managed one strangled scream before a hand was clamped over her mouth. She recognized the aftershave. She was so stupid not to realize Greg would try something like this.

  As he pulled her backward, she yanked at his hand and finally freed her mouth.

  “Stop this, Greg.”

  “You never gave me a chance. Now I’ll make sure you do.”

  She tried to tangle her legs in his to slow him down. “Do you really think this is going to make me like you more?”

  “If you’d have given me even a night of your time, it wouldn’t have come to this.” He tightened his arm around her neck. “Stop fighting me.”

  “I don’t want to go anywhere with you.”

  He growled in her ear. “Don’t make me hurt you, Steph.”

  “Well, you’re going to have to because I’m not going with you.”

  She lifted her arm then shoved her elbow into Greg’s ribs as hard as she could. He coughed and backed off a step. Before she could struggle harder and get free, his arms were ripped from her. She ran a few steps away before turning around.

  Matt had Greg pinned to the ground by sitting on him. Greg swung at him while trying to buck him off. Matt planted his fist in Greg’s stomach, ending the fight as fast as it started. He yanked the scarf from around Greg’s neck then turned him over and pulled Greg’s arms behind his back, tying his wrists with the scarf. He stood and helped Greg to his feet then shoved him in the direction of the inn.

  “You should have settled for a simple no, Greg. This stunt may land you in jail.”

  Stephanie didn’t say a word. She didn’t know what to think. She couldn’t get her mind to slow down enough for a coherent thought. Matt stopped her and turned her to face him.

  “Are you all right? He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

  She shook her head. “I’m fine. Just a little shook up.”

  He examined her eyes then nodded. “Okay. Let’s get back.”

  Matt kept pushing Greg ahead of them, not allowing him any opportunity to attempt an escape. When they entered the house, Jayne ushered the kids into the kitchen. “Let’s find a snack, shall we?”

  Luke approached them. “What happened?”

  “Greg tried to kidnap Steph. Find Steve and bring him into the office. We’ll also need to call the police.”

  Luke nodded and pulled his phone from his pocket as he climbed the stairs to Steve’s room. He entered the office minutes later with Steve and Emily on his heels.

  “The police are on their way. I’ll leave you to talk alone.”

  Steve headed right to Greg and leaned over him. “Have you been taking your medicine, Greg?”

  Stephanie frowned and looked at Matt. “What medicine?”

  Steve joined Emily on the loveseat. “Greg is borderline bipolar. He’s not himself when he goes off his medicine.”

  Matt frowned. “And you didn’t think it necessary to tell Stephanie? Didn’t you notice his infatuation with her?”

  Steve and Emily exchanged a look, then Steve shrugged. “We knew he liked her, but she never showed any interest. We figured that’s as far as it went.” Steve looked at Stephanie. “Did he hurt you?”

  “No, but he did try to kidnap me just minutes ago. I also think he almost hurt Matt by tampering with the buckles on that swing. It could have been Jennifer or Brandon that got hurt if Matt hadn’t ridden that swing first.”

  Steve’s mouth dropped open and he scooted to the edge of his seat. “Is that true, Greg? Did you tamper with that swing?”

  Greg lifted a shoulder. “Only a little. I thought if I could get him away from Steph, she’d give me a little more of her time.”

  Steve’s hands curled into fists. “And it never crossed your mind that was wrong? You could have hurt my kids.” He shook his head and faced Stephanie. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

  Luke tapped on the door frame before he entered. “The police are here.”

  Twenty minutes later, both Matt and Stephanie had given the police their statement. They led Greg away in handcuffs. Steve followed them to town in his own car. Matt pulled her into his arms.

  “You look like you want to cry.”

  “I do. I’m torn with how to feel.” She lifted a shoulderand let it fall. “I told Steve and Emily that I was giving them a month’s notice. I won’t desert the kids during the holidays, but I don’t think I can continue working for them.”

  He hugged her tighter and she had to admit the contact helped her feel better.

  “Why don’t you go on up to your room and get some rest?”

  She nodded. Some time alone might do her some good. She didn’t get far before Matt called her back.

  “Ah, you’re probably going to find a map in your room. You can trust that one.”

  She searched hi
s eyes then smiled. “I thought the last one might be from you.”

  He winked. “That’s what I get for trying to be original.”

  She smiled and couldn’t resist kissing his cheek. “Thanks for rescuing me, Matt.”

  He bowed at the waist. “Aye, me lassie. Tis my pleasure. It’s fun we be having from here on out.”

  “Arr. And yo ho ho. All is shipshape now, Captain. Or something like that.”

  He laughed and gave her a gentle push. “Go rest.”

  But once she saw his treasure map, she knew she couldn’t sleep until she found the treasure waiting for her. As she headed back outdoors for another hunt, she reread the map written in Matt’s scrawl.

  “If a special treasure is what you seek, then this I say with tongue-in-cheek. Set sail to the place of pirate’s appeal, and plant yer feet at the captain’s wheel.”

  She grinned as she strolled across the yard toward the barn. It didn’t matter what she found at the end of this map. As far as she was concerned, her renewed friendship with Matt was the greatest treasure she’d received on this trip.

  The barn door squeaked as she pulled it open. After what she’d just been through, the noise sent a shiver down her spine. The dark and dusty interior didn’t help the creepy feeling. She stepped inside and climbed the stairs to the deck of the ship. After a quick look around to make sure she was alone, she crossed the deck and scaled the steps to the wheel.

  She read the paper nailed to the wheel. “Give me a spin.”

  She smiled and turned the wheel. Something creaked above her. When she was sure nothing would fall on her, she kept turning, lowering a small chest. Once it settled on the floor, Stephanie left the wheel and knelt in front of the chest. She caressed it several moments while wondering about its contents. Unable to stand it any longer, she lifted the cover.

  Nestled on top of hundreds of fake gold coins sat a very expensive camera. She lifted it from the bed of coins and held it close. It was the very camera she’d wanted two years ago. The same type of camera she planned to buy once she’d saved enough. She turned it around as she would to take a picture. Taped to the back was another slip of paper.

  “Dig for more treasure.”

  Dig? Where? In the coins?

  She ran her fingers through the plastic coins and found nothing. She tried again and again, going deeper each time. Finally, her fingertips landed on something smooth. She grasped what felt like a book and pulled it from the chest.

  In her hands lay a photo album. She opened the cover. Matt’s face looked back at her. It was her favorite of all she’d ever taken of him. His eyes and smile showed his love. Tearssprang to her eyes. She lifted the paper flap taped below his chin. The tears slid down her cheeks.

  “I’ve never stopped loving you.”

  She turned as Matt’s voice recited what she’d just read. He nodded to the album.

  “Turn the page.”

  She tore her eyes from his face and did as told. The second page revealed another picture of Matt, but this one had a paper fist taped to it. She lifted the paper. She gasped and turned back to Matt. He closed the distance between them and helped her to her feet. He took the album from her and removed the engagement ring he’d taped to the page.

  He held it out to her. “You accepted this from me once before. Will you accept it again?”

  Unable to speak, she nodded. He smiled and slid the ring onto her finger. He motioned to the camera. “I’d planned on giving you that on our honeymoon two years ago.”

  “You kept it all this time?”

  He shrugged. “I guess something inside me told me to keep it.”

  “I’m glad.”

  He took the camera from her hands and set it back in the treasure chest. Then he pulled her into his arms. “I love you, Steph.”

  “And I love you.”

  He leaned in for a kiss and held it for several seconds before pulling away.

  She took a breath and smiled. “Blimey.”

  He laughed. “Aye. Yo ho, yo ho, an adventurer’s life for thee.”

  She grinned at Matt’s attempt to imitate the pirate’s song. As she snuggled into the warmth of his embrace, she treasured all that had happened and pondered them in her heart, knowing life with Matt would most certainly be an adventure.

  Janelle Mowery has been writing for many years and signed her first publishing contract in 2006. She enjoys writing both contemporary and historical fiction as well as for children’s ministries. She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.

  FIRST CHRISTMAS

  By Darlene Franklin

  Dedication

  To my mother who taught me the joy of Christmas. To Talia and all the other cats who have agreed to share their lives with me throughout the years. And most of all, to the Lord, who gave me both Christmas and cats.

  “For I know the plans I have for you,”

  declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

  JEREMIAH 29:11 NIV

  Chapter 1

  Waverly Coe peeked past the receptionist’s desk at the people and patients in the waiting room. Doc Alec devoted Tuesday afternoons to small animals. His staff had scheduled shots for Mrs. Jamison’s new Lab puppy and an operation to prevent young Robbie’s Velvet from increasing the surplus population of cats in Bennington County. The doorbell rang and Waverly caught sight of a familiar angular face pushing a baby stroller. Was it that time of day already?

  When the stroller came to a stop, Waverly heard smacking and whimpering sounds, accompanied by the yips of Mrs. P.’s dachshund. If Waverly didn’t take immediate action, her baby Cinnamon would erupt in full-fledged cries.

  Waverly went out to the waiting room. “Hi, Mrs. P. How’s she been today?”

  “She’s been a doll, as always.” Mrs. Paulson, Waverly’s landlady, took care of the baby during the day.

  Waverly bent over the stroller and looked at the auburn-haired infant, blue eyes scrunched together, chewing on the fist in her perfect bow-like mouth. What a marvel that God had allowed this miracle to come from her sin. “Hi, there, Miss Sunshine.”

  At the sound of her mother’s voice, Cinnamon slowly swiveled her head until she found Waverly’s face. She kicked, all arms and legs. Quickly Waverly unbuckled her and grabbed the diaper bag.

  Mrs. Jamison lumbered to her feet and made a beeline for the baby. Goldie, her Lab puppy, also wanted to make the baby’s acquaintance. “Isn’t she precious? How old is she?”

  “Two months yesterday. Excuse me, but I need to feed her before she tells the whole world she’s hungry.” The infant’s whimper turned into a low cry as Waverly scurried into one of the exam rooms and shut the door.

  Waverly settled Cinnamon into the crook of her arm and soon the baby was nursing happily, the cries settled into small burbles of contentment. Waverly brushed her fingers through her daughter’s soft auburn hair, twirling it into a curl on top. A year ago she would have laughed at the picture of herself nursing a baby in one of Doc Alec’s examination rooms. She would have insisted she’d be well into her junior year at the University of Vermont, looking forward to vet school after graduation.

  Waverly had thought about staying in Burlington and returning to school in the spring. She’d hoped she and Cash would make things work, that they’d marry. But Cash had left her as soon as he found out about the baby, and Waverly decided to come home to Castlebury, at least for a while.

  The decision hadn’t come easily. Her father had retired from his vet practice—now Doc Alec’s—and her parents had moved to Florida. Most of her high school friends had either gone on to college or were married themselves. She didn’t fit in anywhere.

  Except here. She shifted Cinnamon to the other side and closed her eyes. “Thank You, God, for Alec.” In her private thoughts, she allowed herself to think of him as “Alec,” not as “Dr. Ross” or even the informal “Doc Alec.” As a teen working at the clinic during school breaks, she
had spent long hours mooning over the good-looking vet student interning with her father. Even then she dreamed of working with him someday. He had acted every bit the knight by offering her a job when it seemed most of Castlebury wanted to close their eyes to her situation.

  While Cinnamon fed, Waverly’s gaze wandered around the room, dedicated to Alec’s feline patients. His gift to the owners of his patients—a calendar featuring local prized pets—hung on one wall. Mrs. P. had been delighted that her Misty had made the cut for next year’s edition. A variety of toys designed to catch the eye of a cat lay jumbled in a basket in the corner. Every day Waverly disinfected them, but she didn’t mind. Every possible need or desire of a cat made the room, if not a cat’s favorite place, at least a little more tolerable.

  Alec allowed Waverly to nurse Cinnamon as often as needed during office hours, and this was her favorite spot. She couldn’t ask for a better boss.

  Waverly held Cinnamon against her shoulder to burp her. She hummed a few bars of “Carol of the Bells.” The song had stuck in her head after she’d heard it on the radio that morning. This would be Cinnamon’s first Christmas. Waverly’s heart fluttered at the thought. How significant Advent loomed now that she had a child of her own to teach about the baby born so long ago, God with us.

  Someone knocked on the door. “It’s me. Jenny.” The receptionist interrupted. “I’m sorry to bother you but Doc asked for your help with young Robbie’s cat. So as soon as you’re finished …”

  “I’m coming.” She had dawdled longer than necessary. Cinnamon’s eyes had closed and her chest rose and fell in a regular rhythm, sound asleep. Waverly lost track of time when she held her daughter. She kissed the top of her head and opened the door.

  Alec stood at the next door, his hands cradling a snarling black adolescent cat as gently as she held Cinnamon. He smiled when he saw the two of them, a dark auburn curl falling over his forehead. “She gets sweeter every day.” The cat Velvet hissed, and Alec laughed. “But you’d better get her out of here.”