The Accidental Mrs. Mackenzie Read Online Free Page A

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