Just One Kiss (Whisper Lake #4) - Barbara Freethy Page 0,43

felt like the stakes were even higher now that she knew Kelly might be pregnant. But maybe Violet was just a story in Brett's head. That was as plausible as anything else.

She didn't want to upset Brett by asking more questions, so she let the subject go as they got out of the truck and entered the park. They met up with the rest of the group in the great room of an enormous lodge that had once been the home of a wealthy landowner. It was spectacularly decorated for the season with an enormous Christmas tree and plenty of colorful wreaths. It also smelled like pine and cinnamon. Gianna, Zach and Hailey were there as well as Chloe and her son Leo, Lizzie Cole and her fianc茅 Justin Blackwood, and rounding out the group was Keira, who was flying solo today.

Lately, she and Keira had been the ones to do most of the solo flying as members of their group had started coupling up, but today Hannah had Jake by her side, and she knew their arrival together would raise a lot more questions. To her surprise, everyone acted as if it was completely normal to see her and Jake together. They must have made some sort of pact not to say anything, which was fine with her.

Eight-year-old Hailey immediately took Brett's hand and asked him if he wanted to go on the sled with her. Brett was thrilled to have the little girl's attention and immediately attached himself to Hailey as they headed out of the lodge.

The guys led the way, with Zach keeping a close eye on his daughter Hailey and her new best friend, Brett. Jake put Leo on his shoulders as he walked alongside Justin, and the women fell into step with her. The interrogation was on.

"What do you want to know?" she asked with resignation.

"First, any news on Kelly?" Keira asked.

"Nothing yet."

"Well, no news is probably good news," Chloe said. "And, by the way, we filled Lizzie in."

"I figured. Your brother is looking for my sister."

"Adam is the right man for the job," Lizzie replied, giving her a sympathetic smile. "I hope everything works out."

"So do I."

"Now, let's talk about you and Jake," Gianna said pointedly. "You were with him at the carnival. You're with him now. What's going on? Are you back together?"

"No. He happened to be with me when I discovered Brett, and ever since then he's been helping me."

"But you hate him," Gianna reminded her.

"She doesn't hate him anymore," Keira put in with a mischievous smile. "Come on, Hannah, be honest. I saw the way you were looking at Jake last night, and it reminded me a lot of high school."

"I may not hate him as much as I used to, but we're not getting back together. He's being a friend, and I'm letting him. The only thing I'm concerned about right now is making sure my nephew has a great day."

"We can help you with that," Chloe assured her. "And I'm glad you and Jake are able to at least stay in the same space together."

"I agree," Lizzie said. "Let's concentrate on having a great day. We'll sled, we'll build snowmen, we'll get those spicy hot chocolates with marshmallows. It's going to be a great day."

"That's quite a positive declaration," Keira put in with a dry smile. "Since when did you become so calm and Zen, Lizzie? You're usually running around like a madwoman, especially during the holidays. Isn't the inn packed this weekend?"

Lizzie laughed. "We are sold out, but I'm trying to enjoy my guests instead of worrying about every little thing. Justin has had a surprisingly calming influence on me. Last summer, I was trying to keep my head above water, but now things at the inn are going really well. I just needed to reassess my priorities. Plus, I have a great man who believes in me, and has been willing to change his whole life for me. I feel really lucky."

"Have you set a wedding date yet?" she asked, happy to be talking about someone else's love life.

"Probably next summer. We're not in a rush."

"Well, I still hope you have a ceremony and don't elope like this one," Keira said, giving Gianna a wink.

"Hey, after all my disastrous non-weddings, I was just ready to be married," Gianna said. "But I think you should do it up big and grand, Lizzie, like you do everything else."

"It probably will be over the top," Lizzie admitted. "And you'll make