Mistletoe Twins

Lois Richer

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.

—Romans 8:28

This book is dedicated to my mom,

who always believed God had an answer

for whatever problems came her way.

Contents

Cover (#ua0a6bd0c-67be-51f1-94a8-e488cb717ddf)

Back Cover Text (#u6c02c2ef-f1cc-5671-982d-ccb6c6600bcb)

About the Author (#u33122f4a-0d9a-586c-ac07-2f899786ef01)

Booklist (#u6dfe144f-e0d9-5016-b23c-4dc7f9e64fb2)

Title Page (#u564eb7ca-3249-56c8-a1a3-1c45463cb796)

Copyright (#uecad2b66-c9f0-5f82-b17b-bb371c46e762)

Introduction (#u59354ece-f1d3-55cd-a3d3-c36ce282cf87)

Dear Reader (#uce7483d8-cb28-52ea-be38-522b2b6c6ebb)

Bible Verse (#uff5ae864-87ef-5e2a-96bc-767f6cac9333)

Dedication (#u2b13fbaf-82d1-5446-9f1b-ae8691811a58)

Chapter One (#u89db6976-3160-51f0-9e5c-83388d6caf31)

Chapter Two (#u269c4dda-a769-55fa-9a7d-ec767ecd47f4)

Chapter Three (#u8ab10a32-b01a-5885-b61e-2a96b0b5a1c6)

Chapter Four (#u835c2d25-290f-5688-a9fb-32d86c163765)

Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

About the Publisher (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One (#u2344d822-a1cd-5153-b484-e66cd214ec78)

“Are we there yet?”

“Yes. This is The Haven.” Adele Parker pulled up in front of the big stone house set in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies and heaved a sigh of pure happiness. “We’re home.”

“Can we get out now?” In the back seat Francie nudged her brother, Franklyn, awake. “I’m tired of riding in this car.”

“Me, too,” agreed her four-year-old twin, with a yawn. “Tired.”

“It was a long drive from Edmonton.” Adele twisted to smile at the pair, treasuring the way their little faces came alive with interest at their first view of this place she loved. “Let’s get out but zip your jackets first. The mountain winds will be chilly.” Not wanting to arrive home disheveled, she checked her makeup, patted her curls, then thrust her arms into her own coat before exiting the car.

“Hey, where’s the snow?” Francie looked around, obviously disappointed.

“An’ where’s the ski hill you tole us ’bout?” Franklyn frowned. “This is a desert, like in that story you read us.”

“Franklyn, that’s not true,” Adele scolded. “Deserts don’t have all those green spruce trees, do they? Anyway, it’s barely October. It’s not time for winter yet. But don’t worry, snow will come.” She smothered a chuckle at their glum looks, then hunkered down beside Franklyn and pointed north. “The ski slopes at Jasper are about an hour away. In those mountains. Maybe we’ll go there one day, hmm?”

“Okay.” Usually biddable, Franklyn assessed The Haven. “It’s a very big house. And it is, too, made of stone. Francie said it wasn’t,” he confided to Adele.

“I won’t ever lie to you, Franklyn.” A thrill whispered through Adele at the trust in his dark eyes. Trust in her.

“It’s kinda like the castle in Beauty and the Beast.” Francie leaned back so far Adele worried she’d topple backwards. “Is it cold in there, Delly?” Their nickname for Adele brought back fond memories of her own youth at The Haven.

“No. It’s warm and friendly and the best place on earth.” It’s home. “C’mon. I’ll show you.” Grasping each child’s hand, she led them to the side of the house, in through the back door and into her favorite room, the kitchen.

“Adele!” Her aunties—Margaret and Tillie Spenser—sat at the massive kitchen table having tea, just as Adele had expected. Tillie was pouring while Aunt Margaret snuck a wafer from the stack on a plate.

“We didn’t hear you arrive.” Margaret jumped up and hugged her so tightly Adele could barely breathe—and she loved it. “We’re so glad you’ve come home, dear.”

“Thank you. I’m so glad to be here.” She should have come back right after her breakup with Rafe, Adele mused as Tillie’s embrace followed, just as tight, just as welcome.