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grasped Olivia’s hand. “And you don’t really need me anymore. You have enough staff to look after the scientists.”
    Olivia reversed their grip, giving Peg’s hand a squeeze. “But you know I have to take Sophie to California so she can donate bone marrow to little Riley, and I was counting on
you
to look after Inglenook for me.” She blew out a sigh. “Because Mac’s decided we’re making a road trip out of it instead of flying. He wants Henry and Sophie to start feeling like the four of us are a real family.”
    “That’s wonderful,” Peg said more brightly than she was feeling.
    Olivia pointed to the right of the lodge. “Do you see the nose of that … that
bus
sticking out past the side of the garage? That’s my wedding present from Mac, and for the next two months it’s going to be my home.” She leaned closer. “I swear it cost more than a house. Hell, half the walls slide out on either side, making it twice as wide when we’re parked for the night. And it has granite countertops and marble floors, two bathrooms, a washer and dryer, and three televisions. Three! Why would anyone need three televisions—all hooked up to satellite, I might add—in an RV?”
    “Oh, Olivia, that’s wonderful. You’re going to see America.”
    “I can’t live in a bus for two months! I’ll go nuts.”
    “But it’s every mother’s dream to take her children on a road trip across America. Think of all Henry and Sophie will experience.” Peg gave what she hoped was a cheeky smile. “And I can’t imagine a better way to stay up close and personal with your sexy new husband.”
    “Are you insane?” Olivia whispered, looking horrified. “If I don’t kill Mac before we reach the Mississippi River, I’ll probably shove him into the Grand Canyon.” She sighed again, shaking her head. “I know it’s going to be an exciting adventure, but I really don’t want to leave Inglenook that long.” She leaned back against her door, waving at the windshield. “I just finally got this place all to myself; why in hell would I want to leave it for two whole months?”
    “Maybe because the farthest you’ve been from Spellbound Falls in over eleven years is Bangor?” Peg pointed at her friend, shooting Olivia her I-mean-business scowl. “The day after school gets out you are leaving in that RV if I have to tie you to the roof.”
    “Actually, we’re leaving this Saturday. I’m pulling Sophie out of school early because Riley’s transplant is scheduled for three weeks from now—which is why you can’t quit. I need you here to hold down the fort so I actually have a home to return to.” She went very still. “Wait, I know; we can hire someone to watch your kids. There are plenty of women around who’d love a job, and with your being right here you won’t have to worry about what your little tribe of heathens might be up to.”
    Peg was shaking her head before Olivia even finished. “Too much of my salary would have to go toward a babysitter to make it worthwhile.”
    “I’ll pay her salary.”
    Peg glared at her. “Nothing’s changed from two weeks ago when I stormed up here to tell you that I’m not a charity case. I’m not drawing a full salary and getting free daycare just because
you
can afford it.” Feeling her face flush with … with … dammit, she wasn’t a charity case! Peg reached down and started the engine. “I’ve done what I came here to do, so please get out of my van.”
    “Peg,” Olivia whispered.
    Peg pulled her seat belt across her lap and snapped it shut. “You can put my paycheck in the mail.”
    Silence filled the van but for the uneven rattle of its engine, until Olivia quietly got out and softly closed the door. Peg slowly pulled onto Inglenook’s main lane then pressed down on the accelerator, pretending not to see Duncan MacKeage waving at her as he left Mac in the parking lot and started running to intercept the van—only to have to jump out of the way when