“I’m ready.” He reached once more for her hand, and together they walked into the living room to join the others.
❧
Brandon sat on the love seat next to Brianna for most of the game. Most of it. Part of the time he paced the room, talking to the television screen. Not that anyone outside of this living room could hear him, but it did make him feel better. And the women seemed to get a kick out of it. Once Lora even leaped into position, pretending to catch the ball in midair. He smiled.
He wanted Denver to win, naturally. Needed them to win. What good would it do for the team that had taken them down to turn around and lose to someone else?
Midway into the fourth quarter, with Denver lagging behind, something occurred to Brandon. What did it matter in the grand scheme of things? A game won. A game lost. Wasn’t He in control, and wouldn’t He work it all together for His good?
As the game came to its woeful conclusion, the four women sat with stunned looks on their faces. Most stared Brandon’s way, likely waiting for a comment. For a moment not a sound was heard in the place.
Well, unless Rena chomping on potato chips counted. “Well, that’s that.” She stood and folded up the bag, closing it with a chip clip. “C’mon, everyone. Let’s go into the kitchen and have some apple pie,” she suggested. “It just came out of the oven and looks delicious. I’ll even dish up some ice cream to put on top.”
“In this weather?” Lora argued. “You want ice cream?”
“Of course! What good would apple pie be without it?”
“Rena,” Abbey scolded, “you told me just this week that you were starting a diet.”
“Yeah, I thought about it,” Rena said with a shrug. “But I’ve decided the older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight. By then your body and your fat are really good friends. And I’ve never been one to break up a friendship. You know that.”
Brandon tried not to laugh but couldn’t hold it back for long. He was glad that within seconds everyone else joined in, even Rena.
“Well, you can’t say I didn’t give it some thought,” she said with a shrug. “Now come on. Let’s go get that pie.”
Brianna and Brandon followed the women into the kitchen where they all sat together at the table. Rena set the pie in the middle of the table and began to slice hefty triangles.
After swallowing down several bites of the warm cinnamony stuff topped with vanilla ice cream, an idea occurred to Brandon, one he had to act on. He turned to Brianna. “Wanna go for a walk?”
“What? It’s freezing outside. Are you sure? You’ve been sick.”
“I’ve been well for days,” he argued. “But if it makes you feel better, we’ll bundle up. I just really need to get outside and walk.”
“In the snow?” Rena said with a snort.
“Rena, leave them alone,” Abbey instructed. She looked Brandon’s way and gave him a wink. “You kids go on now and take a walk. Don’t mind us. We’ve got things to do.”
“We do?” Lora asked.
“Yes.” Abbey rose from her chair and grabbed some pens and stationery. “We’re writing letters to every player on the Pittsburgh team, congratulating them on such a good season.” She looked up at Brandon with a big smile. “Will you make sure they get them?”
“I will.” He nodded, then followed Brianna as she rose from the table and headed toward the coat closet. Once there she slipped on a heavy winter coat, gloves, a scarf, and a hat.
He did the same, and within minutes they found themselves out on the sidewalk, easing their way through the white drifts that threatened to end their walk even before it began.
Finally they settled into an easy stride, only occasionally pausing to step over a patch of ice. Brianna pointed to the western sky. “I always think the sunset is prettier when the ground is covered in white.”
Brandon paused to look at it then nodded. The whole yard seemed to reflect the red-orange glow of the setting sun. He glanced back into Brianna’s eyes, and she gave him a warm smile.
An invitation perhaps?
He reached for her hand, and she took it willingly. Even with gloves on he still felt the connection, still marveled at the fact that they had finally reached this point—where they knew they were falling in love.
They enjoyed a comfortable silence for a while before Brianna asked him a question. “How are you really feeling about everything that’s happened over the past couple of weeks? And be honest.”
“Well. . .” He paused to think about it. “Every player dreams of making it to the Super Bowl. But not every team can win every time. That’s just the way it goes. It doesn’t mean the Lord has suddenly stopped blessing my team when we lose a game; at least that’s the way I look at it. I think maybe some of the guys on the other team just needed a boost.”
She stopped walking and gave him an admiring look. “You’re taking this really well.”
He gazed into her eyes. “I have everything a man could ask for and more.”
“Oh?”
He nodded. “I feel like the most blessed man on the planet this evening—championship or no championship.” He gave her hand a squeeze, and she gazed up into his eyes with a hint of a smile on her face.
“Do you really mean that?” she whispered.
As he nodded, a light wind pulled a loose hair into her face. They both reached up at the same time to brush it aside. As their gloved hands met, Brandon felt a rush of joy, sensing what was coming. He ran his fingertip lightly across her cheek, and she leaned into his palm and closed her eyes.
A cold wind blew around them then, and Brandon remembered his mom’s words: “It’s cold up there.”
But as he leaned in to kiss Brianna, to whisper words of love into her ear, he had to conclude—there was nothing cold about it.
TWENTY-TWO
On a Tuesday in late April, Brandon drove to the airport and waited outside the baggage claim area. How long had he waited for this day? Months! Finally, finally, his mom was coming for a visit.
He met her inside at the baggage claim area. Brandon laughed as he saw her approaching in her heavy winter coat, wool scarf, and mittens. The hot-pink hat topped off the ensemble. He gave her a bear hug, lifting her off her feet as he often did.
“It’s about time. I’m so glad you’re here!”
“Brandon, put me down. People are watching.”
“Aw, what do we care?” In truth he’d gotten used to people snapping his photograph in public places, so if any paparazzi happened to be hanging about, they could snap their cameras at will. He truly didn’t mind.
Then again maybe his mama did. He loosened her from the embrace and looked at her with a smile.
They gathered her bags then headed out to the parking garage. She gave the blue skies an accusing look and yanked the scarf from around her neck. “Well,” she grumbled. “It’s downright warm here.”
“It’s nearly May. What were you expecting?” Brandon laughed as he pulled her two rolling suitcases in the direction of the car. Once they were settled inside, his mom pulled off her hat and gloves. She spent a few minutes catching him up on life in Florida, especially concerning his older brother.
“God has been doing a real work in Patrick’s life over the past couple of weeks,” she said.
“Oh?”
“I think we’re seeing a real turnaround. And he’s been calling me—a lot.”
“It’s all those prayers you’ve prayed,” Brandon said. “They’re powerful.”
“They are indeed.” She gazed out of the window with a look of wonder on her face. Finally, for some unknown reason, she turned and punched Brandon in the arm.
“W–what was that for?” he stammered.
“Flowers are blooming on the side of the highway.”
“Uh, okay.”
“Flowers.” He wasn’t sure what that had to do with anything. “Just like we have in Florida. And look at that—” She pointed off in the distance at the hills. “Why, that’s about the prettie
st thing I’ve ever seen. This place isn’t at all like you made it out to be.”
“What I made it out to be?” Brandon erupted in laughter. “Mom, you’re a hoot. A hoot. But I love you.”
She looked at him with an admiring smile. “Yeah. I love you, too, kid. I don’t think I tell you that enough.” She paused, and then she was all business. “Now tell me—have you made up your mind how you’re going to do it?”
“Yep.” Brandon nodded. “We’re going to her office.”
“You’re proposing at her office?” Brandon’s heart swelled at the word proposing. From the minute he’d made the decision, he hadn’t been able to wipe the smile off his face. And he had the perfect plan for how to go about it. Oh, sure, his buddies had suggested waiting till the new season—flashing Brianna, Will You Marry Me? up on the scoreboard. But he had something a little more private in mind.
Hmm. Maybe private wasn’t the best word, considering all the people who’d be there. He looked at his mom with a smile. “I’m not actually going to propose at the office. It’s just that she’s expecting me there for a meeting. I’ve hired her firm to renovate my new place. They’re upgrading the kitchen and bathrooms and replacing all the light fixtures, that sort of thing.”
“Ah. So we’re picking her up and going over there?”
“Yes.” He smiled. “But I’ve already been there. All morning, in fact. I fixed up the balcony with candles, roses, music. It’s gorgeous. And I have the prettiest view, so it just seemed like the perfect place. If she says yes.”
“If?” His mom gave him a reassuring look. “She’ll say yes. If she’s half the woman you say she is.”
“Oh, trust me—she’s probably double the woman I say she is.” Brandon grinned. “I don’t think the dictionary has enough words to describe how wonderful she is.”
“Well, then, I feel better about letting her have you. I couldn’t have parted with you to just anyone, you know.”
“I know. But, Mom, you’re going to love her. I know you are.” He thought back to what he’d been saying before. “If she says yes, I’m hoping we can get married in the summer, right after the renovations are finished on my new place.”
He could see them there—married. Raising a family. With all his heart he could see it.
❧
Roger Stevenson appeared at Brianna’s door with a smile on his face. “Hey.”
“Well, hey to you, too.” She yawned and leaned back in her chair. “What’s up?”
“Oh, nothing much. Just wanted to make sure you remembered we’re all going over to Brandon’s condominium to make some decisions about additional design features. He wants your input.”
“Right.” She smiled as she thought about Brandon’s inexperience with home remodeling and his insistence that she play a major role in all the selections, right down to the granite countertops and stone floor in the kitchen. “He’s on his way here now to pick me up.”
She’d no sooner said the words than Brandon appeared be- hind Roger. Her boss shook his hand, then agreed to meet them in the lobby in ten minutes.
Brianna stood and gave Brandon a warm hug as he entered the office. “Hi there.”
“Hello to you, too.” He gave her a tender kiss, one now so familiar that she didn’t know how she’d ever lived without it.
Brandon flashed a suspicious smile. “I want you to meet someone.” He stepped back outside the door and reentered with an older—very tanned—woman in a bright pink T-shirt and jeans. She looked oddly familiar. Hmm. Might be the emerald-green eyes. They matched Brandon’s exactly. Unless the crinkles around the edges counted. And the wide smile was familiar, too.
“You’re—you’re—” Brianna couldn’t seem to get the words out.
The woman pushed her way past Brandon and grabbed Brianna like a long-lost child. “You’re Bree!” she squealed. “I’ve heard your name a thousand times if I’ve heard it once.”
“And you’re Cora.” Why didn’t Brandon tell me you were coming?
“I am.” The woman took Brianna by the hands, then stepped back to look her over from head to toe. “So you’re the little darling my boy has fallen in love with.”
Brianna felt her cheeks flush but nodded anyway. I love him, too. More than anyone will ever know.
“Well, let me tell you a thing or two about him,” Cora said. “For instance, did you know he snores?”
“Mom.” Brandon crossed his arms and gave his mom a pretend warning look.
She waved him away then added with a whisper, “Like a freight train. And he leaves his socks on the floor.”
Brandon slapped himself on the head. “What are you trying to do, drive her away?”
“And,” his mom continued with a gleam in her eye, “he’s notorious for not remembering people’s birthdays and also for showing up unexpectedly with flowers in his hand for no good reason.”
Brianna laughed. “So I’ve discovered. But I think I can live with that one.”
Cora wrapped her in a motherly embrace, which she returned with a smile. She loved this woman already. But why was she here? And why didn’t Brandon tell her she was coming?
Brianna glanced up at the clock on the wall, then reached for her purse. “Roger’s probably already headed down to the lobby. Are you ready to go?”
“Oh, I’m ready, all right.” Brandon gave her a wide smile, and the sparkle in his eyes stopped her.
Yes, he appeared ready. But she wasn’t quite sure for what.
TWENTY-THREE
Brandon’s mind reeled as he drove toward the condominium with both of the ladies chattering away. They didn’t seem to notice his nervous condition. Good thing. He put his hand on his pocket for the hundredth time to make sure the box hadn’t fallen out.
Nope. Still there. Just like the last time he’d checked. And the time before.
He went over the plan of action in his head, strategizing about how he would call her out onto the balcony to talk about patio furniture or some such thing. How he would drop to one knee and take her hand. How she would look down at him with a look of astonishment on her face.
His heart beat skipped to double-time as he thought about the suggestions his team members had made for what to say first.
“Tell her she’s your first draft pick.”
“Write Will You Marry Me? on a football and toss it to her.”
“Ask her if she’ll wear your jersey. . .for the rest of her life.”
Brandon chuckled, almost forgetting where he was.
“Everything okay?” Brianna looked at him.
He smiled and nodded. “Just thinking.”
“Well, a penny for your thoughts then. I want to smile like that.”
I hope you will. Soon.
He was thankful his mother—God bless her—swept Brianna up in yet another conversation. He would have to remember to thank her later. In the meantime he’d better get back to making plans.
And quick.
❧
So many things about this day just didn’t make sense. Why Brandon’s mom showed up unannounced. Why John and Roger Stevenson both insisted upon following them to the condominium to oversee the changes. They rarely got this involved.
Why Brandon couldn’t seem to stop smiling.
Why she had the uncanny sense something huge was about to happen.
They arrived at the condominium, and Cora chatted like a schoolgirl as they made their way to the front door where they were greeted by—Gran-Gran and her friends?
Okay, this is weird. Brianna turned to give Brandon a questioning look. “What’s going on?”
He shrugged. “I wanted them to meet my mom.”
Hmm. Well, that almost made sense, though they certainly could have met later—at the duplex.
As they stood outside the front door, the proper introductions were made. Brianna could tell right away that her grandmother and Cora would be fast friends. They started an animated conversation, one she couldn’t keep up with if she tried.
Even on a normal day. When things weren’t so out of kilter.
Brandon’s hand appeared to be trembling, and he fumbled with the key in the lock.
“You okay?” she whispered.
He nodded, but his pale complexion said otherwise.
“Are you sick?”
“No, I, um. . .come on in.” He ushered everyone inside, but Brianna remained behind with him.
“Brandon, I’m worried about you. You’re not telling me something.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Well, for one thing, the fact that you look as if you’re about to lose your breakfast. And for another—” Just then she glimpsed the inside of the condo. “Wow. They’ve already started working. I didn’t realize.” She swept past him and went to examine the kitchen, which was nearly finished. “How—?”
Roger entered, followed by his brother. “Brandon wanted a rush job, so we’ve been on it for days.”
“But I thought”—she turned to look at Brandon—“I thought we were here to finish choosing materials today.”
“Actually we’re here because there’s something I need to ask you.”
“About the condo?”
“No.” He gave her a faint smile and took her by the hand. Why is his hand shaking?
Brandon led her up the stairs and through the master bedroom, where he drew back the vertical blinds covering the sliding glass door that led to the balcony. Brianna gasped. The roses. The candles. The twinkling lights. They could mean only one thing.
“Brandon,” she whispered, then turned with tears in her eyes.
He slid open the door and ushered her outside. “After you.” He gave her an impish smile, then looked out across the city. “I have the best view in town.”
“Yes.” She could hardly keep her emotions under control. “You’re right about that.”
Red, White and Blue Weddings: Red Like Crimson, White as Snow, Out of the Blue Page 29
