Alana laughed. “Yes, you are. Your lips are blue and they’re quivering.”
“I think we need to play chasings to warm up,” Brianna said as she began to run. “I bet you can’t catch me,” she called over her shoulder.
Quinn let go of Alana’s hand and chased after Brianna, giggling when he caught her.
Brianna laughed. “You’re such a fast runner. Okay, let’s see if we can catch you.”
Quinn took off, squealing and laughing. Within moments, Dillon and James came racing down from the big house. “Can we play too?” Dillon called out.
“Sure.” Brianna stopped and pressed her hand to her chest. She’d just caught her breath when she felt, rather than heard, footsteps stop behind her. Her heart thumped. Somehow, she knew who it was—or did she just hope it was Andrew?
“Mind if I join in?” His voice held a trace of laughter and sent a tingle down her spine.
Her heart pounded, but not from running. She turned around and met Andrew’s twinkling eyes. “Sure. You can be it.” She tore her gaze away and called out to the children. “Hey, everyone, Andrew’s it. See if you can catch him.”
Andrew’s athleticism amazed Brianna. He dodged James and Quinn, and outran Dillon. He laughed when she tried to catch hold of his coat as he zipped past, teasing her. Alana was the clever one, waiting for him to turn his back before leaping towards him and slapping him on the back.
It heartened Brianna to see Alana join in. The fresh, crisp air of the Highlands would do her good, just as it had done her not that long ago.
After a few more turns, they all collapsed onto the damp grass and caught their breath, but within minutes, the children wandered down to the edge of the loch.
“Don’t get your boots wet, Quinny,” Alana called out.
“You either, Dillon and James,” Brianna called as loudly as she could.
Andrew chuckled. “Leave them be… they’re boys.”
“Yes, but they can still get sick.” Brianna turned her head and met his gaze. Her pulse quickened.
“They’ll be fine... leave them be.” His gaze locked on hers.
She gulped. She’d never expected a man to affect her like this. Could she open her heart just a little and see what might happen? She’d witnessed both good and bad relationships. More bad than good if she were honest, but Danny and Lizzy, Caleb and Caitlin, and Grace and Ryan were all happy. Could she dare hope that she might also find happiness and love? Was it asking too much?
Brianna drew her gaze away and focused on the boys sploshing in the mud. There was only one way to find out, but the thought scared her to death. She’d convinced herself she would never get close to any man—it wasn’t worth the risk. But now? Did she dare let her guard down just a fraction and see what might eventuate? The thought both thrilled and terrified her.
Chapter 5
Brianna’s long wavy hair, bouncing softly on her shoulders, mesmerized Andrew as she walked ahead of him into the dining room that evening, but he couldn’t stop his gaze drifting to her shapely figure. Snug plaid trousers and a cream cashmere sweater accentuated not only the brilliance of her hair, but her very attractive figure. He inhaled her sweet perfume wafting in the air, but then pulled himself up. Brianna was gorgeous, but he couldn’t fall for her. What was he thinking? He had far greater things to deal with right now… but maybe it wouldn’t hurt to spend a little time with her. She seemed different from the shallow, vain girls he mixed with—a downfall of his job. Apart from her looks, her fragility and tenderness attracted him. There was depth to Brianna O’Connor. If nothing else, she could be a good friend.
Brianna’s eyes widened as he darted ahead and pulled the heavy wooden chair out for her. She gave him a shy nod and thanked him demurely. When she sat, she looked straight ahead with her hands folded in her lap. Her sister, Grace, and brother-in-law, Ryan, took the seats opposite. Her brother, Shawn, sat on Andrew’s left. Andrew smiled when his parents took the seats beside Lizzy’s parents at the top end of the long table.
He could easily feel like a gate-crasher. When he agreed to spend Christmas with his folks, he hadn’t realised it actually meant spending it with the O’Connor family as well, but at least he’d have time to think. And pray. He released a sigh and pulled his thoughts back to the present. Time enough for that later.
Grace began chatting with Brianna, asking her about her afternoon. Grace, with hair much darker than Brianna’s, was also a looker, but she was classy, sophisticated. Andrew had heard she’d been a lawyer. He was just about to join their conversation when Ryan caught his eye. “What do you do for a living, Andrew?” Ryan asked.
Andrew tore his attention from Brianna and Grace and answered Ryan. Before long, Ryan drew Shawn into the conversation, and within moments, they were chatting like best friends, especially when Andrew discovered both men had also travelled extensively.
Soon after, Brianna’s older brother, Daniel stood at the head of the table and dinged a glass. “Can I have everyone’s attention, please?”
Hush fell around the table as everyone turned their attention to him. He flashed an engaging smile as he cleared his throat. “I’d like to officially welcome you all. It’s fantastic you could all come, and Lizzy and I are really looking forward to spending time with every one of you. Christmas is a season of celebration, and I’m so glad we can finally celebrate it together after all these years. Without any more ado, let’s give thanks for this wonderful meal that my beautiful wife and sister-in-law have prepared.” Daniel slipped his hand onto Lizzy’s shoulder, sharing a smile with her before bowing his head to pray.
Andrew felt, rather than saw, Shawn shift uncomfortably in his seat. Giving thanks obviously wasn’t something he was used to. Andrew could understand that. Although his parents were devout Christians, for many years he’d rejected the message of the gospel and felt uncomfortable when anyone gave thanks at the meal table. Shawn and the others would get plenty of that here. He hoped they’d cope, and that maybe their hearts might open a little to God’s love over this festive period.
Once Daniel finished praying, Lizzy and Caitlin stood and headed for the kitchen. Andrew excused himself and joined them, reappearing moments later with trays of the shepherd’s pie and vegetables they’d prepared that morning, placing the dishes at intervals along the table.
“Please help yourselves,” Lizzy said as she placed a steaming dish of the pie in front of her parents.
Retaking his seat, Andrew picked up the server and cast his gaze around those nearby. “Can I dish out for everyone?”
Grace chuckled as she held her plate out. “You can be my mother any day.”
He laughed. Surely she wasn’t flirting? He scooped a medium-sized portion from the dish and placed it carefully onto her plate. “More?”
A mischievous grin brightened Grace’s face. “Thank you, that’s plenty.”
Andrew then turned to Brianna. When their eyes met his heart-rate increased, and for a moment, he forgot to speak, her eyes mesmerising him until she averted her gaze. He blinked and shifted in his seat. “Can I dish up for you, too, Brianna?” He spoke softly.
Lifting her gaze, she gave him another shy smile and held up her plate. “Yes, please.”
As he spooned a similar-sized portion onto her plate, he stole a glance at her full mouth and her long, slender neck. She was truly beautiful. He cleared his throat. “Is that enough?”
“Yes, thank you.” Her eyes lingered on his for a moment before she lowered them, her long, dark eyelashes fluttering.
He continued serving, but Brianna’s delicate features were indelibly imprinted in his mind. When he finished serving everyone else, Andrew served himself and then paused before he began eating. All around him, chatter continued as people interspersed eating with talking. Ryan and Shawn discussed Shawn’s adventures in Africa, and Grace talked with Brianna and Alana, seated on Brianna’s other side, about recent happenings in Belfast. He tried listening to both conversations, but ended up chat
ting with the men. Just being near Brianna was enough. For now.
Later, following dessert, Brianna offered to help with the dishes on the off-chance that Andrew might offer his help as well. All through dinner she’d been wanting to talk with him, but didn’t know how. She stood and began collecting the dirty dishes, her heart racing when he did the same. Grace and Ryan followed them to the kitchen, loaded with dirty dessert bowls and coffee mugs. The others adjourned to the main lounge area while Lizzy and Alana put the younger children to bed.
Brianna stacked the dishes ready for washing as Andrew filled one of the sinks with water. His nearness made her senses spin… she could easily drop the dishes if she wasn’t careful.
“Tell me about yourself,” Andrew said, as his eyes, gentle and soft, found hers.
Brianna laughed nervously, averting her gaze. “There’s not much to tell.”
His mouth tipped in a smile as he thrust his hands into the hot water. “I’m sure there is.”
She blew out a frustrated breath, annoyed with herself. Grace and Ryan were chatting together at the other sink, and she’d gotten what she wanted—the chance to talk with Andrew. She talked easily with the women who came into the Rape Centre, but something about this man left her tongue-tied. It was silly. She had to pull herself together. Another opportunity like this might never come along. “You’re right, but I don’t know where to start.” She grabbed a tea-towel and began wiping the dishes.
Andrew paused for a moment and looked at her with kind, understanding eyes. “Well, tell me where you live and what you do. That’s a good place to start.”
His easy-going manner relaxed her a little. The first question she could answer, but the second? Brianna swallowed hard and decided not to be embarrassed about what she did. Why should she be? He already knew she’d been a student here. “Okay, then. I live in Glasgow with a girlfriend, Susan. She was the one I was going to Spain with.”
“How long have you lived in Glasgow?” His soft Scottish burr calmed her, but her gaze settled on his arms. Elbow high in water, ginger hairs glistened on his fair skin like gold sparkling in sunlight. She blinked and lifted her gaze. “Going on three years. Ever since I left the community.”
“And what do you do in Glasgow?”
Brianna stiffened. It was the question she’d been dreading. Inhaling slowly, she picked up another bowl and began wiping it. “I work with Grace at a support centre called the Place of Hope.”
“Really? With Grace?” His head tilted.
“Yes, with Grace. We started the centre when I left here.” She paused. “It’s a Rape Support Centre.” Brianna held her breath while she waited for Andrew’s reaction.
He didn’t flinch. He just looked at her, eyes soft. “I wasn’t expecting that. It must be a hard job.”
Brianna released her breath and nodded. “We see some really sad cases.”
He stopped washing and leaned back against the sink, drying his arms before folding them. “How do you manage?” His tone, filled with awe, surprised her further. But then, she shouldn’t have been surprised—Rosemary had the same caring, gentle nature.
“I try not to bring it home, but it’s hard not to. Some of the stories just stay with you, it doesn’t matter what you do.” She shrugged, trying not to meet his gaze, hoping he wouldn’t ask the obvious question.
“I can understand that.”
“I pray for them all, and I do things to get my mind off it. We try to take a break every few weeks. Grace makes sure we do that.” Brianna let out a small, nervous chuckle as she glanced at her sister.
“Where do you go?”
“Mainly here to visit Danny and Lizzy.” Brianna picked up another dish and held his gaze. “So now it’s your turn. Tell me about you.”
Andrew’s face flickered before a playful grin lifted the corners of his mouth. “I wondered when we’d get to that.” He turned back to the sink, but his voice had grown serious. Was he hiding something?
Brianna studied his back. “I should have made you go first.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t.”
Why hadn’t she thought of that? Too late now. She angled her head. “So?”
“Not much to tell.”
Brianna shook her head, her mouth curving into a smile. “Really, I’ve heard that before.”
Andrew chuckled. “Yes, you have. Okay, well, I grew up here, in this house, but when I was nineteen, I went travelling. I wanted to see the world.”
“Where did you go?”
“Just about everywhere.”
“Like Shawn.”
“Yes, like Shawn.”
“How long did you travel for?”
“Three years.”
“Wow. I’m lucky if I get away for two days.”
“You should try it sometime. Travel widens your horizons.”
“I was going to Spain, remember?”
“That’s right, you were.” Andrew stopped washing and looked deep into her eyes, sending her heart-rate flying. “You should go in the spring. It’s lovely then.”
Brianna’s heart thudded as the thought of going with him flitted through her mind. She bit her lip. How could she be even thinking that? She barely knew him, but a longing she’d never felt before took hold within her. To be close to a man. It had always frightened her, but she’d never met anyone like Andrew McKinnon. Could God help her to open her heart after all this time? She fought to regain her composure. “I might just do that.” She held his gaze, unable to tear away, her heart pounding with a warmth she’d never felt before.
“Hey you two. Have you finished?”
Brianna’s eyes widened and she felt her face flush. Grace had caught them staring at each other. She immediately faced the sink and continued wiping the dish in her hand, trying to steady her heart-rate. “Almost.” Her voice came out high and shaky.
“Well, we’re done. We’ll leave you to it.”
Brianna glanced over her shoulder. Grace’s grin caused her cheeks to flush a second time. “Okay…”
Once Grace and Ryan left, Brianna and Andrew glanced at each other and burst into laughter. His eyes twinkled, and for a long moment they looked at each other and smiled in earnest. “Come on, let’s finish up and find a cosy corner to chat.”
Was this really happening, or was she dreaming?
Chapter 6
Andrew chose a corner in the drawing room near the fire, and he and Brianna talked for hours, drinking copious amounts of hot chocolate while Christmas carols played in the background and the others chatted and played games. The more she learned of him, the more she was drawn to him. She surprised herself and told him about her rape and the baby she lost, her years of drug addiction, and then how his mother, Rosemary, had led her to the Lord, right here, in the Elim Community.
In his soft Scottish brogue, Andrew told her about the years he’d spent away from the Lord, and how close he’d come to getting drawn into the world of drugs and alcohol, but something had stopped him—he believed it was God and the prayers of his parents.
He told her about the walk he did in Spain, where he met God for real. Brianna decided she’d like to do it herself. It sounded awesome, hiking through small villages and across huge mountains. But not alone—with him. Andrew exuded all the qualities she could ever want in a man but had never expected to find. Soft-spoken, kind and gentle, and so good-looking. And his job… chef in one of the fanciest restaurants in Glasgow! Not a restaurant she’d ever been to, but she’d heard about it. It was the place people went to for special occasions, where the meals were amazing. But above everything, he loved God. And it seemed he liked her… a lot, which made her heart sing. But was it right? Was she racing ahead? Was it what God wanted for her? And there was also the feeling that he was keeping something from her.
As Brianna lay in bed later that night, her heart danced with excitement and anticipation, sleep eluding her as images of Andrew McKinnon played through her mind. But when sleep finally came, her soul was filled
with peace. If this was meant to be, she had no doubt that God would lead and guide her.
The following morning, Brianna woke with a start. Someone was staring at her, touching her… Her eyes snapped open, her heart racing, and then she laughed. “Quinn, what are you doing?”
“Mummy won’t wake up.” His voice was so little, and his dark eyes were round and anxious.
Brianna shivered as she sat. The first hint of daylight peeked through the gap in the curtains. Slipping her gown over her shoulders, she glanced at the clock on her nightstand. Seven a.m. Nothing to worry about, but Quinn obviously was concerned.
“Come and sit up here with me, Quinny. Mummy’s just asleep, that’s all.” Brianna hoped that was all—surely Alana hadn’t taken anything? Her brows pinched together. But what if she had? She should have spent the evening with her sister, not with Andrew. What had she been thinking? But the thought of Andrew’s soft voice and caring eyes sent her heart spinning afresh.
Quinn climbed onto the bed, snuggling close.
Brianna put her arm around the little boy, smoothing his messed-up hair and placing a kiss on top, surprising herself at how natural it felt. “Does Mummy often sleep in?”
Quinn nodded.
“What do you normally do when you wake up?”
“I look at her until she opens her eyes.”
Brianna’s heart melted. She hated to think how long he stood there.
“Mummy must get tired. I’m sure she’ll wake up soon.”
“Can you read me a story?” Lifting his head, Quinn looked at her with anticipation.
“Sure. Have you got a book?”
“Yes, I’ll go get it.” Slipping out from under her arm and onto the floor, he ran around the divider into the partitioned off area he shared with his mum. While he looked, Brianna also poked her head around the divider to allay any fears about Alana. From what she saw, Alana was just asleep. Moments later, Quinn stood up with several books in his hand, and they both returned to Brianna’s bed.
A Highland Christmas (The Shadows Series Book 5) Page 4
