A Highland Christmas (The Shadows Series Book 5)

by Juliette Duncan

  “Which one would you like me to read?”

  He looked at each of them in turn, and then held up a well-worn copy of The Poky Little Puppy.

  Memories of Mam reading this very same book to her and Grace when they were little flashed through Brianna’s mind. Surely it’s not the actual book? She quickly flicked it open to the inside front cover and her jaw dropped. Her name, scrawled in messy hand-writing, confirmed it was. Tears welled in her eyes as she lifted a finger and ran it over the scrawl. It seemed like just yesterday she was snuggling close to Mam. She could hear Mam’s soft, gentle voice reading the story, feel Mam’s arm around her... it wasn’t fair that she’d died so young. Brianna sucked in a breath and brushed at her eyes.

  Alana and Aislin had been even younger than she and Grace when they all got separated. They probably didn’t even remember Mam. What had it been like for them to be sent away at such a young age? Brianna shuddered as she recalled the years she and Grace spent at Aunt Hilda’s and prayed that Aislin and Alana had fared better, but somehow, doubted it.

  Renewed compassion grew in her heart for her younger sisters, Alana in particular. Only God had saved Brianna from the self-destructive path she’d taken, and only God could heal the deep-seated hurts Alana carried. More prayer was needed.

  “Auntie, are you going to read?” Quinn looked up again as he pulled on Brianna’s arm, bringing her back to the present.

  She hugged him. “Sorry, Quinny. Let’s start.” Locating page one, she began reading the words she knew so well.

  “Five little puppies dug a hole under the fence and went for a walk in the wide, wide world. Through the meadow they went, down the road, over the bridge, across the green grass, and up the hill, one after the other…”

  Immersed in the story, Brianna didn’t notice Alana leaning against the wall until Quinn held his arms out and asked her to join them.

  Smiling, Brianna patted the empty space on the bed. “Come on, Alana, come and join us.”

  Alana hesitated for a moment, but then walked to the bed and perched on the edge.

  Quinn scrambled up and threw his arms around her neck.

  “Quinny, be careful or you’ll knock Mummy off the bed.”

  Alana gave a small chuckle as she hugged him. “He’s okay. I love my morning cuddles.” She rested her head against his and smiled at Brianna. “Thanks for reading to him.” Her voice was soft but hoarse.

  “You’re welcome. I’m glad you had a lie in.”

  Alana nodded. “I don’t get much of a break now that Aislin’s married.”

  “You must miss her.”

  Alana nibbled her lower lip. “Yes. We’ve never been apart until now.”

  “Much like Grace and me.” Brianna rubbed Alana’s arm, the sadness in Alana’s eyes tugging at her heart. “You’ll have to tell me what it was like growing up, but later.” She nodded her head towards Quinn.

  Alana sniffed and gave Brianna a small, grateful smile.

  “I can hear noises downstairs. We’d best go down.”

  Alana blew her nose and nodded before lifting Quinn’s head off her chest. She gently brushed the hair off his forehead and looked into his eyes. “Ready for breakfast, Quinny?”

  “Can we finish the book first?” He looked at her with pleading eyes.

  She hugged him to her chest, rocking him like a baby. “Later. Okay?”

  “Okay.” His voice was so sweet, so innocent.

  Alana stood and placed Quinn on the floor. Taking his hand, she turned and gave Brianna a nod. “We’ll be ready in a few minutes.”

  Brianna gave her a warm smile. “No hurry.”

  Brianna sat on her bed and bowed her head, her heart heavy with compassion for Alana. She knew what it was like to be lonely, and she prayed her sister might find peace and love, just like she had when she met Jesus. Rising from her bed, she slipped on a soft-pink cashmere sweater and her favourite pair of jeans, brushed her hair, and applied a little blusher and lip-stick. Her mind drifted to Andrew as she dressed and her heart skittered, but then she grew guilty for thinking about him after seeing how deeply lonely Alana was. But only God could truly fill the empty vacuum in a person’s heart. The prospect of being loved by someone special was exciting, but faded in comparison to being loved by God. She prayed Alana might come to know that truth for herself.

  Shortly after, Brianna, Alana and Quinn headed downstairs for breakfast, each woman taking one of Quinn’s hands as they descended the steps. He wanted to be swung, but Alana told him it would be too dangerous, so he just walked down between them. By the time they arrived, just about everybody else was seated at the long table eating breakfast and chatting.

  Caitlin looked up from her position near the door and waved them forward, her face jolly as always. “Come in, come in. There’s coffee and tea on the sideboard, as well as cereal and toast. Fresh eggs are coming in a moment.”

  “I’m happy with tea and toast, thanks.” Brianna smiled as she headed for the sideboard, but her gaze darted around the table until it connected briefly with Andrew’s. She gave him a small nod before turning her attention to the toast and tea, but she couldn’t help the tingle of excitement rippling through her.

  She poured tea for herself and for Alana, and then popped a piece of pre-cooked toast onto a plate before heading for the vacant seat beside Andrew, surprising herself with her forwardness.

  “Good morning. Sleep well?” His soft burr and warm eyes made her heart skitter afresh.

  “Yes, and you?”

  His eyes twinkled. “Och aye, I fell asleep with a sweet lassie on my mind.”

  Brianna giggled. The only other person who’d ever called her ‘lassie’ was Andrew’s mother, and she loved the way it rolled off his tongue.

  As she sipped her tea, Danny stood, rubbing his hands briskly together. “Good morning, everyone. Hope you all slept well.”

  Generally favourable responses moved around the table.

  “Great to hear. I’ve got two pieces of good news for you. The first one is that Fraser McAdams is stable in Glasgow Hospital, and his wife gave birth to a healthy baby boy last night. She’s been transferred to Glasgow Hospital to be near him.”

  Audible relief shifted from person to person.

  “And here’s some other good news… snow fell on the mountains last night, so skiing will definitely be on the agenda for today.”

  Once again, everyone reacted positively, apart from Brendan. He leaned back in his chair, folded his arms, and stared at Daniel. “I’d rather go to the pub.” Silence fell around the table as all eyes turned to him. It was almost like he was laying down a challenge.

  Daniel didn’t react. Instead, he just shrugged. “Suit yourself, but we’d like you to come.” He sipped his coffee, making a slurping noise, then wrapped his hands around his mug as he glanced out the window. “Should be a good day, although the weather can change at any time. I suggest we head off as soon as we can and make the most of the day, given how short it is this time of year. There’s gear in the storeroom for anyone who wants to try their hand at skiing. Otherwise, just grab some thick jackets. If the wind picks up, it can get freezing up there.”

  “Sounds great, Danny,” Grace said, shooting a severe look at Brendan as she pushed her chair back. If anyone could take him on, it would be Grace. “Brendan should be on dishes if he’s not coming.”

  He sighed. “I’ll come. I was just stirring.”

  “Good. But you can still do the dishes.” Grace’s tone of voice left no room for argument.

  “I’ll help,” Shawn said as he began gathering the dirty plates.

  Brianna watched everyone interact as she finished her tea. Not much had changed since they were all children, sparring in the kitchen together at meal times. Grace had always been the boss, and she still was. A tinge of sadness washed over her as she thought about all those lost years. But they were together now, and somehow, they’d all survived. Now she was beginning to feel glad she hadn’t gone to Spai
n after all. She did know them… they were her siblings, her family.

  Within half an hour, everyone was ready to leave. Andrew was waiting by the bus for Brianna when she arrived from upstairs with Alana and Quinn. It amazed her how every time his gaze met hers, her heart turned over in response. She gave him a smile and joined him as they climbed into the bus. Despite the cold, she felt wrapped in an invisible warmth as she sat beside him for the short journey to Aonach Mor.

  Chapter 7

  As Brianna sat in the bus with Andrew beside her, Ben Nevis had never looked so majestic. Covered in snow, the bare slopes of the huge mountain dominated the horizon, but it was Aonach Mor, just two peaks from Ben Nevis, they were headed for. In the seat in front, Quinn jiggled on Alana’s lap and peeked over her shoulder, smiling coyly at Brianna. When she returned his smile and reached out, tapping the tip of his nose, he giggled and her heart warmed.

  Daniel brought the bus to a stop in the parking area already filled with tourist coaches and motorhomes. Everyone stood and began filing out. Brianna’s heart missed a beat when Andrew placed his hand briefly on the small of her back as she slipped past him.

  Although she wore her thick winter jacket, she shivered when a blast of bitter wind buffeted her as she stepped out of the bus. The Cairngorm range, with snowy peaks towering all around, was much colder than Glasgow.

  She smiled when Dillon ran up to Andrew, taking his hand and chatting excitedly as they approached the ticket booth. Andrew didn’t seem to mind—in fact, by the way he chatted back, he seemed to enjoy the interaction.

  With the tickets bought, they all joined the line of people waiting to catch a gondola up the mountain to the ski fields and restaurant. Daniel allowed everyone to go ahead of him and stood with Andrew and Dillon at the rear. Aislin, Joel, Grace, Ryan, Brendan and Shawn hopped into the first gondola. Caleb, Caitlin and their two girls climbed into the second one. Lizzy, James, Clare, and Lizzy’s parents were next in line, leaving Daniel, Andrew, Dillon, Alana, Quinn, and Brianna in the last one.

  Daniel motioned for her, Alana, and Quinn to enter first. Brianna followed them in and sat beside Alana. Andrew climbed in and sat directly opposite. Their eyes briefly met, and as they shared a smile, her pulse skittered alarmingly. She’d never seen a man look so good in a hand-knitted beanie and matching scarf. As the gondola jerked and began its journey upwards, she swivelled in her seat to look at the magnificent view, but every now and then her gaze found Andrew’s, and each time, a quiver surged through her.

  The ride only took fifteen minutes. When the gondola reached the top station and they all began to exit, Brianna tripped and almost lost her footing. Strong hands on her arms steadied her. She turned around to offer her thanks, but as she looked into Andrew’s eyes, her voice caught and all she could do was offer a coy grin.

  Andrew struggled to tear his gaze away from Brianna and listen to Dillon after they exited the gondola. Her shyness and innocence mesmerised him, but Dillon tugged on his sleeve, pulling his attention away. He looked down at the little boy as Brianna walked ahead and joined Grace and Ryan.

  “Can you take me skiing, Andrew?” Dillon grabbed his hand and dragged him to the fence where skiers were lining up for the chair lift.

  “We’ll have to talk to your dad about that. Have you skied before?”

  Dillon nodded enthusiastically. “Dad took me last year.”

  Andrew grinned. “I bet you were good.”

  “I fell over three times, but I didn’t get hurt. Can you take me, please?” He jumped up and down on the spot.

  Andrew ruffled Dillon’s hair and chuckled. “If you dad says yes, I’ll be happy to.”

  Dillon whooped. “I’ll go ask him.”

  As the boy dashed off to find Daniel, Andrew headed back to the group, his gaze searching for Brianna. When he found her, for a long moment he studied her, drinking in her rosy cheeks and full lips as she crouched in the snow, busily making a snowman with Quinn while everyone else stood around discussing their options. He’d never seen anything so beautiful.

  Dillon waved Andrew over to where he was trying to get Daniel’s attention. Andrew was torn. He wanted to join Brianna, but didn’t want to let Dillon down. He shouldn’t have promised. Blowing out a breath, he joined him and Daniel.

  Daniel looked up as Andrew approached. “So, I believe Dillon’s asked you to take him skiing.” Daniel patted the little boy’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll take him. I’m sure you don’t want to be stuck on the beginner slopes.”

  “I don’t mind, really.” But that wasn’t true… he’d rather build a snowman. He could go skiing anytime he wanted.

  Daniel shrugged. “I wouldn’t mind going on the red run with the others, so maybe we can take it in turns?”

  Andrew bit his lip. “Sure. You go now, I’ll go later.”

  “Thanks. Just keep an eye on him. He thinks he’s better than he is.” He winked at Dillon and clapped Andrew on the back before moving off to the chairlift with Grace, Ryan, Caleb and Shawn.

  A few members of the group left for the beginner slopes, while others headed to the restaurant for hot chocolate and shortbread. Lizzy had joined Brianna and Quinn in the snow, as had James, Clare and Alana. Lizzy motioned for Dillon to join them. “Come on, Dillon, we’re making snowmen. Come and join us so Andrew can go skiing.”

  Brianna looked up with a puzzled but pleased expression. She’d obviously expected him to go skiing with the others.

  “It’s okay, I’m happy to take him.” Andrew placed his hand on Dillon’s shoulder, and after shooting Brianna a quick glance, he bent down and looked Dillon in the eye. “How about we make a snowman first, buddy?”

  “Yeah, come on Dillon. Come and help us,” James called out as he patted a lump of snow onto the snowman’s body.

  Dillon glanced at the ski field and then at the snowman. “Okay.” He threw his skis down and scooped up a big handful of snow, slapping it onto the snowman James was making with Lizzy and Clare.

  Andrew put his skis down and hesitated. Dillon seemed to have forgotten about him, and there were four in that group with Lizzy and only three in Brianna’s. It was a no-brainer. He crouched down and joined Brianna.

  Brianna almost hadn’t dared hope that Andrew would join her, so when a shadow fell across the snowman she was building with Alana and Quinn, she took a quick, sharp breath.

  He knelt beside her and winked. “Like some help?”

  A giddy sense of excitement rushed through her.

  Quinn nodded eagerly, saving her from answering. “You can build his arms.”

  “We’ll have to find some sticks for that,” Andrew said. “Do you want to come look for some with me?”

  “Okay.” The little boy stood and took Andrew’s hand, angling his head to peer up at the tall man. “Where will we find them?”

  “I’m not sure. We might have to look really hard… there aren’t many trees around.”

  “Why aren’t there?” Quinn’s eyes narrowed and his forehead scrunched.

  “That’s a long story,” Andrew answered as they walked off together.

  The way Andrew took all of Quinn’s questions in stride warmed Brianna’s heart. All the kids loved him, and he seemed to love them. She recalled reading somewhere that you could tell a person’s character by the way they treated children and animals. If this was anything to go by, Andrew McKinnon was a good man.

  “He’s nice,” Alana said quietly, as she patted more snow on the snowman’s body.

  Brianna blinked. Had Alana read her thoughts? “He is.”

  “He likes you.”

  Heat raced up Brianna’s neck and into her face. “What makes you say that?”

  “The way he looks at you.”

  Brianna shrugged as she balled more snow, all the while keeping her gaze averted. “I hadn’t noticed.”

  Alana chuckled. “Come on, Brianna. Of course you have.”

  She looked up, unable to hide the grin on her face. “You’re r
ight.” Maybe she shouldn’t be saying this to Alana—it might just make her loneliness more obvious, but then, maybe being honest and sharing would help seal their relationship. “I think I like him too.”

  Alana focused on the snowman before meeting Brianna’s gaze. When she did, her eyes were filled with longing and regret. “I’m happy for you.”

  “Thanks, but nothing’s happened yet.”

  “It will, I can tell.”

  “You miss Conall, don’t you?”

  Alana nodded, wiping a tear from her eye.

  Brianna gave her wrist a gentle squeeze. “I’m sure there’s someone better out there for you. He doesn’t deserve you after what he did.” Brianna would have preferred to tell Alana that Jesus loved her, but it was too premature—they barely knew each other, and somehow it didn’t seem like the right time. But when was the right time? She prayed God would let her know.

  She glanced at Andrew chatting easily with Quinn while the two of them looked for sticks. A tinge of guilt flowed through her. She quickly put it aside.

  When Andrew and Quinn returned moments later with some small twigs, Brianna couldn’t deny the spark of excitement rising in her.

  The next half hour or so passed happily. Brianna laughed and joked with everyone, including Andrew. When it came time for judging whose snowman was the best, they all agreed they were both great in their own way and both were winners.

  Lizzy stood and brushed snow off her jacket and pants. “It must be time for a hot drink. It’s freezing out here.” She rubbed her hands together briskly.

  “Can’t we go skiing, Mum? Andrew was going to take me.” Dillon pleaded with her.

  “After we’ve had something to eat and drink, Dillon. Okay?” Lizzy gave him a stern look.

  Dillon hung his head. “Okay.”

  They gathered their belongings and tramped through the snow up to the restaurant. After placing the skis in the racks, they headed inside into the warmth of the restaurant, joining Lizzy’s parents, and Caitlin and Brendan, at a table near a large picture window with a panoramic view of the ski fields.