A Highland Christmas (The Shadows Series Book 5)

by Juliette Duncan

  Over the next few days, while everyone either relaxed indoors or ventured outside when the weather allowed, more news came out. Everyone was initially surprised to hear about Andrew’s son, but he and Brianna looked so happy together, it was almost assumed they’d be an instant family before the year was out.

  When the time came for everyone to leave, they all agreed it had been the best Christmas ever and they should do it again. Lizzy didn’t say she and Daniel might not be here next Christmas, but the thought raced through her mind that they could have an O’Connor family Christmas at Wivelscombe Manor, her parents’ large manor home in the south of England. Wouldn’t that be a turn-around!

  Chapter 16

  Brianna stood in Lizzy’s bedroom in the small cottage at the Elim Community three months later. Lizzy and Grace fussed over her as they adjusted the beautiful lace bridal gown Grace had helped her choose after Andrew proposed less than two weeks after Christmas. She was marrying Andrew McKinnon today, that they were leaving in the morning for their honeymoon in Spain, and that Andy, their eleven-year old son, would be staying here with his new grandparents, Rosemary and David for a holiday in the Highlands. What a whirlwind it had been!

  The day Andrew told Andy he was his father was etched in Brianna’s memory. Andrew had agreed to meet Shelley and Andy at the restaurant he was the Executive Chef. The day after he returned to Glasgow after the Christmas break, he’d booked the table with the best view of the city—having made the decision and not wanting to waste any time. Shelley would break the news of her terminal condition to her son.

  Andrew had asked Brianna to join them, but she believed he needed to do it on his own. He was so nervous that morning, she had to tell him countless times to trust that it would be okay… God was with him and would give him the right words. Brianna promised to stay at her home and pray for them all.

  After Andrew left, and all afternoon, Brianna’s thoughts and prayers were with them. She tried catching up on some paperwork for the centre to help pass the time, but her heart wasn’t in it. Instead, she put on a thick coat and went for a walk, and as she walked, she prayed. Despite the chill of the day, she didn’t feel cold. Her focus was totally on Andrew, Shelley and Andy. She pictured how the conversation would go… Andrew’s nervousness, and the shock and sorrow in Andy’s eyes when he discovered his mother had only months to live. She also imagined his reaction when told that Andrew was his father. Her heart ached for the boy, but she knew that God would wrap him in an invisible blanket of love, protecting his heart. Yes, he’d be sad about his mother, but Andrew was a good man, and would be a great father. He would see Andy through this difficult time.

  When Andrew returned to Brianna’s semi-attached terraced home several hours later, she’d just put the kettle on and was about to make a pot of tea. As she opened the door, she immediately knew God had answered their prayers. Andrew’s eyes sparkled.

  She gave him a smile that came from her heart. “So, it went well?”

  He nodded enthusiastically, his eyes moistening as he reached out and pulled her close. “Andy said he’d already figured it out.”

  Brianna couldn’t help herself and chuckled. “He sounds like one smart boy.”

  Andrew pulled back and gazed into her eyes. “He is.”

  “I’m so glad it went well. What about Shelley? How is she?”

  “Are you going to invite me in, or do we have to stand here for all the neighbours to see?”

  Brianna chuckled again as she glanced down the street. “Sorry. Come in. I was just making tea. Would you like a cup?”

  “Love one.”

  She’d grabbed his hand and pulled him inside before closing the door. “So, Shelley?”

  “He knew about her condition, too. He’d seen her medication and guessed.”

  “And how is he handling it?” Brianna asked as she poured steaming water into the tea pot.

  “Better than expected. But maybe he’s putting on a tough front.”

  “Probably.” She took two mugs from the shelf.

  “I want you to meet him, Brianna.”

  She’d turned around and faced him. “Isn’t it too soon?”

  Andrew had stepped toward her, rubbing her forearms with his, and gazed deeply into her eyes. “I know we haven’t known each other long, but I love you, Brianna. I love everything about you, and I want to spend my life with you. I just know it deep down that this is right. Brianna, will you marry me?”

  Her palm had flown to her chest, where she felt her heart lurch. Never in a million years had she expected their relationship to accelerate so quickly. But she’d agreed… it seemed so right. Joy bubbled in her laugh as she’d nodded eagerly. “Yes, Andrew McKinnon, I’ll marry you!” she’d exclaimed. She’d gazed into his eyes, and as his arms encircled her, she’d buried her hands in his hair, lifted her face, and waited for his passionate kiss. Her knees weakened as his lips, warm and sweet, met hers.

  Two days later, Brianna met Andy and she loved him immediately. He was just like his father, not only in looks, but in personality, soft and gently spoken, courteous and polite. But she knew deep down there would be sadness and loss, and plenty of challenges to overcome. She prayed that God would help her and Andrew to be sensitive, and to help Andy through the difficult days ahead.

  They agreed not to wait to marry. They were both sure, and so now, here she was, preparing to marry her perfect man.

  “There,” Grace said as she stood after adjusting Brianna’s long train. “You look beautiful, Bibi.” Holding her at arm’s length, Grace gazed into her eyes. “I’m so happy for you.”

  Brianna forced herself not to cry—she didn’t want to ruin her make-up. Instead, she swallowed hard and returned Grace’s smile. “Thank you, Grace. For everything. I mean it.”

  “Come on now, enough of that, or we’ll both be blubbering messes. Time to get you hitched.”

  Brianna laughed gently. Yes, it was time to get hitched.

  Lizzy sat in the Elim Community chapel, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude as Daniel walked down the aisle with Brianna’s arm tucked through his. She was a beautiful bride, her face was glowing, and it warmed Lizzy’s heart to see how much in love she and Andrew were.

  Brianna’s eyes were firmly fixed on Andrew, looking ruggedly handsome in McKinnon clan tartan, but when Lizzy caught Daniel’s eye as he and Brianna passed and he winked at her, she couldn’t help but smile. New beginnings were everywhere. Brianna was marrying Andrew, eleven-year old Andy had a new family, Grace and Ryan were expecting their first child, and she and Daniel were looking forward to moving closer to her parents and him starting Bible College in a few weeks’ time.

  And then there was Alana. Caitlin had taken Daniel’s younger sister under her wing when they both returned to Belfast after Christmas, and Alana seemed at peace. Happy, even. God was working in her life as He no doubt was in the lives of the others. They might not have responded to Him yet, but Daniel and Lizzy prayed for Shawn, Brendan, Aislin and Joel every night, along with all his other siblings. They’d become so close since Christmas, and even Brendan had flown back to Scotland for Brianna’s wedding, having managed to stay out of jail for the longest time ever.

  So many things to be thankful for. So many blessings. So much to look forward to. Lizzy sighed with contentment as Daniel joined her and squeezed her hand. They were indeed blessed beyond measure.

  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

  NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

  I hope you enjoyed Brianna and Andrew's heartwarming story as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you have yet to read the first four books of “The Shadows Series”, read them now to discover how Danny's, Lizzy's, Grace's and Brianna's stories began! The first three books are Daniel and Lizzy's story and are available in a Box Set which is also free to read on Kindle Unlimited. Book 4, "Secrets and Sacrifice", is Grace's story and is
available separately, and can also be read as a stand-alone.

  Make sure you don't miss my new releases by joining my mailing list. Visit www.julietteduncan.com/subscribe to join, and as a thank you for signing up, you’ll also receive a free short story.

  Finally, could I ask you a favor? Would you help other people find this book by writing a review and telling them why you liked it? Honest reviews of my books help bring them to the attention of other readers just like yourself, and I’d be very grateful if you could spare just five minutes to leave a review (it can be as short as you like). Click here to leave a review.

  With gratitude,

  Juliette

  Other Books by Juliette Duncan

  The Shadows Series

  An inspirational romance, a story of passion and love, and of God’s inexplicable desire to free people from pasts that haunt them so they can live a life full of His peace, love and forgiveness, regardless of the circumstances. “Lingering Shadows” is set in England, and follows the story of Lizzy, a headstrong, impulsive young lady from a privileged background, and Daniel, a roguish Irishman who sweeps her off her feet. But can Lizzy leave the shadows of her past behind and give Daniel the love he deserves, and will Daniel find freedom and release in God?

  Praise for "The Shadows Series"

  "I absolutely LOVE this series. I grew to connect with each of the characters with each passing page. If you are looking for a story with real-life situations & great character development, with the love of God interwoven throughout the pages, I HIGHLY recommend The Shadows Series Box Set by Juliette Duncan!" JLB

  "Amazing story, one of the best I have ever read. Gives us so much information regarding alcoholism and abusive behavior. It also gives us understanding on how to respond. The Bible was well presented to assist with understanding how to accomplish the behaviors necessary to deal with the situations.” Jeane M

  "This boxed set deeply stirred my soul and thrilled my spirit as God spoke and moved over the despair of alcoholism, Irish tempers, and loss of loved ones." Sharon

  The True Love Series

  After her long-term relationship falls apart, Tessa Scott is left questioning God’s plan for her life, and she’s feeling vulnerable and unsure of how to move forward.

  Ben Williams is struggling to keep the pieces of his life together after his wife of fourteen years walks out on him and their teenage son.

  Tessa’s housemate inadvertently sets up a meeting between the two of them, triggering a chain of events neither expected. Be prepared for a roller-coaster ride of emotions as Tessa, Ben and Jayden do life together and learn to trust God to meet their every need.

  Praise for “The True Love Series”

  “What incredible stories! They are all so real and heartwarming. These books make me feel good for days!” Amazon Customer

  “These books are so good you won't be able to stop reading them. The characters in the books are very special people who will feel like they are part of your family.” Debbie J

  The Precious Love Series

  Book 1 - Forever Cherished

  "Forever Cherished" is a stand-alone novel, but is better read as a follow-on from "The True Love Series" books.

  Now Tessa's dream of living in the country has been realized, she wants to share her and Ben's blessings with others, but when a sad, lonely woman comes to stay, Tessa starts to think she's bitten off more than she can chew, and has to rely on her faith at every turn.

  Leah Maloney is carrying a truck-load of disappointments from the past and has almost given up on life. Her older sister arranges for her to spend time at 'Misty Morn', but Leah is suspicious of her sister's motives.

  Praise for "Forever Cherished"

  "Another amazing story of God's love and the amazing ways he works in our lives. Juliette Duncan writes the best books, everyone of them is worth the read." Ruth H

  Hank and Sarah - A Love Story, the Prequel to "The Madeleine Richards Series" is a FREE thank you gift for joining my mailing list. You’ll also be the first to hear about my next books and get exclusive sneak previews. Get your free copy at www.julietteduncan.com/subscribe

  The Madeleine Richards Series

  Although the 3 book series is intended mainly for pre-teen/Middle Grade girls, it’s been read and enjoyed by people of all ages. Here’s what one 72 year old had to say about it: I am 72 years of age and thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to Book 2 with excitement. Your book can be enjoyed by all ages 11-100. It brings back wonderful memories for the young at heart. Thank you for sharing this book with me. Patricia Walters

  About the Author

  Juliette Duncan is a Christian fiction author, passionate about writing stories that will touch her readers' hearts and make a difference in their lives. Although a trained school teacher, Juliette spent many years working alongside her husband in their own business, but is now relishing the opportunity to follow her passion for writing stories she herself would love to read. Based in Brisbane, Australia, Juliette and her husband have five adult children, seven grandchildren, and an elderly long haired dachshund.Apart from writing, Juliette loves exploring the great world we live in, and has travelled extensively, both within Australia and overseas. She also enjoys social dancing and eating out.

  Connect with Juliette:

  Email: juliette@julietteduncan.com

  Website: www.julietteduncan.com

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/JulietteDuncanAuthor

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Juliette_Duncan