by Danni Roan
“You get any sleep?” she asked noting the dark circles under his eyes. He’d stayed with his sister all night, and she couldn’t blame him.
“A little,” he said indicating the chair.
“I’ll run and get us some more coffee,” Lisa said with a smile, but when the kids go back to the apartment this morning, you’re going too.”
Brooks turned troubled eyes to the young woman who seemed to be inching her way into his heart. “Why? Were the children a problem?”
“No, silly.” Lisa slapped his arm. “You need some sleep and no arguments,” she added shaking a finger at him as his eyes flashed back to his sister.
Brooks nodded. He could use a shower and a couple of hours of rest. “Alright,” he agreed as Lisa turned walking into the hall phone in hand.
She looked lovely in her winter white coat and forest green skirt that swished over black stockings and little red shoes.
Lisa punched in the order for the nearest coffee joint then checked through her messages.
She’d been on the phone or messaging people from work most of the night, but things seemed to be in the works.
Passing a tiny chapel as she hurried down the hall, Lisa back peddled scooting inside and staring at the small rose window above a nativity scene.
“Lord,” she whispered quietly, “I’m not very good at this because I’m sort of out of practice, but I’ve done all I can, so I’m turning to you for some help.”
She gazed around the tiny space filled with antique pews and Christmas greenery. “You’re kind of the Big Guy you know and we sure could use a Christmas Miracle.”
Turning and heading back out the door, she tossed her final words over her shoulder. “Thanks.”
***
Brooks smiled when Lisa returned baring two enormous paper cups emblazoned with a well know coffee logo on them.
“I didn’t know what you liked, so I got it with everything,” Lisa said sipping her own frothy concoction.
“Right now caffeinated is the way I take it,” Brooks said taking a sip and closing his eyes in ecstasy.
Lisa grinned from behind her cup that now bore the distinct remnants of her red lipstick. “Good?”
“Perfect,” Brook said. “Plenty of sugar and lots of cream.”
“Lisa, you go on and take that boy home now. He looks like he could fall over.” Linda Alberton walked back in a basket of art supplies in hand. “I’m going to sit here with Carol and the kids for a while. Be back before lunch, you hear, so I can get these munchkins fed.”
“Yes Aunt Linda,” Lisa said smiling at Brooks.
“I’ll see you soon,” Brooks walked up to the head of the bed kissing his sister softly on the cheek.
“Stay out of trouble,” Carol quipped an echo of light in her eyes, as Lisa took his hand dragging him out the door.
Chapter 11
“Are you sure you shouldn’t be at work or something?” Brooks asked as Lisa drove them back to Audrey’s apartment.
“No, I’m off until the third of January, unless some muckity-muck decides to call a special meeting.” She shot him a scowl then laughed as he grinned sheepishly.
“I’m sorry about that.”
“Don’t be, it wasn’t your fault, and I get double time for holidays,” she added taking a corner too close and clipping the curb.
“Um, when is your friend getting back into town anyway?” Brooks asked grabbing the door handle a little more firmly as Lisa turned hard into a parking space that looked about two sizes too small.
“Audrey? She’s on her honeymoon and they’re gone for two weeks.” She shook her head. “Crazy how she got hitched so fast, but I guess she’s lucky she could drop her business on James.”
“Who’s James,” Brooks extricated himself from the miraculously unscathed red car and followed Lisa toward a door.
“He’s Audrey’s assistant and a genius at getting things done. Anyway, Audrey and Holden haven’t even figured out where they’ll live when they get back.” She added. “It all happened that fast.”
“You’re kidding?” Brooks held the outer door open while Lisa dug for her key. “How long had they been dating?”
“About three weeks, if you can call it that.” Lisa laughed. “All I care about is that she’s happy.”
Lisa stuck her key in the door then headed up the hall only to knock on a door decorated with an oversized wreath.
“There you are,” Lydia said drying her hands on a dish towel. “I just finished the cocoa, and I’ve got breakfast casserole heating.” She took one look at Brooks and pointed, “Shower, straight down the hall on the left. Go.” She finished waving the plaid dish cloth at him.
Lisa covered her giggle with a cough as Brooks hustled down the hall.
“You’ll find a bag on the sink with your things,” Lydia yelled after him. “We packed a few things at the house,” she finished.
“You really have it together,” Lisa commented.
“Now you come and sit honey,” the older woman said pushing at her bangs that were sagging due to the hot oven. “What’s the news?”
“I don’t know Lydia,” Lisa said taking a chair and looking around. “Where’s Lou?”
“She ran back to the farm to take care of things. She’d going to put Oliver in with the chickens until the children get home and make sure everything is in order.”
“Oh,” Lisa said simply.
“Now tell me how Carol is?” Lydia slid onto a chair handing Lisa a cup of hot chocolate topped with fresh whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
“I honestly don’t know. According to Brooks she’s been ill for a very long time. Some sort of tumor and it hasn’t responded well to chemo at all.”
The older woman laid her fingers on Lisa’s. “Well we’ll stay around and help out as much as we can,” she said shaking her short white locks. “The minute I laid eyes on that girl it was like God was giving me another daughter.”
Lisa grinned, breathing deeply of the chocolate peppermint aroma. The Ls were always adopting someone it seemed. First Audrey when her parents had disappeared all those Christmases ago, taking the Albertons from them when their small plane evaporated from radar like a wraith.
When she and Audrey had become best friends, she’d become an honorary member of the family as well, and now Carol, which meant Brooks, Vivian and Drew by extension.
“I never thought I’d say this, but I’m sure glad I ran out of gas at their house, even with that crazy goose knocking me down it seems like they needed someone.”
“Oliver?” Lydia looked shocked, “but he’s the sweetest water fowl I’ve ever met, he wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
“Tell that to my derriere,” Lisa protested.
Brooks stopped in the door way a towel draped over his shoulders above a soft white flannel shirt and wondered why Lisa was referencing her very pert little backside.
“Well either way, Lou is taking Oliver to the farm until the children get home. You must have annoyed him somehow.”
“I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done,” Brooks said his voice breaking as he took a seat.
Lydia was on her feet in an instant wrapping her arm around him and squeezing tight. “Don’t you worry son,” she said. “Everything will come out right.”
Brooks nodded looking toward Lisa who wasn’t trying to sugar coat his sister’s condition while accepting the cup of chocolate Lydia offered.
“Now you two eat up then head back over to sit with Carol then Linda can bring the children back for lunch.”
“The Ls certainly have everything organized don’t they?” Brooks said digging into a plate of some eggy concoction.
“They usually do,” Lisa said leaning across the table conspiratorially.
***
Carol was kissing the children who were already bundled in their winter wear as Lisa and Brooks walked back into her room.
“Alright sweetie’s come give your uncle a kiss, and then we’ll go home for
lunch,” Linda said slinging her satchel over her shoulder.
“Bye Uncle Brooks,” both children said kissing him as they followed Linda out the door chattering about some paint project.
“You look tired,” Brooks moved around to his sister’s side taking her hand gently in his.
“The kids were delightful and so well behaved with Linda,” Carol smiled. “You look rested.”
“The Ls insisted on a nap,” Brooks said blushing like a school boy. “I feel about five years old again around them.”
“Isn’t it wonderful?” Carol asked smiling. “Have we heard from Dan?” she finished her voice growing thick.
Brooks shook his head. “I sent the message like he said, but I haven’t heard anything yet.”
“I’d like him to be here at the end,” Carol said, “but we said goodbye once that’s enough.”
Lisa stepped up, wrapping an arm around Brooks. He was a big man, tall and broad and yet he seemed so out of his depth with both the children and his sister.
“We’ll just have to believe that Dan will get here,” Lisa insisted. “For now you two are together and that’s enough.”
Carol reached a blue veined hand to Lisa. “I’m glad you ended up in my front yard,” she said sagging back into her pillows. “Brooks needs a friend right now.”
Brooks and Lisa watched Carol slowly slip off to sleep. She looked peaceful as if eternity already belonged to her.
Brooks turned away, but Lisa followed him her heart full of affection for this man who had stepped in when he was needed.
He was so out of place, so vulnerable that she couldn’t help but be drawn to him.
“I don’t know how to do this Lisa,” he said. “I’m so lost.”
Taking his hand Lisa led him to the small chapel. The smell of pine, and holly filled the air and the afternoon sunlight sparkled through the window in rainbow shards across the floor, walls, and ceiling.
Brooks’ lips turned up into a sad smile as he slipped into a pew feeling a gentle peace wash over him.
Stealing from the room silently Lisa stepped into the hall opening the message that vibrated the device in her hand and smiled.
Chapter 12
Lisa shot a text to the Ls then crept through the open door of Carol’s room.
Brooks was dozing in the worn yellow chair by the window as a smattering of snow dotted the glass pane.
Brooks was beyond handsome lost in the peace of sleep, his dark hair falling over his face in an unruly twist.
Lisa’s heart filled with affection for him. He was strong, dedicated, and determined to be there for his sister, though he felt completely inadequate to the task.
Brooks hazel eyes flickered open to see Lisa peering around the hospital curtain, then grew wide as he climbed from his chair tears of joy and relief running down his face as he reached out a hand to the man with Lisa.
“Carol honey, are you awake?” Brooks called his throat tight. “You have a visitor.”
Carol dragged heavy lids wide then gasped busting into tears as Dan, still dressed in his sailor whites.
“Dan, Dan.” She sobbed as he wrapped her in travel weary arms.
Dan buried his face in Carol’s neck holding her tight as they both wept.
Brooks turned to Lisa a million expressions running across his face at once as he noted the way she was biting her lip to keep from crying too.
“You did this,” he whispered. “I don’t know how but I know it.” He pulled her close tipping his head and kissing her feeling a joy beyond measure tremble in his heart.
“Yuck!” a startled voice said as the children stepped into the room with Louisa trailing them, a bright smile on her face.
Brooks grinned but before he could say anything Vivian’s eyes grew wide and she launched herself at the man peeking around the corner.
“Daddy!” Vivian cried jumping into Dan’s outstretched arms. A moment later he had scooped up Drew holding them close as their mother laughed in delight.
Louisa gestured Brooks and Lisa out of the room. “I’m going to get the tea and cookies, but let’s give them a little time,” the older woman said pulling a heavy silvery braid over her shoulder and squeezing Lisa’s arm, before walking away.
“How?” Brooks asked as they walked down the hall, his eyes glowing with an emotion he couldn’t wholly express.
“I called everyone I know figuring someone who knew someone would know someone,” she said with a shrug.
“I think Mr. Arnold might have used his own helicopter at one point, but Dan had to get home.”
“What about the Navy?”
“I don’t know,” Lisa grumbled. “They said something about leave, and family time. Some sort of Navy speaks.”
Brooks wrapped her in his arms again. “You’re remarkable,” he said kissing her curls.
Lisa leaned into the solid form of Brooks. She felt safe and warm and adored and never wanted to budge.
It didn’t seem possible, but she was starting to think she was falling in love with the man. She’d barely known him a week, but her heart strayed to him at every thought.
It was silly she knew, but somehow it seemed so real. Audrey had found her true love, could Lisa too?
Chapter 13
Lisa helped settle a sleeping Vivian in Lydia’s arms then handed Drew to Linda. The Ls had come in quietly serving tea and cookies to the family then collecting the children allowing the couple time alone.
“We’ll be home in a bit,” Lisa said kissing Lydia’s cheek. “If you’re staying the night, you can come on over to my place.”
“Oh my no, Lydia said. “ Lou sent the air mattress, and we’re snug as can be.”
Lisa shook her head knowing it was useless to argue with any of the Ls.
As quiet engulfed the room, Brooks sidled up to Lisa gently settling an arm around her. He wanted to cuddle and snuggle her all the time, but he’d only known her a few days and didn’t want to seem clingy.
He couldn’t believe that the girl who’d run out of gas in front of his sister’s house and had fallen victim to a rambunctious goose had been able to organize Dan’s homecoming.
“You hungry?” he asked not wanting to say good night yet.
“Starving,” Lisa admitted. “You want to see if Dan needs anything?”
Brooks ducked back around the curtain seeing his brother-in-law squeezed onto the bed with Carol wrapped in his arms.
“Can I get you anything?” he asked in a stilted whisper.
“Bring me a change of clothes,” Dan said his voice husky with sleep.
Brooks stepped forward placing a butterfly kiss on Carol’s forehead, trying not to disturb her sleep.
***
“Do you want to head over to the apartment and eat whatever the Ls have ready?” Lisa asked heading down the stairs.
“Can we just go someplace for a burger?” Brooks asked, his eyes pleading.
Lisa giggled. “That we can do,” she finished with a squeal as she tripped on the last step falling into Brooks who braced himself on the landing and drew her into his arms.
“Sorry,” Lisa said breathlessly as she looked up into his face and drowning in his eyes.
“What?” Brooks said leaning closer.
“Sorry,” Lisa breathed as his lips found hers once more.
It took several minutes before Brooks’ brain registered that he was kissing Lisa and as much as he didn’t want to stop he drew away.
Lisa’s face was flushed and her eyes still closed as he broke the connection, and it only made him want to kiss her again.
“Lisa,” his voice was rough.
“Yes,” Lisa hummed opening her eyes and trying to focus.
“I think I like you.”
A bright smile spread slowly across Lisa’s face. “I like you too.”
“Are you sure you don’t just feel sorry for me?”
“I’m pretty sure,” Lisa said. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before,” she conti
nued.
“Me either,” Brooks confessed reaching out and taking her hand. “What do we do about it?”
Lisa’s eyes twinkled with delight. “How about for now we feed it.”
Brooks laughed, a soft rumble that seemed to break loose all of the stress and fear of the past two days. “I could live with that.”
***
Brooks stretched out on the unfamiliar bed, his mind spinning with thoughts of Lisa.
He’d checked on the children who were both fast asleep in the spare bedroom when he’d gotten home, making a mental note to write a thank you note to Lisa’s friend once everything was over.
Swallowing hard he choked down a sob for his sister, as his heart twisted in his breast. Deep inside he was conflicted.
He felt elated to have met Lisa and wanted to explore the feelings he had for her, yet he felt guilty that he was falling in love even as his sister lost her battle with cancer.
How could he justify the two feelings? How could he pursue his feelings for Lisa or even know what they meant when sorrow and loss lurked around the corner.
Brooks smiled thinking of Lisa calling in favors to see that Dan could come home. Carol and Dan had been high school sweethearts and had only grown to love each other more over the years.
He was only now getting a glimpse of the agony Dan must be experiencing at the imminent loss of his best friend, the mother of his children, the love of his life.
Could he and Lisa have what Dan and Carol had? Was it possible to build a relationship when emotions were already raw?
So many thoughts, doubts and worries raced through his brain that he closed his eyes, covering them with his hand in hopes to calm the worry, but it only made him see Lisa’s pretty face, her lips still wet from his kisses.
There was no doubt about it, Brooks Vixen was in trouble. He’d been over his head with the children and their crazy goose before, but now he was losing his heart to a woman who could move mountains, but not walk down a flight of stairs.
Opening his eyes, he studied the ceiling above. “I don’t really understand this God thing,” he whispered, “but if you’re there give me a sign, and I’ll figure out the rest later.”
