41. Anna
Anna
O n Christmas morning, the warm scent of coffee woke Anna from a restful sleep seconds before her phone dinged with a text. Blinking through the soft light of the morning, she stretched her arms above her head and reached for her phone.
Beau: Good morning beautiful. Breakfast is here.
She tossed the blanket off and grabbed her robe from the hook on the back of the bedroom door. Sneaking into the bathroom, she brushed her teeth and hair in a rush. Beau wouldn’t mind seeing her in her pajamas, but he might be put off by morning breath and bedhead.
How far had she come from when she would’ve never let a man see her without makeup and hair styled? She would have panicked if Dean showed up at the door and she didn’t have breakfast made for him.
Her idea of a healthy relationship had changed drastically in the weeks since the wedding that never happened. She never worried what Beau would think of her without makeup or how he would react if she had an opinion.
And her feelings for Beau? The way she loved him paled in comparison to anything she imagined love could be.
When she stepped into the kitchen, Beau handed her a mug of steaming coffee. He wore a gray thermal shirt and jeans, and his hair was tousled from sleep.
Anna took the mug and rested it on the counter before reaching for him. “Good morning, handsome.”
Beau slid his arms around her waist and pulled her to his chest. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas indeed.” She glanced at the table where plates were rounded with food. “Did you do all of this?”
“I can’t take credit for cooking it, but I picked it up from Mrs. Scott on the way over. She said Asa, Lyric, and Jacob are having breakfast at home before they stop by to hang out here for a little while.”
“That’s so sweet of her. And you.”
How many times would Beau do more than repeat his love for her in words? He went above and beyond on a daily basis, and she never took him for granted.
Beau rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. “I haven’t really enjoyed Christmas since Mom died.”
Oh no. The loss of Beau’s mom had hit everyone in Blackwater. Mary Lawrence was a pillar in the community, and everyone loved her.
Anna had been there for Olivia during that time, but what had Beau gone through?
Her hand slid over his short beard and into his hair. “I’m sorry.”
Beau grasped her hand and lowered it, cradling it in his. “Don’t be. For the first time in years, I’m looking forward to it.”
Olivia bounced into the kitchen. Her dark hair was piled into a messy bun, and she had way too much pep for the early hour. “Good morning!” she sang.
“Merry Christmas, Liv.” Anna turned and gestured to the coffeemaker. “Grab a cup while we wait on Dawson.”
“Ha! As if I would be late when food is involved,” Dawson said as he reached for a slice of bacon.
Olivia slapped his hand, sending the bacon flying across the kitchen. “We haven’t blessed that food yet!”
Dawson gawked at Olivia. “Look what you did to that poor bacon.”
Beau reached into the cabinet to grab plates for everyone. “Well, you tried to eat unblessed food.”
“Shame on you,” Anna said, frowning at Dawson who crossed his arms and pouted at being called out.
“Beau, bless this food before my husband gets himself in trouble again,” Liv demanded.
Anna bowed her head and closed her eyes. Whether they’d blessed the food or not, there was no doubt that the Lord had blessed these relationships and friendships. She’d been homeless and jobless just a few weeks ago, but here she was, celebrating Jesus’s birth with everything she needed and more.
After breakfast, everyone moved to the living room and settled around the fire. Beau found a seat on the couch, and Anna scooted in next to him with her feet tucked beside her and a blanket over both of them.
They took turns reading different accounts of Jesus’s birth in the gospels while they waited for Travis and Bella to arrive.
Anna rested her head on Beau’s shoulder and silently prayed, thanking God for these moments of peace.
They’d all signed up to hand out toys to kids at church later, but they had a few hours to enjoy the quiet, still morning and remember why they celebrated .
When Travis and Bella arrived, everyone moved closer to the Christmas tree, sitting on the floor and on ottomans to gather together. Anna sat on the floor in front of where Beau stayed on the couch. His knees bracketed her on either side.
Dawson clapped his hands to rally everyone’s attention. “Listen up. We’re gonna pray, then we can rip into the presents.”
Their friends bowed their heads as Dawson prayed, “Almighty Lord, we come to You with grateful hearts. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for our sins. Thank You for loving us and forgiving us when we make mistakes. Thank You for the gift of salvation. We are nothing without You, and we humbly bow ourselves before Your mighty name. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.”
Olivia clapped her hands and squealed. “I’ll hand out the presents!”
Dawson held out an arm, blocking her from the tree. “No way. This is every man for himself. It’s a grab-fest.”
Olivia rolled her eyes and bent to pick up a present with her name on it. “Whatever. We’re not kids.”
Bella pushed past the bickering couple. “Got mine!”
Anna made her way over to the tree and found hers and Beau’s. Both were in the same cube shape big enough to grip with one hand .
She handed Beau’s to him with a smile before sitting down at his feet. “It’s not much, but I thought of you when I saw it.”
Beau leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Yours isn’t much either.”
Anna’s Christmas mornings as a child had looked different from Beau and Olivia’s.
Anna woke up to dozens of expensive gifts she wasn’t allowed to play with, while Beau and Olivia received a few small things they’d really wanted.
After talking about past Christmases and the true meaning of the holiday, they’d decided on simple gifts with no expectations or pressure.
Anna held up her gift. “Open them together?”
Beau aligned his fingertips on the edge of the paper. “Ready, set, go.”
She tore through the wrapping and opened the box, lifting out a white mug with blush-colored letters on it. Laughing, she read the words. “Practically perfect in every way.”
Beau held up his mug with a smile. “Rock solid.”
Bella crooned, “Aww. That’s the cutest. You got mugs for each other.”
Beau shrugged. “I figured one day we might get back to reading the Bible together in the mornings.”
“With coffee,” Anna whispered. The memory of the peace of those mornings on the trip to Freedom squeezed her throat.
She’d always been the one looking to the future. She was the romantic one who dreamed of a perfect family full of love and happiness.
But Beau could see that future too, and he imagined it with her. His gift wasn’t small at all. It was all she’d ever wanted.
“You actually have another one,” Beau said.
Anna frowned. “What? I only got you one. That’s not fair.”
Beau stepped behind the tree and pulled out a flat, rectangular present. “I bought this one a while ago.”
“How?” She took the gift from him and slowly peeled back the paper.
It was a painting—one she thought she’d seen before. It was so familiar. A white landscape with snow-capped mountains and a bright sun shining over them.
“Where did you get this? It’s beautiful.”
“I bought it in Freedom. The artist is local,” Beau explained.
The familiarity hit her. “It’s the view from where we rode on the snowmobiles! I love it!”
Beau grinned. “I thought you’d like it.”
Anna stared at the painting that transported her back to that day when she’d wrapped herself around Beau and trusted him to take her on an adventure she’d never dreamed of before.
“This is so thoughtful.” Her heart radiated inside her chest as she reached for him. “I love it. I love you.”
“I love you too. I think I knew then.”
Anna’s smile bloomed. “I think I knew I loved you too. It’s been a whirlwind.”
“But I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
After everyone had opened their gifts and started chatting, Anna rested her hand on Beau’s arm. “I’m going to try to call Brittany.”
Beau nodded. He’d been supportive as they tried to piece together Brittany’s actions. Still, they were missing something, and Anna couldn’t give up until she knew the truth.
Slipping into the kitchen, she dialed Brittany’s number but didn’t get an answer. Maybe she’d return the call later.
Anna cradled the phone in her hands. There was one more call she needed to make. Could she work up the courage to press the button?
Beau walked in with his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “What did she say?”
“Nothing. She didn’t answer.”
He slid his hand behind Anna’s neck, threading his fingers in her hair. “Did she sound okay last time the two of you talked?”
“She did, but I don’t know anything about her family. She doesn’t talk about them. What if she’s alone on Christmas? ”
He pressed a kiss to Anna’s forehead. “You’ve done all you can do for now.”
Letting her chin dip to her chest, the words sank in. “I know. I just wish I could help.”
“You’re a good friend—better than any I’ve ever seen,” Beau said.
She didn’t feel like a good friend while she worried over Brittany. “Thanks. I have one more call to make.”
“You want me to stay?” he asked.
“Would you?” She could do the hard part on her own, but knowing Beau would stand beside her through anything was a reminder she needed.
She dialed the number and pressed the phone to her ear. Listening to the ringing, Anna reminded herself that words could hurt, but there wasn’t an actual threat waiting on the other side of the call.
“Hello,” her father answered, clipped and short despite knowing exactly who was calling.
“Hey, Dad. Merry Christmas.”
There was only a small pause before he cleared his throat. “Merry Christmas to you.”
Anna’s pulse pounded in her ears. “Is Mom around?”
“Just a moment.”
Anna glanced up at Beau and stretched a smile as her dad’s “moment” stretched over fifteen seconds.
Beau shook his head and brushed the pad of his thumb over her bottom lip. “No fake smiles,” he whispered.
Right. She’d promised him honesty in all forms, and it felt good to be vulnerable when she knew he wouldn’t leave.
“Hello.”
“Hey, Mom. I just wanted to call and wish you and Dad a merry Christmas.”
“Well, Merry Christmas to you too. I hope you’re happy.”
The words may have kind meanings, but Catherine’s snide tone said anything but.
“I am. How have you been?”
“Just fine. Thanks for calling.”
The conversation was over before it began, and Anna lowered the phone. “I guess that went as well as could be expected.”
Beau wrapped her in his arms, and she melted against his warm chest. “I love you so much,” he whispered against her hair.
“I love you too. I’m not going to let it ruin the day.” It was a promise she made to both of them. She wouldn’t keep waiting for people to love her when she had plenty of love already.
A commotion came from the living room, and she released her hold on him. “Sounds like more people are here.”
Jacob burst into the kitchen with snow-dusted hair. “Come on, we have news! ”
Anna grabbed Beau’s arm as they followed the excited teenager into the living room. “You think?—”
“Yep.” He rested a hand on top of hers. “Pretend to be surprised.”
“Trust me, there won’t be any fake smiles when Asa and Lyric tell us they’re expecting a baby.”