Page 124 of Love on the Run

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 upat 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 thanrepeat 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 blessedthat 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.”

---