Daughters of Brinn: Book 3: Out of the Woods

By Wendy Watts

This is the third book of the Daughters of Brinn Trilogy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Oct 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9781304976291

Book preview

Daughters of Brinn: Out of the Woods

A Fictional Short Story (3rd in the Series)

By: Wendy Watts

All Rights Reserved.

CHAPTER ONE: THREE HOOTS

An owl hooted in the distance. Lizzy tugged the wool shawl tighter around her shoulders. As Brigan rose from his chair, the aging boards of the porch creaked beneath his towering stature. Bridging the distance between them in two strides, his hands landed firmly on her shoulders as he stood behind her, looking out into the distance. What does the owl say?

Lizzy grinned, recalling her exchanges with Corri, which constantly begged the question: What does love say? But she wasn’t about to launch into that parallel with Brigan, so instead she answered flatly: It seems simple enough. Who? Who? Who?

Exactly. Brigan agreed. Who, indeed. Who to marry, who to carry on the family name, who to trust.

The three ‘who’-ots. Lizzy grinned, amused by the literal metaphor.

Yes. Brigan concurred, giving her shoulders a reassuring squeeze before releasing them and turning for the door.

Good night, Lieutenant. Lizzy whispered into the silent night between them.

Brigan let the squeak of the porch door opening and the heavy wood front door closing behind him answer her.

Staring into the vast darkness that fell beyond the light scattered across the front porch, Lizzy thought about the choices, as in what future might loom beyond the distance in the present which she could see. A stray thought crossed her mind like a black cat, wanting to follow Brigan stealthily to his bedroom and leap on his chest, but what did she actually know about seduction? Except for that one night passing her parent’s door slightly ajar, she had a glance of the intimacy they shared. Besides, Brigan was traditional and would frown on such a thing. Rising slowly, she opened the door and from the foyer could see the fire ablaze in the study.

Can’t sleep? Lizzy inquired, leaning on the entry to the office.

Just going over these ledgers. Brigan replied, rubbing his forehead and upper brow.

Lizzy nodded, then stepped to the table with the brandy, poured two glasses, then crossed the room to set one on the desk before settling into the big leather chair in front of the fire.

It’s not helping, you know. Brigan muttered under his breath.

Do you mean the glass of brandy or me being here with you, Lieutenant?

It’s Brigan and you know it, Lizzy. He said tersely without looking up from the desk, scribbling something into the margin of a journal.

Indeed. I suppose I shall go upstairs then, as soon as the fire burns the night chill off these bones. She replied respectfully.

Brigan stood, then hesitated. He knew better, but there was a part of him that didn’t care.

What? Lizzy asked, a dazed look in her eyes. He had a strength of presence that was truly magnetic. It was impossible not to notice him, even harder to stop noticing him.

I think now would be better. Brigan ruled.

Would it? Lizzy said in a daring tone, setting down her empty brandy glass on the round antique table.

Brigan’s determined look was all it took to answer that question. In a few brief strides he crossed the room, scooped up Lizzy, tossed her over his shoulder and carried her upstairs, placing her abruptly on the bed after reaching her room.

Is that all? Lizzy challenged.

Yes, that will be all. Brigan replied flatly, turning military style on