by Jenna Brandt
The Christmas Bride
Jenna Brandt
Contents
Copyright
Description
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Also by Jenna Brandt
Jenna’s Acknowledgments
About the Author
Note from the author
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Locale and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, actual events, or actual locations is purely coincidental. All rights reserved.
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No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the author, exception the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email [email protected].
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The Christmas Bride © Jenna Brandt 2017
Description
Window to the Heart Saga: a recountal of the trials, adventures and relationships of the family and friends of Lady Margaret. The first three books detail her journey and book four focuses on the cousin of her best friend. The series has compelling themes of love, loss, faith and hope with a supremely gratifying conclusion in book 3 and 4.
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The English Proposal (Book 1). Sheltered on her family’s country estate, Lady Margaret, the daughter of an English Earl, is betrothed due to a family promise. Although Henry, the Viscount Rolantry, has been her best friend since childhood and she is expected to marry him, she never felt butterflies until she meets the Duke of Witherton. Against her father’s wishes, Margaret finds herself captivated by the forbidden duke. Caught between family loyalty and her own wishes, Margaret searches for a way to satisfy both her responsibilities and her longings. When tragedy strikes, Margaret finds herself seeking answers at church. But when she finally makes her choice, through her newfound faith, will she be able to live with the repercussions of her decision?
Profoundly romantic and superbly riveting, The English Proposal explores the conflict between fulfilling duties and satiating desires.
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The French Encounter (Book 2). Ruined by a night she will never forget, Lady Margaret, Countess of Renwick, must flee from England with her infant son to hide from the man who destroyed her life and from the sister-in-law who hates her. Relentlessly, the duke and viscountess hunt for them, planning to take the child to whom they both feel entitled. Margaret turns to God, believing he will protect her family and help her find her long-lost twin brother, Randall. While searching for Randall in France, Margaret is pursued by two enticing men: Pierre, the alluring Vidame of Demoulin, and Michel, the powerful Marquis de Beadier. One man promises passion while the other offers security. Will Margaret surrender the chance for love to secure her safety?
Deeply passionate and intensely gripping, The French Encounter weighs the struggle between giving in to temptation and sacrificing for refuge.
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The American Conquest (Book 3) Running from a past scandal, Lady Margaret must leave Europe forever and escape across the ocean to America. The plan: to brave the Oregon Trail to reach the Colorado territory where her family’s future awaits. While facing adversities in the new frontier, Margaret must trust God to keep their family safe. Attacked by Indians, the group is saved by Cortland Westcott, a rancher and devoted Christian. Margaret and Cort have an instant connection through their faith, but devastating secrets threaten to cripple the budding relationship. Both Margaret and Cort must confront a past that haunts them to finally be able to make a new life together. Will Margaret finally come to terms with what happened to her, or will she let her past destroy her future?
After enduring immense hardships, will Lady Margaret finally be free from her past, allowing her to embrace her soul mate? Extremely tender and magnificently exhilarating, The American Conquest examines the journey between healing a broken heart and making room for rebirth.
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The Oregon Pursuit (Book 4) After Amelie Leclaire's parents pass away in a tragic accident, she must return home to West Linn, Oregon to take over the family bakery. Amelie was training to be a midwife but must give up her plans in an attempt to provide a stable life for her younger sister. Pierre Girald, the Vidame of Demoulin, is traveling to West Linn on business. A chance meeting at the bakery and Pierre is instantly intrigued by the alluring Miss Leclaire, she on the other hand, is less impressed until she gets to know him. Through many trials and setbacks, will the couple be able to form a lasting relationship or will his past and her financial problems put an end to their potential?
Exceptionally sincere and wondrously engaging, The Oregon Pursuit shows the journey between letting go of a troubled past and finding new hope.
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The White Wedding (Book 5) Debbey McCoy is the daughter of the local pastor in West Linn at the end of Oregon Trail. Lord William Almonbury is the second son of an English viscount. Their world's collide when William travels to West Linn for a new business venture. The connection is instant and a Christmas wedding is planned. Debbey always wanted a snow-covered wedding but when the big day is pushed forward due to a family illness in England, will she get the white wedding of which she always dreamed?
A stand alone HEA short story from the bestselling Window to the Heart Saga series, featuring two of the characters from the already released 4th book, novella and upcoming book in 2018.
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The Christmas Bride (Book 6) Lucy Rogers traveled west, running from a troubled past. As a new Christian, she meets and forms a relationship with Matthew McCoy, the son of the local pastor. Lucy runs the Trail’s End Saloon while Matthew works for the local saw mill. As they plan their Christmas wedding, Lucy’s past comes back to haunt her. Will her past allow them to build a future together?
The first stand alone HEA novella in the Window to the Heart Saga featuring two characters from the 4th book and short story. A heartfelt, sweet read full of romance, sure to warm your heart this holiday season.
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The Window to the Heart Saga
Trilogy
The English Proposal (Book 1)
The French Encounter (Book 2)
The American Conquest (Book 3)
Spin-offs
The Oregon Pursuit (Book 1)
The White Wedding (Book 2)
The Christmas Bride (Book 3)
The Viscount’s Wife (Book 4)
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For more information about Jenna Brandt visit her on any of her websites.
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www.JennaBrandt.com
www.facebook.com/JennaBrandtAuthor
www.twitter.com/JennaDBrandt
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To all those who want Christmas joy
Chapter 1
November 1870
West Linn, Oregon
America
The Trail’s End was thick with patrons as Lucy Rogers, the saloon manager, weaved her way through th
e crowded main room. Since Pierre Girald bought out the previous owner and placed Lucy in charge, business had increased, the clientele grew politer, and the frequent calls to the Sheriff ended. It had taken awhile for the men who frequented the establishment to get used to a woman running the place, but Lucy made it clear not to trifle with her.
“How do you do, Miss Rogers?” Tim Hickson asked as Lucy passed by his table. Gone were the days when the men of The Trail’s End could call her Lulu. The only ones allowed to call Lucy by her nickname these days were friends. She found she had to establish boundaries to have the men take her serious as the manager.
“I’m doing well, Mr. Hickson. Is Gertrude taking good care of you?”
Lucy had given Gertrude her old job back as a server. Though weathered by age, the woman was good at her job, and kept the customers content. The previous owner had removed her from serving, citing the men who came to The Trail’s End didn’t want to look at women over twenty-five. He had used and discarded the women who worked at the saloon without a second thought. Lucy was determined to treat them differently.
“She’s doing just right by me. Thanks for asking, Miss Rogers.”
Besides Gertrude, Lucy had hired two new servers and a cook after Amelie Leclaire left the spot vacant. During their short time working together at the saloon, the unlikely pair became friends. After quitting her job at The Trail’s End, Amelie married Pierre Girald, and re-opened her bakery. The couple were expecting their first baby in late spring.
After checking on security and a few tables, Lucy left the main room. She made her way down the hall and into the kitchen to check on the new cook. Louisa was standing by the stove, stirring a fresh pan of vegetables and rice when Lucy entered the room.
“How’s it going in here, Louisa?” Lucy inquired as she strolled over to the counter behind the cook and leaned against it.
“It’s going fine, Lulu.”
“Glad to hear. Inform me if you need a break, and I’ll make sure you get one. What you’re cooking right now should cover the last of the dinner crowd.”
“Sounds good. I will finish this up and then clean all the pots and pans.”
With a nod of approval, Lucy left the kitchen and walked to her office at the back of the building. She entered the room, rubbing her neck with one of her hands as she groaned. It had been a long day. She needed just a few minutes to relax before finishing up her nightly chores before closing. Lucy moved over to her desk and sat in the leather chair behind it, kicking off her sturdy boots and placing her feet on the edge as she stretched.
Lucy wouldn’t dare behave in such a way if someone were around to witness. She used to pride herself on not conforming to societal standards for women, but as a new Christian who recently became engaged to the son of the town pastor, she liked to present as a respectable woman.
Whenever she had a solitary moment, her mind drifted to Matthew McCoy, the man who stole her heart four months prior. When she met him, while visiting First Congregational Church of West Linn, she had been captivated by the rugged, good-looking sawmill worker. He had a toned body, broad shoulders, and an irresistible smile. Matched with his auburn hair, fair skin, and jade eyes, her attraction was instant. Once he poured on the charm, she fell for Matthew fully.
There was a knock at the door, jolting Lucy from her thoughts. “Who is it?” she asked as she yanked her legs off the desk, swiftly pulling her boots back on her feet.
“It’s Elaine. A regular is asking for you.”
“Thank you. I’ll be out in a minute.” She should have known she wouldn’t be able to have even a minute's peace while at The Trail’s End. There was always something needing her attention. As Lucy strode into the main room again, Buford Barnes waved her over to the bar where he was sitting on a stool.
“There you are, Lulu. I was wonderin’ where you'd gotten off to.” She could tell from the way he was slurring his words he had one too many drinks tonight. Lucy would talk with the bartender about it after closing. She had made a clear effort never to over serve any of the customers, no matter what they promised or threatened.
“Good evening, Mr. Barnes. Might I remind you, I go by Miss Rogers now. What can I do for you?”
“You don’t have to be so formal with me, gal.”
“I didn’t mean to offend you, Mr. Barnes, but I no longer work here in the same capacity as I did before.”
“I’ve been comin’ here long before you even worked at this place, and I remember when you first started. Straight off the stagecoach from back east and you were beggin’ for a job. Now you think you're somethin’ cuz that French fellow put you in charge. I’ll have you know I’ve got a good mind to head over to Oregon City. There’s plenty of places happy to take my money.”
Changing methods of dealing with Mr. Barnes, Lucy poured on the sugar as she addressed him. She reverted to her former ways of talking with patrons and indulged, “Sweetie, I know you are a loyal patron to The Trail’s End. I wouldn’t want you going anywhere else. Why don’t I have Louisa fix you up a special treat? I have a delicious tart in the back from the Leclaire Bakery with your name on it.”
“That sounds tempting, Lulu. Sure, you get me a piece of that tart.”
A few more of the men hollered at Lucy as she walked by them. She politely answered their questions giving them the attention they desired while maintaining the proper distance. It would be a long night before she could get another break.
Matthew McCoy leaned against the wall of The Trail’s End, preferring to wait outside the establishment for his fiancée, Lucy Rogers, to get off work. He still wasn’t one for frequenting saloons and didn’t much care for the men who spent time in them. Matthew smiled as his mind drifted to the buxom blonde beauty that in two months’ time he would call his wife.
Never would he have thought he would be attracted to a former saloon server, or accept the fact she planned to keep working after they married. Matthew used to believe a woman’s place was at home cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the children. His opinion on the matter changed as he watched his childhood friend, Amelie—who he used to think he wanted to marry—balance working while being a wife. His thoughts shifted completely once he met and dated Lucy Rogers, the love of his life.
From the first time he saw her after church service, Matthew was smitten. He had never been drawn to a woman in the way he was to Lucy. From her enchanting blue eyes to her enticing smile, he couldn’t keep his eyes off her.
He chased after Lucy, waiting for her after work, finding reasons to be near the boarding house on her days off, and sitting by her at the church on Sundays. The more he got to know her, the fonder he became of Lucy. After a few weeks, he found the courage to ask her to allow him to escort her to The End of Summer Festival. When she agreed, he felt like the luckiest man alive.
The festival was in full swing as Matthew escorted Lucy into the center of town. Matthew glanced over at Lucy who was staring ahead at the festivities. What was she thinking? He was nervous, wanting to impress her. Matthew had never felt this way about a woman before, and didn’t know how to handle it.
“What would you like to do first? We could join the sack races or watch the pie-eating contest?”
Lucy turned to Matthew with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “I have to warn you; I’m a fierce competitor. If we enter the sack race, I expect you to do whatever it takes to win.”
With a chuckle, he stated, “I'm certain I can hold my own. Why don’t we go find out?”
They made their way over to the field, and after two rounds, they were inside a sack, and waiting to race. The warmth from the proximity of their bodies radiated through him. He moved his hand to rest upon her own on the edge of the sack.
Her eyes fluttered up as she peeked from underneath her thick lashes. Her lips curved into an alluring smile. “You ready to win this race, cowboy?”
Matthew never considered himself a cowboy, but liked the sound of it coming from Lucy’s mouth. Nodding, he br
aced himself, expecting the starting shot to sound. As soon as the gun fired, all ten pairs in the race took off hopping.
Lucy and Matthew fell into a rhythmic pattern and took the lead; however, after a few moments, his sister, Debbey and her fiancé, William, were beside them. The two couples were neck-and-neck. Just as they were approaching the finish line, the edge of Matthew’s foot caught the side of the bag. Matthew and Lucy went tumbling to the ground. The wind was knocked from him. It took a few seconds before he realized he was on top of Lucy.
“Can you forgive me?” Matthew inquired as he looked into her mesmerizing blue eyes.
Lucy's eyebrows crumpled in confusion as she asked, “For what?”
“For not winning the race for you?”
He was staring at her mouth while waiting for her to speak. He wondered what it would feel like to kiss her plump pair of perfect lips.
As if sensing his thoughts, she licked them as she answered, “I can manage that.” With a playful smack, she added, “Besides, I'm betting you did it on purpose.”
Matthew denied her claim. “Why would I do that?”
“So you could get me in this position,” Lucy said as their bodies continued to touch, his weight pressing down on her.
He never knew a man could blush, but he could feel himself turning red. It hadn’t been his intention, but he had to admit it, her body fit against his own with perfection. Matthew wanted to kiss her but was afraid everyone was watching. He didn’t want their first kiss to be a spectacle for the whole town to see. It was all he could do to refrain from doing so.
