The Oregon Pursuit: Christian Western Historical (Window to the Heart Saga Spin-Off Book 1)
Page 19
“I’m glad you can see that now. I know it will mean a lot to Lulu since she’s taken over as the manager of The Trail’s End.”
Matthew nodded. “We’ve already discussed it and she is going to continue in that position after we are married.”
“I’m glad to hear it, Matthew. If all of you will excuse me, I need to go speak with my husband.”
Making her way over to Pierre, Amelie watched as he placed a few pastries from a box into the shelves in the display case. He was so supportive, even down to helping her keep the shelves stocked.
Amelie tapped her husband on the back to get his attention. When he turned around, she gave him a squeeze on the arm. “Do you have a moment? I need to talk with you privately.”
Furrowing his brows together, he asked, “Right now? During the grand re-opening?”
“I have some wonderful news to tell you and it can’t wait.”
“There is more? I am not sure I can handle anything more today,” he said with a wink.
“Believe me, you are going to want to hear this,” she said as she pulled him into the back of the bakery where the new office was located.
Opening the door, she ushered him inside.
With a flirtatious smile, Pierre joked, “Was this a ploy to get me alone? I am not saying I mind, but another time might be more appropriate.”
With a giggle, she shook her head. “No, I’m not saying some alone time isn’t an option later on.” After considering her response, she amended her statement. “Although I guess what I have to tell you does have to do with it.”
“I think you have lost me. What are you talking about?”
“Are you ready to be a father?”
He gave her a quizzical look while he probed, “Is there a specific reason why you are asking?”
Not being able to contain it anymore, she blurted out, “I’m pregnant.”
Pierre’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Truly?”
Amelie nodded. “I’m certain.”
A giant smile spread across Pierre’s face as he picked Amelie up and swung her around in a circle. “This is the best news of my life. I feel like the most blessed man in the world.” Setting her down on the ground, he asked, “How are you feeling?”
“It depends.”
“On what?”
“Are you going to make me quit working at the bakery?”
“Never. This is your place.”
“Then I’m happier than I have ever been in my life.”
“Good because when the boss is happy, everyone’s happy, and you’re the boss.” Pierre said with a grin.
“And don’t you ever forget it.”
Pierre bent down and seared Amelie’s mouth with a kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him.
She finally had everything she ever wanted and she was so grateful for all the Lord had given her. She was a wife and soon-to-be mother, but she didn’t have to settle for only that. Pierre didn’t expect her to give up her business in order to be the other. She had a husband who wanted her to have it all.
“Thank you, Pierre, for believing in me.”
"Always and forever, mon étoile.”
Preview of The White Wedding Short Story
December 1870
West Linn, Oregon
America
Debbey McCoy’s stomach rumbled as she walked the short distance between her house and the Leclaire Café on Main Street. She had lunch plans to meet her fiancé, William, her best friend Amelie Leclaire, and Amelie’s French husband, Pierre. They were planning to go over the details for Debbey and William’s upcoming wedding. Unfortunately, her brother, Matthew, couldn’t make it because he was working at the local saw mill as well as her other friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, Lucy Rogers, who was busy managing The Trail’s End, the local saloon.
Smiling in amusement, Debbey thought about how much all their lives had changed over the past year. William came from England and they had met during a chance accident. Several more meetings led to him courting her and their engagement. Amelie and Pierre—William’s best friend—got married in the summer and were expecting their first child. Matthew was set to marry Lucy on Christmas Day, a week after Debbey’s own wedding date.
Her mind drifted to the first time she met Lord William Almonbury, the second son of an English Viscount.
Debbey’s mother was caring for one of the sick, elderly parishioners of First Congregation Church of West Linn and had tasked Debbey to run the home while she was away. Debbey’s father was the pastor of the church, and the McCoy family took care of the spiritual needs of the community.
She had picked up items at the general store before stopping off at the bakery to say a quick “hello” to Amelie. She had gotten distracted talking to her friend, and lost track of time. After looking outside at the approaching dusk, Debbey realized she was late getting home to make dinner for her family. As she exited the bakery in a rush, she collided with a stranger. She gasped from shock as she, and her packages and coin purse, went tumbling to the ground.
As she bent down to gather up her belongings, she heard a friendly English accent state, “Excuse my folly, Miss.”
Debbey’s eyes looked up and met the most piercing blue eyes she had ever encountered. His gaze held hers for a couple of moments before she took in the rest of the man. He had wavy blond hair, a toned physique, and a captivating smile.
“It’s all right,” Debbey said, trying to excuse her mistake.
The stranger handed her the last of her packages before helping her stand. “May I introduce myself?” She nodded as she continued to watch him. “My name is Lord William Almonbury of Brighton, England.”
“I’m Deborah McCoy, of. . . here,” she finished awkwardly.
A lop-sided grin formed on his lips in delight. After a moment, he tilted his head to the side and asked, “Tell me Miss McCoy, are you married?”
Her eyes grew round with surprise. “That’s a rather forward question.” Even though she knew it was none of his business, she felt an urging to tell him she was available. “As it happens, I’m not.”
“Betrothed?”
She forced down the laughter that threatened to bubble up. She bit the inside of her lip to keep from smiling. If his accent hadn’t done it, his word choice gave away his foreign origin.
“No, I’m not. . . engaged,” she corrected.
Both his eyebrows shot up as an expression of relief crossed his face. “I have to say, I’m glad to hear it.”
“I need to be on my way. I’m running late.”
He bowed at the waist, and as he came up, he reached out, took her hand in his, and gently placed his lips on the top. A tingling sensation spread through her arm as his eyes met hers again. It was obvious from the smoldering look in his eyes, the kiss had affected him in the same manner.
Also by Jenna Brandt
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)
The Lawkeepers Series
Lawfully Loved
Lawfully Adored
Lawfully Wanted
The Rockwood Springs Series
Promised to a Soldier
Courted by a Soldier
Loved by a Soldier (late summer 2018)
For more information about Jenna Brandt visit her on any of her websites.
www.JennaBrandt.com
www.facebook.com/JennaBrandtAuthor
www.twitter.com/JennaDBrandt
Signup for Jenna Brandt’s Newsletter
Acknowledgments
Since I can remember, writing is the only thing I love to do, and my deepest desire is to share my talent with others.
&nb
sp; First and foremost, I am eternally grateful to Jesus, my lord and savior, who created me with this “writing bug” DNA.
In addition, many thanks go to:
My husband, Dustin, and three daughters, Katie, Julie, and Nikki, for loving me and supporting me during all my late-night writing marathons and coffee-infused mornings.
My mother, Connie, for being my first and most honest critic, now and always. As a little girl, sleeping under your desk during late-night deadlines for the local paper showed me what being a dedicated writer looked like.
My angels in heaven: my grandmother, who passed away in 2001; my infant son, Dylan, who was taken by SIDS three years ago; and my father, who left us this past year.
My good friend and fellow indie author Alexia Purdy who answered all my questions about this process and showed me the ropes as well as designed the incredible cover for my book.
Lorana Hoopes for editing my book and being a wonderful critique partner.
To my Beta Bells for giving me insight and letting me know what to change and why. Your ideas helped make this a better book.
To my ARC Angels for taking the time to read my story and give valuable feedback.
To the Jenna Brandt Books Street Team, who have pounded the virtual streets on the internet, helping to spread the words about my books. Your dedication means a great deal.
About the Author
Jenna Brandt graduated with her BA in English from Bethany College. She is an ongoing contributor for The Mighty website, and her blog has been featured on Yahoo Parenting, The Grief Toolbox, ABC News and Good Morning America websites.
Writing is her passion, with her focus in the Christian historical genre. Her books span from the Victorian to Western eras with elements of romance, suspense and faith.
Jenna also enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her three young daughters and husband where they live in the Central Valley of California. Jenna is also active in her local church, including serving on the first impressions team and writing features for the church’s creative team.
Note from the author
I hope you have enjoyed The Oregon Pursuit and plan to continue to follow the journeys of the characters throughout the series. Your opinion and support matters, so I would greatly appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. Without dedicated readers, a storyteller is lost. Thank you for investing in these stories.