by Jean Oram
“Okay, so wait a second,” Ginger said, coming over, hands out like she needed to brace herself. “You didn’t actually order Catherine online?” She was giving him a hopeful look, as if his very image depended upon the answer.
Catherine and Zach exchanged a glance. Their story was getting out, and as in most small towns, the gossip, rumors and truth were all mixed up.
“I did but I didn’t,” Zach said.
Logan joined them, slipping an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “MI6 may have had a helping hand in setting up these two.”
Catherine had been shocked when she’d learned the truth. Both that Zach hadn’t fessed up to her about not recalling their live chats from back when they’d begun “dating” online, as well as the fact that an agent had been masquerading as him, sending messages on his behalf and essentially manipulating situations so she’d feel as though escaping to Blueberry Springs and marrying Zach was her safest bet. The whole time she’d been on the run she’d thought she’d dodged danger and was successful in hiding, but the entire time she’d been watched. Yet it had brought her here. Brought her to the life she’d always dreamed of having.
“I guess they’re just better at matchmaking,” Logan said, trying to withhold a smile as he teased his wife.
She socked him gently in the shoulder and said, “Not funny!”
“Come buy me a beer,” Logan said, extracting himself and Zach from the women.
“Chickens!” Ginger called after them. They turned around at the same time, both flashing massive smiles.
“Run away!” Catherine teased.
“It’s what Team Pancake does,” Zach retorted.
“I think you just might be a member of Team Waffle, Mr. Forrester,” she called after him. “You’re mighty complex.”
He sent her a private smile that warmed her insides just before Logan pulled him into a group of men standing at the bar.
Jill passed by with Xavier, dancing to a Frank Sinatra tune coming from the jukebox. Catherine laughed and held out her arms for her boy, who gave her a grin.
“There’s your baby,” Jill said, transferring him into Catherine’s arms. “I told Burke that my womb is twitching.”
“And?” Ginger asked.
The woman smiled. “He told me we should start trying, because you never know what tomorrow will bring.”
Catherine and she exchanged smiles, still unable to talk about the fearful moment with Jerry where everything could have gone terribly wrong.
Ginger was squealing at the baby news, and Catherine said, “Let me know when you need baby clothes.”
The crush of people who’d come out to celebrate with them parted for a moment, and Catherine spied Cole sitting alone at the bar with his usual three o’clock shot of whiskey.
“Has anyone figured out what he’s contemplating every afternoon?” she asked.
Jill shrugged. “He came to climb some mountains a few years ago and forgot to go home. He’s probably trying to decide when he should return to Texas.”
Catherine raised a brow at Ginger. “He’s been in town for how many years and he’s still single?”
“He wasn’t looking,” Ginger said with a huff. “Because trust me, I tried.”
“Oh, I bet he has someone back home who left his heart in tatters.” Jill was grinning, enjoying Ginger’s lack of success with the cowboy.
The pub went silent as the main doors swung open, letting a shaft of December sunshine into the room. A cowboy was standing in the doorway, his stance wide, like he’d just got off a horse. He tipped his hat to Mary Alice and Liz.
“I’m looking for my brother, Cole Wylder.”
The whole pub hushed as all eyes swung to Cole. He didn’t respond right away, just lowered his head. Then his chest and back expanded as he inhaled and spun on his stool, turning to face the man with the same summer sky-blue eyes.
“What do you want, Brant?”
The stranger remained in the doorway, his frame swaying slightly as if he wanted to embrace his long-lost brother, but the code of cowboy stoicism prevented him from making any kind of gesture or scene.
“I’m not airing our family business here, but if you ever plan on returning home, now’s the time.” And with that, Cole’s brother tipped his hat, pivoted on the heel of one cowboy boot and headed through the still-open door, letting it shut silently behind him.
Ginger turned to Catherine, eyes wide with excitement.
“Now Brant? He’s single. And he’s looking. Far and wide.”
“For his brother,” Catherine said with a half giggle.
“No,” Ginger said quietly, her eyes narrowed in thought. “He’s looking for his Mrs. Right, and he’s going to find her. And so is Cole. I promise.”
Thank you for reading MAIL ORDER SOULMATE. I hope you fell in love with Zach and Catherine’s sweet happily ever after story. Do you want to find out how Christmas went for this new family? Find out in the short story MAIL ORDER SOULMATE CHRISTMAS available exclusively in the anthology A SWEET ROMANCE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION which includes three more Christmas stories by Jean Oram! Find out what surprises this couple has in store for Christmas! Start reading MAIL ORDER SOULMATE CHRISTMAS as part of the box set A SWEET ROMANCE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION now!
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And what’s up with Cole, right? Why does he sit and have a whiskey every afternoon? His family and cousin might give you some hints during a family wedding in SWEET TROUBLEMAKER.
Sometimes falling in love (again) is the best kind of trouble…
Nick hasn’t seen Polly in almost two decades, but that doesn’t mean he’s stopped thinking about her. He’s pretty sure she feels the power of their rekindled love too, and he’s ready to make a move. To his Texas ranch, to her home in Canada—anywhere as long as she’s there. But what will this cowboy do when his fast moves send Polly running? Can these two exes overcome their past and claim their second chance at love all while trying to save their friend’s wedding?
Click to start reading SWEET TROUBLEMAKER now!
“Spoiler - there is a grand gesture that was amazing.” —Reader review from Renee.
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SIGN UP FOR Jean’s newsletter to find out what happens with the cowboy Cole and his brother(s) in the upcoming series set in Sweet Meadow Falls, Texas! CLICK to subscribe and stay in the know!
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Have you read the original Blueberry Springs series yet? Get started with WHISKEY AND GUMDROPS.
One woman. One case of self-denial. One hunky best friend who wants a lot more.
Mandy Mattson is ready to finally pursue her dreams of opening her own restaurant.
But she can't do it alone. . .
She’s going to need the help of her sexy, long-time best friend, Frankie Smith. But what happens when Frankie asks Mandy to take the biggest dare of all? Will she finally lose her heart to her best friend?
Click to read WHISKEY AND GUMDROPS now!
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…Want a sneak peek of Polly and Nick’s story, SWEET TROUBLEMAKER? Turn the page for a sneak peek…
Sneak Peek from Sweet Troublemaker
Nick was starting to think that meeting up with Polly for a drink hadn’t been such a smart idea even if she still had a hint of that old spark he’d always adored. She hadn’t recognized him in the lobby earlier, and now she didn’t seem to recall their old games. Sure it had been almost twenty years, but he remembered. Those memories had mattered to him. Then again, maybe this was a blessing and he could finally discard her from the what-if thoughts that followed him across the pastures back in Texas.
“What are you thinking about?” she asked.
“I’m wondering how long you’re going to stick around once that drink is done.” He swiveled on his stool to face her more fully. There was a guy one stool over who kept casting surreptitious glances at Polly’s figure. Nick could tell he wanted to chat her up if given the chance.
Without thinking, Nick found himself subtly scooting hi
s stool closer to Polly’s. They may not be off to a perfect start despite the way she still made his heart race and his mouth go dry, but he wasn’t about to hand his shot at getting reacquainted to some dude in a suit.
“You have a hot date waiting for you?” Polly asked, pulling her small handbag into her lap as she leaned forward to take another swallow of her drink.
“Five, actually. So if you could hurry it up…”
She sat expressionless for a split second before whispering, “Liar.” Her eyes were twinkling with humor. She was trying to act unaffected, but he could see she wanted to laugh, to let her guard down and play.
Why didn’t she?
They sat in silence for a few beats, the ocean washing the shores and filling the air with a soundtrack that made his entire being relax.
“So you’re single?” he asked, immediately wishing he hadn’t.
She was quiet for half a breath, then pushed back her shoulders, saying, “Let’s not talk about the past.”
“Not even about what a good kisser I am?”
“I’m not in the market for a man, and if you’re offering, I’ll bet your skills have likely atrophied.” She lowered her chin, looking at him from beneath her eyelashes with a hint of primness that made his body awaken and want to join the game—any game as long as it was with her. “And if you recall…you’re just not that memorable.”
Her insult was delivered in a playful, low tone that felt far too sensual. Or maybe it was how she’d said the words slowly, her pink lips carefully forming each one in a way that hit him with a powerful twist of longing. Polly was everything he wanted in a woman.
He leaned closer. “And why do you think my abilities may have faded?”
“Your social skills are lacking, as is your charm. So chances are you’re not kissing anyone, and those abilities are similar to second-language skills—use ’em or lose ’em.”
She was sitting up now, her body language as perky as her ponytail. He wanted to reach over and give it an affectionate tug to see if she’d turn his way again. She took another sip of her drink, as though trying to fortify herself. Or maybe shield herself from something. Maybe him.
“Do you want to help me revive those old skills?” he asked, propping his arms on the bar so he could lean closer to her. “See if they can be resuscitated?”
She allowed a flicker of a wry smile, but didn’t change the direction of her gaze.
“How about this?” He leaned even closer, placing a warm kiss on her cheek that lingered a telling second too long.
She inhaled slowly, but didn’t face him, didn’t say a thing.
“Was that passable? Does it need reviving? More practice?” He lowered his voice. “Better aim?”
He was asking for trouble. And despite that knowledge, he couldn’t pull back on the reins. He didn’t want to. Not when he was with Polly.
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Where will this drink take Nick and Polly—especially when they get roped into saving Roy’s wedding together! (Roy is Cole’s father.) Find out what happens in SWEET TROUBLEMAKER. Click to read it now!
More Books by Jean Oram
New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author
Find a full, up-to-date book list at www.jeanoram.com/books
Veils and Vows
Marriage of convenience romances set in one nosy little mountain town—you know things are going to get good!
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The Promise (Bonus prequel: Devon & Olivia)
The Surprise Wedding (Devon & Olivia)
A Pinch of Commitment (Ethan & Lily)
The Wedding Plan (Luke & Emma)
Accidentally Married (Burke & Jill)
The Marriage Pledge (Moe & Amy)
Mail Order Soulmate (Zach & Catherine)
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Indigo Bay
Sweet romances set in a beach town—meet characters new and old in this spinoff series.
Sweet Matchmaker (Ginger and Logan)
Sweet Holiday Surprise (Cash & Alexa)
Sweet Forgiveness (Ashton & Zoe)
Sweet Troublemaker (Nick & Polly)
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Blueberry Springs
Sweet, fun small town romances.
Fall for your best friend. Your enemy. The wrong man… it all happens in Blueberry Springs.
Whiskey and Gumdrops (Mandy & Frankie)
Rum and Raindrops (Jen & Rob)
Eggnog and Candy Canes (Katie & Nash)
Sweet Treats (3 short stories—Mandy, Amber, & Nicola)
Vodka and Chocolate Drops (Amber & Scott)
Tequila and Candy Drops (Nicola & Todd)
Champagne and Lemon Drops (Beth & Oz) Also available in audio.
The Summer Sisters
Taming billionaires has never been so sweet!
One cottage. Four sisters. And four billionaires who sweep them off their feet.
Falling for the Movie Star (Finian & Hailey)
Falling for the Boss (Connor & Maya)
Falling for the Single Dad (Tristen & Melanie)
Falling for the Bodyguard (Evander & Daphne)
Falling for the Firefighter (Josh & Simone)
Bonus anthology!
A Sweet Romance Christmas Collection: Four Heartwarming Christmas Books
* Also watch for audiobooks, paperbacks, and special box set anthologies! *
For the Kids
1,001 Boredom Busting Play Ideas
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About the Author
Jean Oram is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author. Inspiration for her small town series came from her own upbringing on the Canadian prairies. Although, so far, none of her characters have grown up in an old schoolhouse or worked on a bee farm. Jean still lives on the prairie with her husband, two kids, big shaggy dog and persnickety cat, where she can be found out playing in the snow or hiking.
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Website & blog: www.jeanoram.com
Thanks for reading.
XO
Jean
