Regina Scott - A Convenient Christmas Wedding

The Marriage Agreement

Proposing a marriage of convenience to a rugged logger is the boldest move of Nora Underhill’s sheltered life. In return for Simon Wallin’s protection from her overbearing family, the unassuming seamstress offers prime frontier farmland. But their paper marriage changes when Nora’s greedy brother tries to draw her back into a life of drudgery. Her only option: move to Simon’s farm, and into the center of his loving, unruly family.

Years of shouldering responsibility have left Simon cynical and reserved. But little by little, Nora’s warmth opens his shuttered heart to joy. With their marriage claim under threat, can this practical arrangement blossom over the holidays...and become a love for all seasons?

“Please, Mr. Wallin? I don’t think I could be so bold as to ask a stranger. I know I can trust you.”

Nora trusted in him on the thinnest of connections. And how was he to know she wouldn’t abuse his trust? She wouldn’t be the first to disappoint him.

But she may be the first to truly understand you.

Where had that thought come from? He’d yet to find anyone who shared his views on life. His was the lone voice of reason some days at Wallin Landing. Therefore, he should evaluate this proposal on logic, not emotion.

She was offering one hundred and sixty acres he badly needed and could get no other way. He was offering protection from an overbearing brother. They didn’t have to live together.

It was all strictly platonic. They both achieved their goals with relatively little effort. What was wrong with that?

“Very well, Miss Underhill,” he said. “I’ll make the arrangements for us to wed.”

She offered him her hand. “To our bargain.”

Simon took it, felt the tremor in her fingers. She wasn’t any more sure of this marriage of convenience than he was.

Had he just agreed to something they’d both live to regret?

REGINA SCOTT has always wanted to be a writer. Since her first book was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages. Fascinated by history, she learned to fence and sail a tall ship. She and her husband reside in Washington state with their overactive Irish terrier. You can find her online blogging at nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at reginascott.comor connect with her on Facebook at Facebook.com/authorreginascott.

A Convenient Christmas Wedding

Regina Scott

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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The light shines in the darkness,

but the darkness has not understood it.

—John 1:5

To the Wighamans, Chris, Megan, Reece and Molly, for their encouragement and the inspiration of Christmas Adam, and to the Lord, who offers inspiration at Christmas and throughout the year.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text The Marriage Agreement Proposing a marriage of convenience to a rugged logger is the boldest move of Nora Underhill’s sheltered life. In return for Simon Wallin’s protection from her overbearing family, the unassuming seamstress offers prime frontier farmland. But their paper marriage changes when Nora’s greedy brother tries to draw her back into a life of drudgery. Her only option: move to Simon’s farm, and into the center of his loving, unruly family. Years of shouldering responsibility have left Simon cynical and reserved. But little by little, Nora’s warmth opens his shuttered heart to joy. With their marriage claim under threat, can this practical arrangement blossom over the holidays...and become a love for all seasons?

Introduction “Please, Mr. Wallin? I don’t think I could be so bold as to ask a stranger. I know I can trust you.” Nora trusted in him on the thinnest of connections. And how was he to know she wouldn’t abuse his trust? She wouldn’t be the first to disappoint him. But she may be the first to truly understand you. Where had that thought come from? He’d yet to find anyone who shared his views on life. His was the lone voice of reason some days at Wallin Landing. Therefore, he should evaluate this proposal on logic, not emotion. She was offering one hundred and sixty acres he badly needed and could get no other way. He was offering protection from an overbearing brother. They didn’t have to live together. It was all strictly platonic. They both achieved their goals with relatively little effort. What was wrong with that? “Very well, Miss Underhill,” he said. “I’ll make the arrangements for us to wed.” She offered him her hand. “To our bargain.” Simon took it, felt the tremor in her fingers. She wasn’t any more sure of this marriage of convenience than he was. Had he just agreed to something they’d both live to regret?

About the Author REGINA SCOTT has always wanted to be a writer. Since her first book was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages. Fascinated by history, she learned to fence and sail a tall ship. She and her husband reside in Washington state with their overactive Irish terrier. You can find her online blogging at nineteenteen.com . Learn more about her at reginascott.com or connect with her on Facebook at Facebook.com/authorreginascott .

Title Page A Convenient Christmas Wedding Regina Scott www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. —John 1:5

Dedication To the Wighamans, Chris, Megan, Reece and Molly, for their encouragement and the inspiration of Christmas Adam, and to the Lord, who offers inspiration at Christmas and throughout the year.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Seattle, Washington Territory

December 1866

What better time than a wedding to ask a man to marry you?

Nora Underhill stood in the corner of the Occidental Hotel’s fine restaurant, watching as toasts were raised. Behind the head table draped in white, her friend Maddie O’Rourke looked beautiful in the embroidered spruce-colored wool gown Nora had sewn for her. The other ladies wore their church clothes, soft wools and a few velvets in rich colors that glowed like jewels in the golden lamplight.

Everyone seemed so happy, particularly Michael Haggerty as he gazed down at his bride, whose blush was nearly as red as her hair. Nora liked seeing people happy. She liked making people happy. A shame she’d never managed that with her parents or her brother and sister-in-law. If her brother’s socially astute wife were here, Nora could imagine what Meredith would say.

You are quite right to hide in the shadows, Nora. These people will only judge you and find you lacking. I can’t imagine what your friend was thinking to name you maid of honor. No doubt she was only being kind.