The Christmas Bargain by Shanna Hatfield Read Free Book Online

as they neared the door.
    “His eyes are going to pop right out of his head,” Chauncy said, escorting the women into the foyer where he helped them remove their outerwear.
    Chauncy agreed to walk Philamena down the aisle and then stand as Luke’s best man. The Presbyterian minister, who was a friend to both Luke and Chauncy, agreed to perform the ceremony. While Chauncy wanted to do the honors of the ceremony, he was even more pleased to give away the bride and stand with the groom.
    Abby adjusted Philamena’s skirts then handed her a bouquet of fresh flowers. When Philamena looked at her in surprise, Abby smiled and whispered, “Luke ordered them. They came in on the stage last night.”
    Looking down at the bouquet in her hand, warmth spread through Philamena at Luke’s thoughtfulness. Resigning herself to do her best for his sake, she nodded to Abby then placed her hand on Chauncy’s arm.
    Abby stepped into the back of the church and started down the aisle since she was to be the matron of honor.
    When she neared Luke, she raised one eyebrow and nodded her head toward the back of the sanctuary as one of the church ladies began to play the wedding march on the upright piano.
    Luke stood waiting to catch a glimpse of his bride. Chauncy kept him updated on her progress during the week. Hoping his friend was not exaggerating, Luke felt it best to give Philamena plenty of space to adjust to being off the farm.
    From what Abby and Chauncy said, she was able to relax around them both and that had happened in just a matter of days. With enough time and encouragement, he hoped they could eventually become friends. If they were stuck living under the same roof for goodness only knew how long, it would be nice if they could get along.
    Watching the back of the church, Luke saw Chauncy step into the aisle followed by a vision in white satin. Luke caught his breath. The regal woman walking toward him could not possibly be Philamena Booth, his intended.
    A tall, shapely figure was covered in a beautiful satin and lace gown that accented her tiny waist and defined womanly curves. A short train and long veil glided behind her while she clutched the bouquet he ordered in a death grip as she walked down the aisle.
    Transfixed, all Luke could do was gape at her in wide-eyed bewilderment.
    When the minister asked who gave Philamena in marriage, Chauncy said he and Abby did, placing her hand on Luke’s arm. Noticing Luke’s fuddled state, Chauncy stepped beside him and nudged him gently in the ribs. Luke continued to stare at his bride, unable to speak.
    The minister cleared his throat and smiled. “Shall we begin?” he asked, turning toward Luke as Philamena took a hesitant step forward. Luke finally appeared to come out of his trance and stood beside her, a look of confusion on his face.
    This enchanting woman couldn’t be the plain, frightened girl he rescued not even a week ago. Inhaling a soft rose scent that floated around her, Luke decided being married might not be such a hardship after all.
    As though she sensed his gaze on her, Philamena turned her head just enough to watch Luke out of the corner of her eye.  From the moment she and Chauncy entered the back of the church and started down the aisle, she was in awe of Luke. Determined not to duck her head or act ashamed, she held her head high, just like she and Abby had practiced numerous times, and walked with Chauncy toward her groom and future.
    She hadn’t counted on Luke looking so completely and devastatingly handsome in his finely tailored black wool suit, wing-tipped white shirt, brocade green vest and black silk ascot tie. His rich golden hair was combed into short waves above his tanned face, with a wayward lock falling across his forehead. When he fastened that mesmerizing gaze on hers, it was all she could do to keep putting one foot in front of the other and continue her walk down the aisle.
    Even now, she felt the heat of his stare resting on her and