The Christmas Bargain by Shanna Hatfield Read Free Book Online Page A

wondered what he was thinking. She hoped he wasn’t embarrassed by her. She would do everything in her power to make him a good wife, even if the thought of it made her knees weak and her throat parched.
    Gracious, how had she gone from living in poverty to marrying the richest man in town in just a matter of days? God certainly did work in mysterious ways, as Chauncy had read the night before during their evening devotions.
    Turning her attention back to the minister, Philamena realized it was time to exchange their vows. She repeated hers flawlessly, although in a quiet and subdued tone. Luke said his vows in a strong, commanding voice, looking her in the eye when he said “I do” and slipping a simple gold band through the slit in her glove on her left ring finger.
    When the pastor said Luke could kiss the bride, Philamena thought she would quite possibly expire on the spot. It would be unbearable if he pecked her cheek in a brotherly fashion, even though that brief contact was sure to make her knees wobble.
    Fully aware that their marriage was one of convenience and completely unconventional, Philamena still thought every bride should be kissed well on her wedding day.
    She needn’t have worried.
    Luke took great pleasure in lifting Philamena’s veil and discovering her eyes glowing like twin emeralds. Her creamy skin was highlighted with a faint blush on each cheek and a smattering of freckles danced across her pert nose. Pink lips begged for his kiss.
    Expecting his timid bride to drop her head and step back, she instead stood perfectly still, looking full into his face with those gorgeous green eyes.
    Carefully grasping her arms, Luke gently pulled her closer, memorizing his first real look at her loveliness. Lowering his head toward hers, Philamena heard Luke whisper, “my wife,” as his lips touched hers softly, tenderly, reverently.
    When she didn’t pull back from him, his lips became more firm and demanding, sending all manner of strange new feelings skittering through Philamena. She wanted more than anything to know how to respond since she had never before been kissed. Driven by instinct, her hands clasped Luke’s muscular arms as she clung to him, dizzy with emotions and sensations.
     At Chauncy’s chuckle and a clearing of the pastor’s throat, Luke raised his head with a rakish grin. Philamena felt her lips curling into a smile of their own volition.
    “You look lovely,” Luke whispered in her ear as they turned to face those gathered in the congregation. Although Abby had said just a few people would be there, the church was packed.
    Philamena blushed and cast her eyes downward, completely unsettled from that wonderful kiss.
    Luke took her elbow and escorted her down the aisle to the back of the room where they stood for the next half an hour greeting everyone while the church ladies set up a nice luncheon including a layered, frosted wedding cake.
    Although the food was delicious and plentiful, Philamena picked at her meal, unable to eat more than a few bites. She could blame it on the corset, which she was unaccustomed to wearing, but in all honesty it was due to the fact that her husband made her so nervous. She knew from spending the last week with Chauncy and Abby that not all men were like her father, but just being around members of the male species made her feel skittish. Luke, in particular, caused her palms to grow damp and her heart to beat rapidly.
    A few hours later, Philamena was exhausted. Sensing her need to get away from all the guests, Luke spoke a few words to Abby and Chauncy, placed Philamena’s wrap around her shoulders and escorted her outside to his waiting buggy. The guests still remaining followed them outside to laugh, wave, and wish them well.
    Philamena worked up a smile and waved back, focusing on Abby’s face as they drove toward the edge of town and Granger House.
    Walking past the house many times in her school days, Philamena hadn’t been near the home in a