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

decade. The exterior was as every bit as magnificent as she remembered. Her curiosity was piqued to see what it looked like inside.
    As Luke pulled in the circle drive and stopped at the end of the front walk, Philamena studied the house with interest. The three story home, complete with gables, turrets and a walk-around porch on the main floor, was painted a warm shade of yellow with white, dark green and pale green trim. The porch posts and balustrades were painted white and the front door boasted a rich shade of hunter green. Lights shone in many of the windows, creating a warm welcome in the afternoon’s waning light.
    “Welcome to Granger House,” Luke said, offering his hand to Philamena. She had been so absorbed in looking at the house, she failed to notice Luke had walked around the buggy and was waiting for her. Although she was sorely tempted to duck her head and study her shoes, she forced herself to make eye contact.
    “Thank you,” she said quietly as she placed her hand in his and stepped to the ground.
    Luke led her down the sidewalk, up the porch steps and to the front door. Turning the knob, he pushed the door wide and stood looking at Philamena for just a moment before sweeping her into his arms.
    She let out a startled gasp, slipping her arms around Luke’s neck as he carried her across the threshold.
    Setting her down inside the foyer, he grinned at his bride, flashing white teeth and deepening the dimple in his chin. “I didn’t want to break with tradition. Aren’t brides supposed to be carried across the threshold?”
    “Yes, I suppose they are,” Philamena said, attempting to regain her equilibrium. She’d never been carried in a man’s arms before and the experience left her more than a little rattled. The most intense longing to be in Luke’s arms once again swept over her, throwing her further off kilter.
    Looking around the entry, Philamena’s eyes grew wide at the luxurious surroundings. Beautiful, flocked wallpaper lined the walls of the entry. Gas lamps on the walls dispelled the November gloom, creating circles of light on gleaming hardwood floors, while warmth enveloped her.
    “I’ve rambled around in this house by myself for a while and keep most of the rooms shut up, but if there is a room you’d like to open for use, feel free,” Luke said, taking her wrap and hanging it on a hall tree near the door. “There are just bedrooms on the second floor, so I keep it closed unless I’ve got company. I moved your things to a room near the kitchen.”
    Philamena breathed a sigh mixed with relief and disappointment. Luke expected her to be a wife in name only.
    From the entry, Luke took her elbow and guided her on a tour of the house. A formal parlor with a fire blazing merrily in the fireplace was an inviting haven done in cream, dark green and pale green tones. Across the hall a massive table, that would easily seat a dozen people and still have room to squeeze in a few more, filled the formal dining room. Expensive china gleamed from a cabinet built along one wall.
    To the right of the front entry, a beautiful mahogany staircase curved up to the second floor. Instead of going upstairs, Luke led Philamena down the hall and into a large and well equipped kitchen. In addition to a brand-new stove, there was a sink with actual running water, and plenty of storage space with long counters and sturdy oak cupboards. In one corner sat something Luke called an ice box, meant to keep food cold. Philamena had never seen anything quite like it.
    A smaller table, surrounded by four chairs, looked homey and inviting in its place beneath a window covered in crisp white curtains. Philamena could picture sitting there with Luke eating breakfast or having a quiet dinner.
    “What do you think?” Luke asked, a smile lighting his eyes at Philamena’s obvious pleasure over the kitchen. “Think you can manage in here?”
    “Oh, yes,” Philamena said, her eyes bright with excitement. She had no