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A Wife by Christmas
As Christmas approaches, Hank Chandler is determined to find a wife to mother his sister’s orphaned children. When schoolteacher Janell Whitman offers to help him with his niece and nephew, she seems to be the perfect match—but she won’t accept his proposal. Instead, she insists she’ll find him another bride before the holidays.
Janell moved to Turnabout, Texas, to put her past behind her and focus on her future—one that doesn’t include marriage. But while she plays matchmaker and cares for Hank’s children, she loses her heart to the two youngsters…and their adoptive father. If Janell reveals her secrets to Hank, will he still want her to be his Christmas bride?
“Have you made any progress with the names on my wife-candidate list?”
So they were back to that. Hank certainly didn’t seem to be harboring any lingering feelings for her. “A little. But trying to be both discreet and thorough takes a bit of time,” Janell responded.
“Then perhaps we shouldn’t worry so much about discretion and just focus on thoroughness. Keeping secrets is a lost cause in this town anyway.”
“If that’s your wish, then of course I’ll do what I can to speed up the process.” She knew he was right—the sooner he had a wife, the better, for both of them.
“I need to move on with establishing a ‘normal’ household for Alex and Chloe as soon as possible. They are already getting too used to having you around—it’ll be difficult for them when you move on and another woman takes your place.”
The words stabbed at her with a keenness that surprised her. She’d known that’s what would happen, that another would replace her. She had in fact encouraged it. So why did it hurt so much?
WINNIE GRIGGS is the multipublished, award-winning author of historical (and occasionally contemporary) romances that focus on Small Towns, Big Hearts, Amazing Grace. She is also a list maker and a lover of dragonflies and holds an advanced degree in the art of procrastination. Winnie loves to hear from readers—you can connect with her on Facebook at facebook.com/winniegriggs.author or email her at [email protected].
The Holiday Courtship
Winnie Griggs
MILLS & BOON
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The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
—Deuteronomy 31:08
Dedicated to my wonderful editor Melissa Endlich whose insightful suggestions were invaluable in helping me get the story on the paper to match the story in my head.
Contents
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
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Epilogue
Dear Reader
Turnabout, Texas November 1897
Hank Chandler hefted the two carpetbags he carried as he tried to usher his niece and nephew down the aisle of the train toward the exit. He needed a shave. And a good night’s sleep. And a cup of coffee that