Once Upon a Montana Christmas by Alanna Lucas

Author:Alanna Lucas
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, love, alone, journey, holidays, christmas, historical, baby, western, ranch, montana, frontier, finding love, boroughs publishing group, alanna lucas, finding trust
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group

Chapter Six

Eva stepped out on to the veranda, welcoming the cool, crisp air that added life to her weary body. After the kiss she shared with Hunt in the stables, all thoughts of San Francisco faded into the recesses of her mind.

Lily had had another rough night, but thankfully, Aunt Carol was now watching over the napping baby. Eva walked to the porch railing and took in a deep, refreshing breath.

Everything about this land reminded her of Hunt: rugged on the outside, but full of hidden treasures.

The landscape spread out before her like a winter wonderland. It had snowed during the night and the land looked like it had been covered in beaten cream, so peaceful, so magical, and shimmering like millions of diamonds against the sunlight.

Even Nero seemed to be enjoying his surroundings. He had found a patch of light on the veranda and was basking in the warmth of the sun.

As she reflected on the events of yesterday, the man of her daydream joined her on the veranda. “Are you busy?”

She loved the sound of his voice. Turning around to face him, she said, “No, just enjoying the wonderful landscape.”

“You like it?”

She thought it peculiar that he asked the question with surprise in his voice and hesitated as she considered her response. “No,” shaking her head as she started, “‘Like’ is too mild a word. The changing landscape enthralls and inspires me, begs me to discover what splendors are hidden, welcomes me, and never ceases to amaze.”

Her confession earned her a deep smile. The softness in his eyes made her heart leap.

In that moment, she knew without a doubt she had fallen in love with Konrad Anselm Huntsman Strauss IV and the realization frightened her. Except for Lily, everyone in her life that had meant anything to her had died.

“Come inside, I want to show you something.”

Eva did not know what to expect and she hesitated, overwhelmed by her emotions.

“This way,” he said as he took her hand, his touch causing her stomach to flutter. He guided her down the side hall toward the kitchen. When she entered the large space, she saw an army of ingredients laid out on the wood-block table. “I am going to teach you how to make Lebkuchen.”

Eva halted in surprise and stared up at Hunt.

“Don’t look so surprised; I told you my Oma taught me. She believed that men should be useful in the kitchen at least once a year,” he ended with a teasing grin.

The following hour passed in sublime bliss as Hunt taught her to make his great-grandmother’s recipe for spiced cookies. When the dough was ready they used the decorative wood engraved cookie molds to create fantastical shapes of Christmas trees and rocking horses. Then they baked their creations.

“Next is the icing.”

Eva watched in amazement as Hunt combined the sugar, milk, and vanilla with such ease. She had no confidence in her kitchen skills despite the lessons.

When he placed the pan full of ingredients over the heat, he called her over.

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