The New England: ROMANCE Collection by Susan Page Davis Darlene Franklin Pamela Griffin Lisa Harris & Lynette Sowell

Author:Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin, Pamela Griffin, Lisa Harris & Lynette Sowell [Davis, Susan Page; Franklin, Darlene; Griffin, Pamela; Harris, Lisa; Sowell, Lynette]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781628363791
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2014-10-09T16:00:00+00:00

Michaela stepped out of Daniel and Emma’s warm farmhouse and into the brisk November weather. Shivering, she quickly saddled Honey and headed into town. With Christmas only a few weeks away, she needed to shop for gifts.

Despite the chilling wind that blew across the valley, she enjoyed the short trip into Cranton. Lazy brooks weaved between a patchwork of farms and the jagged confines of stone fences, reminding her she was miles away from the bustling sounds and smells of Boston.

Soon the clattering of hooves and voices drifted toward her as the town came into view. After securing Honey’s lead rope to a post outside the general store, Michaela hurried inside, thankful for the warmth from the woodstove in the corner. She wouldn’t find the selection she was accustomed to in Boston, but Mr. Cooper made sure the shelves were stocked for the Christmas holiday.

After greeting Mr. Cooper’s daughter-in-law, Meredith, who stood idly behind the counter engrossed in a dime novel, Michaela began her search for appropriate gifts. Changing her mind several times, she finally made her selection—a lovely brooch for her aunt, two pairs of gloves for Daniel and Philip, and a hand-embroidered shawl for Emma.

Michaela couldn’t resist buying a small coat and hat for Emma’s baby. She wished she were a better seamstress and could have made things for everyone, but this would have to do.

Next she picked out a small doll for Anna and some candy wrapped in bright paper and ribbons for each of the Johnson children. She made her way toward the front of the store and laid her gifts on the counter.

“How’s Emma?” Meredith pulled a pencil from the dark bun on the top of her head and tallied the purchases.

“She’s doing well. The baby’s very active, which the doctor says is a good sign.”

The two women chatted for another minute until Michaela paid her bill and placed her purchases in the leather pouch she’d brought with her. Putting her gloves on, she hurried out to Honey.

At the sound of footsteps behind her, Michaela looked up to see Eric. He took off his Stetson, revealing his dark, tousled hair. She studied his black shirt and well-fitting trousers, trying to ignore the unwelcome stirring of her heart at his nearness.

“Michaela, how are you?”

He smiled, and she refocused her gaze to his face, but even there, the dark brown recesses of his eyes seemed to reach into places in her soul she didn’t want him to find. “Fine, thank you. Just finished my Christmas shopping.”

“Isn’t it a bit early for that?”

She shivered as a cold gust of wind blew across her face. “I need to send some gifts to Boston, and I want to make sure they get there in time.”

“Then I guess it’s not too early.” He rotated the brim of his hat between his hands. “I was just about to get a hot cup of coffee at the hotel. Would you care to join me?”

Michaela hesitated, then nodded. It would be nice to warm up before heading home.