Brenda Hiatt (18 page)

That night they all gathered around the fire in the parlour to hear the dowager read the Christmas story from the enormous family Bible. As Holly sat listening to the words of St. Luke, her head on Hunt’s shoulder, with Noel on her other side and her mother and sister seated amicably across from Lady Anne and her husband, she felt that her heart would overflow with happiness.

“‘…And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them,’” concluded the dowager. “I should say we all have a great deal to be thankful for this Christmas, do we not?”

“Indeed we do,” said Anne, gazing down at William where he dozed with his head in her lap.

“I know I do,” said Noel, with a wink at Hunt and Holly.

“And I,” echoed Maman with an adoring look across at Noel.

“I have more to be thankful for than I can express,” declared Holly, meeting Hunt’s loving gaze.

“I believe I’ve been more richly blessed than anyone,” he said quietly. “A few days ago I nearly lost everything that mattered, and now I have more than I ever dreamed possible. Even my stay in prison was a blessing in disguise, for it showed me that the world will continue spinning without my attention. I believe I’ll be willing to take life easier now, perhaps set up my own household.”

Holly gasped with delight at his words and he smiled down at her tenderly. Then, in full view of everyone assembled, and without the slightest hint of embarrassment, he bent to kiss her.

A few glorious seconds later, he raised his head to gaze into her eyes. “Of all my many blessings,” he said, “what I am most thankful for is you, my Christmas bride.”

eISBN 9781459281233

A CHRISTMAS BRIDE

Copyright © 1993 by Brenda H. Barber.

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