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      The Marriage Agreement

      Proposing a marriage of convenience to a rugged logger is the boldest move of Nora Underhill’s sheltered life. In return for Simon Wallin’s protection from her overbearing family, the unassuming seamstress offers prime frontier farmland. But their paper marriage changes when Nora’s greedy brother tries to draw her back into a life of drudgery. Her only option: move to Simon’s farm, and into the center of his loving, unruly family.

      Years of shouldering responsibility have left Simon cynical and reserved. But little by little, Nora’s warmth opens his shuttered heart to joy. With their marriage claim under threat, can this practical arrangement blossom over the holidays...and become a love for all seasons?

      “Please, Mr. Wallin? I don’t think I could be so bold as to ask a stranger. I know I can trust you.”

      Nora trusted in him on the thinnest of connections. And how was he to know she wouldn’t abuse his trust? She wouldn’t be the first to disappoint him.

      But she may be the first to truly understand you.

      Where had that thought come from? He’d yet to find anyone who shared his views on life. His was the lone voice of reason some days at Wallin Landing. Therefore, he should evaluate this proposal on logic, not emotion.

      She was offering one hundred and sixty acres he badly needed and could get no other way. He was offering protection from an overbearing brother. They didn’t have to live together.

      It was all strictly platonic. They both achieved their goals with relatively little effort. What was wrong with that?

      “Very well, Miss Underhill,” he said. “I’ll make the arrangements for us to wed.”

      She offered him her hand. “To our bargain.”

      Simon took it, felt the tremor in her fingers. She wasn’t any more sure of this marriage of convenience than he was.

      Had he just agreed to something they’d both live to regret?

      REGINA SCOTT has always wanted to be a writer. Since her first book was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages. Fascinated by history, she learned to fence and sail a tall ship. She and her husband reside in Washington state with their overactive Irish terrier. You can find her online blogging at nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at reginascott.com or connect with her on Facebook at Facebook.com/authorreginascott.

      A Convenient Christmas Wedding

      Regina Scott

Har_Medicals_2012_Cab_Blk.ai

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      The light shines in the darkness,

      but the darkness has not understood it.

      —John 1:5

      To the Wighamans, Chris, Megan, Reece and Molly, for their encouragement and the inspiration of Christmas Adam, and to the Lord, who offers inspiration at Christmas and throughout the year.

      Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Introduction

       About the Author

       Title Page

       Bible Verse

       Dedication

       Chapter One

       Chapter Two

       Chapter Three

       Chapter Four

       Chapter Five

       Chapter Six

       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

       Dear Reader

       Extract

       Copyright

       Chapter One

      Seattle, Washington Territory

      December 1866

      What better time than a wedding to ask a man to marry you?

      Nora Underhill stood in the corner of the Occidental Hotel’s fine restaurant, watching as toasts were raised. Behind the head table

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