Wooing in Wyoming: At the Altar, #11

By Kirsten Osbourne

Erin Krol lost the love of her life, and she knows she'll never love again. Because of her desire for children, she contacts the owner of Matchrimony Dr. Lachele Simpson. When Erin realizes she's been matched to her very own chocolate maker, she isn't sure whether to laugh or cry. A honeymoon in Switzerland sounds just perfect—and spending a week touring chocolate factories a dream come true. 
Al Frank has spent his entire adult life being responsible. The owner of his own business, he works far more hours than he cares to admit. He has no time for love or romance, but he wants children to carry on his name. When he sees Erin for the first time, he realizes he's in over his head. Will the beautiful schoolteacher end up being what he needs? Or will his propensity for working too much come between them? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Unlimited Dreams
• Release date: Mar 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393326229

Book preview

Table of Contents

Wooing in Wyoming

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Epilogue

Wooing in Wyoming

Book Eleven in At the Altar

Kirsten Osbourne

Cover Art Erin Dameron-Hill

Copyright 2017 Kirsten Osbourne

License Notes

––––––––

Erin Krol lost the love of her life, and she knows she’ll never love again. Because of her desire for children, she contacts the owner of Matchrimony Dr. Lachele Simpson. When Erin realizes she’s been matched to her very own chocolate maker, she isn’t sure whether to laugh or cry. A honeymoon in Switzerland sounds just perfect—and spending a week touring chocolate factories a dream come true.

Al Frank has spent his entire adult life being responsible. The owner of his own business, he works far more hours than he cares to admit. He has no time for love or romance, but he wants children to carry on his name. When he sees Erin for the first time, he realizes he’s in over his head. Will the beautiful schoolteacher end up being what he needs? Or will his propensity for working too much come between them?

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Dedication:  This book is for my friend and fan, Erin Krol. In my mind, you will always be the chocolate empress.

Chapter One

Erin Krol paced back and forth in the back of the church, waiting for her wedding to start. Everyone she loved surrounded her, but she got no comfort from them.  Her parents were both there, watching her with amused expressions. Her big sister Megan was there, patting her slight baby bump. Even her new brother-in-law Bob was there. And Jean—Jean had flown all the way from Atlanta for her wedding.

They all understood her mental dilemma though. She had planned to marry in this same church not quite three years ago. She’d stood in this same spot, pacing in her wedding gown—not the same one. Wearing a wedding dress she’d purchased to marry another man would have felt like a betrayal of the only man she’d ever loved.

Instead of someone sticking their head into the room to tell her it was time, the pastor had come in and taken her hand, gesturing to a chair. Randall had died on his way to the wedding. Her heart broke into a million tiny pieces and she knew she’d never marry again.

Now, here she stood, about to marry another man. But she hadn’t fallen in love...she was about to marry an absolute stranger whose name she didn’t even know.

The door opened, and she felt fear wash over her. She may not love her new husband-to-be, but she didn’t want him to die just because he was marrying her! A purple-haired bundle of energy rushed into the room, taking Erin’s hands in hers. He’s here. Do you have any questions for me?

Erin nodded. I need to know his name, age, occupation, social security number... Can you think of anything else, Dad?

John Krol got to his feet with a smile and walked over. You must be Dr. Lachele. Erin’s told me a lot about you.

Lies! Every word of it! Dr. Lachele cackled loudly at her own joke. Sorry. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Krol.

Erin stared at Dr. Lachele with a bemused expression. "I’m marrying him in fifteen minutes. Surely you can give me some details now!"

I’ll give you one hint. Will that help you?

Erin nodded, a bit warily. She trusted Dr. Lachele to find her the perfect man to marry, but she didn’t trust the crazy woman to give her any kind of real information. Sure?

"You’re not marrying me! Dr. Lachele laughed again. Going to check on your groom."

Erin watched her go, shaking her head. She looked at Jean. Are you sure you want to put yourself through this?

Jean nodded. I’m honestly not sure how I’ll marry any other way. She sighed. I’m so busy working all the time, and there aren’t exactly men lining my sidewalk begging for my hand. I’m ready to settle down and have kids.

"Maybe you should wait to see how my marriage turns out before you even bother! What if she just thinks she’s a matchmaker, and she hooks me up with a drug dealer, who also runs guns as a side business? Huh? Erin turned to her father and rested her head on his shoulder. Please don’t make me marry a drug dealer, Daddy."

Dad patted her back gently. "I promise, if he’s a drug dealer you don’t have to marry him...Your mother doesn’t need grandchildren that badly!"

Megan sighed heavily. "Hello! Pregnant daughter here!"

Erin glared at her sister. "Hello! Having a prewedding meltdown here!"

Megan seemed to consider that for a moment. Very well. Carry on!

*****

Al Frank paced the floor in the little room at the back of the church. They’d stuck him back here to wait for his bride, and the wait was getting long. Why had he been told to be at the church at ten when the wedding didn’t start until eleven? Didn’t they realize time was money?

You’re going to wear a hole in that carpet.

Al spun around to find the purple-haired matchmaker who had gotten him into this predicament. Why couldn’t she just help him make babies magically appear? He didn’t want to have to deal with some crazy woman to get them. (And she’d have to be crazy to marry an absolute stranger.) While she was at it, maybe she could provide a nanny for them so he didn’t have to marry. That would be good. Please tell me my bride is here! He was ready to get this show on the road.

She’s in the bride’s room, anxious to meet you. Dr. Lachele looked him up and down. You clean up pretty good for a man who was covered in chocolate the last time I met him.

Al shrugged, smoothing the front of his black suit. Did you tell her to bring her passport and warm clothes for the honeymoon?

Yes, I told her. You are spending one night here in town, right? she asked, frowning at him. I told you it would be easier that way.

We’ll spend a night here in Wyoming. We’re driving to Cheyenne after the reception. And I’ll have her back before January third, but I think that’s a strange and random date to have to have her back by.

Dr. Lachele rolled her eyes at him. You’ll survive. Time for you to head to the front of the church anyway. Where’s your best man?

He’s out there. His wife and kids are in the front row, so don’t get any ideas about matching him up. Dave’s quite happy as he is. Dave had been Al’s best friend since junior high, and they cared about each other deeply. Dave’s kids were part of the reason he wanted some of his own so badly...and his kid sister’s twins.

Can I get one quick peek at her before we marry? he asked.

Absolutely not. Just get to the front of the church and wait. You’ll see her when you see her. Dr. Lachele left the room, heading toward a closed door.

Al followed and stood trying to see what was behind the door in the other room, but she caught