The Winter Wedding Wife: Everwinter Valley, #2

By B. A. Loudon

When a movie star comes to town for a wedding, it's anything but a normal Christmas...

Everwinter Valley's favourite couple are engaged!

Newly single and freshly heartbroken, Hollywood starlet Analise Bordeaux would rather be anywhere else in the world than a wedding. But, when it's her best friend getting married, she swallows her pride and catches a flight. When Carson asks her to help with a special project for his soon-to-be-husband, she's delighted to help. There's just one problem:

 

She'll have to work with someone who hates her.

Seamstress Natalie Mckenzie already has enough on her plate between her regular work and wedding preparations. Now she has to deal with an entitled and rude movie star?

Can the two put their differences aside and learn to work together to finish the secret project for their friends? Or might they find that there's more to each other than what meets the eye?

• Language: English
• Publisher: B. A. Loudon
• Release date: Jun 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781999056087

Book preview

To Hallmark, my inspiration – Please sign me to a movie deal. Trilogy, possibly more. There’s so much potential in Everwinter Valley. I even have an 80s themed book planned. People love nostalgia, it’s so hot right now. Have your people call me (cause I don’t have people.)

To Netflix – You’re absolutely not my second choice babes I’m not sure why you’d ever think that.

Please see pitch above.

Prologue

C an’t we just have a night at home? Carson Davis asked his boyfriend as the two walked down the long stretch of Main Street in the sleepy town of Everwinter Valley.

C’mon, Stella’s at a friend’s for the night, it’d be nice to finally have a proper adult date night, his partner, Dave Sweet, reminded him. "Besides, with you flying out in the morning – for a month – I thought we should really make the most of tonight."

I’m not disagreeing about a date night, I’m just saying that a night at home with a rum and coke would be nice too, Carson replied. I’m not even sure if I’m completely packed, and you know what happens when I pack in a hurry."

True, but it’s a good thing you won’t need gloves in Hawaii, the dark haired man teased.

"You don’t know that. Maybe it’s all frozen over in a freak weather event and I will need gloves. What then?"

"Then, I think you’d have a story far more interesting than a triple homicide, and I would personally courier a pair of gloves to you via unicorn, he promised. You’ll have time to pack, but I promised Elsie that we’d preview the fall menu for her and you know how she is about these things," he explained as the couple reached the hotel.

You could have led with that, you know. Not just ‘let’s go out!’

"I had wanted it to be a surprise."

I don't like surprises, I like plans.

Well, plan on being surprised then.

Carson didn't have time to plan anything. The spacious hotel dining room was surprisingly empty of people, and illuminated by hundreds of candles spread throughout the room. Vibrant red rose petals lined the hotel's hardwood floors, while bouquets of various white flowers filled every table.

It was overwhelmingly beautiful.

But one thing was very certain; they certainly weren't there for a new menu tasting.

Dave... what's going on? Carson asked, looking around the room in awe and confusion.

Nine year old Stella emerged from the kitchen doors, and she was dressed in her best formal gown - a green and white lace dress that Carson had gotten her for a photoshoot in the bakery. Her hair was done in a neat up-do, and she looked as elegant as everything else in the room.

Dad and I have a question for you!

The journalist had an inkling of what was coming. Oh, do you now?

Yes, and it was important that we asked you together, Dave replied, taking his daughter's hand with his left hand and pulling a ring out from his pocket with his right. They both knelt down on one knee, well rehearsed. Carson Davis...

Will you join our family...

...and marry me?

Carson looked at the pair a moment, amusement pulling at his lips. As hard as he tried, he couldn’t contain himself and erupted into laughter.

Stella gave her father a bewildered look, which her father returned. Not quite the reaction I was hoping for.

I’m sorry, I’m sorry, Carson said quickly as he attempted to get himself under control. He cleared his throat. This is amazing, and you both are so great, and I love you two so much.

Is... is it the ring? Dave asked as his eyes glanced nervously at the brushed black metal. I just thought the low profile would suit you. I consulted with Kristen and...

Kristen knew? Carson asked in gleeful disbelief. Did she know it was happening tonight?

I... uh, yes, Dave, still perplexed and slightly disheartened, confirmed.

Of course she did! Carson grinned and tried his best not to launch into another fit of laughter. Dave, the ring is perfect, just like you. Stella, I’d be so honoured to join your family. Yes, I’ll marry you! The question is... he pulled a box from his coat pocket