A Wedding for Christmas
Just how…committed…is he?There is nothing Cristina Roman loves more than being a mom. Although working as the chef at her family’s inn, Ladera by the Sea, is a close second. And a quickly rising third is her new – or actually old – love interest, Shane McCallister, the local contractor.After her soldier husband’s tragic death, Cris thought she would never be able to move on. But with the way Shane bonds with her five-year-old son, she might be persuaded. Except then her in-laws sue her for custody of Ricky. Now facing every mother’s worst nightmare, she’ll do anything not to lose her child, and Shane is determined to help. Could her sister’s Christmas wedding be their inspiration?
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âAnd just how would I go about getting this mythical husband?â
She slanted a look toward Shane. âShall I advertise for one or should I just go straight to that online site and say something to the effect that Iâd like one husband, please. No chores will be required, no expertise necessary. Must be able to stand and look manly when so-called âwifeâ deals with fire-breathing former in-laws.â
She knew she sounded hysterical but she couldnât stopâshe was spiraling out of control.
âSounds like a piece of cake to me. How about you? Sound like a piece of cake to you? Or do you know something I donât about locating a husband whoâd be a willing stand-in?â
âNot sure I understand what you mean by a stand-in,â Shane said, âbut Iâd be willing.â
âWilling?â she echoed, confused. âWilling to what?â
âIâd be willing to marry you so you could retain custody of Ricky.â
Five sets of eyes turned to stare at him at the same time.
Dear Reader,
Welcome back to Ladera by the Sea, a charming 120-year-old family-run bed-and-breakfast in San Diego with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. You might recall meeting the familyâRichard Roman and his four daughters, Alexandra, Christina, Stephanie and Andrea, in the first book, Innkeeperâs Daughter. That book saw oldest daughter workaholic Alex come to grips with her true feelings for Wyatt Taylor, someone she had grown up knowing and verbally sparring with for years. Youâve returned just in time for their wedding. But, before that can take place, second daughter Cris, the Innâs resident chef, has to learn how to finally move past the heartache of losing her first husband and recognize the love thatâs been in her own backyard all along. Thrown into this is a pending custody battle with her well-to-do former in-laws who are suing for sole custody of her five-year-old son, Ricky. Curious? Good. Come, read and I promise that all secrets will be revealed.
As always, I thank you for taking the time to read my book and from the bottom of my heart, I wish you someone to love who loves you back.
All the best,
Marie Ferrarella
www.marieferrarella.com
MARIE FERRARELLA
is a USA TODAY bestselling and RITA>® Award-winning author, and has written more than 240 books, some under the name Marie Nicole. As of January 2013, she has been published for 30 years. She earned a masterâs degree in Shakespearean comedy and, perhaps as a result, her writing is distinguished by humor and natural dialogue. Her goal is to entertain and to make people laugh and feel good. Her romances are beloved by fans worldwide. Visit her website, www.marieferrarella.com.
To
Nancy Diamond & Wendy Brower For telling me About their grandmotherâs Azalea plant
Contents
PROLOGUE
SOMETIMES THE PATH from the family-owned bed-and-breakfast to the small, private cemetery that overlooked the sea seemed longer to reach than it actually was.
Other times, like today, he wasnât even aware of how long it took to get there. One second, Richard Roman was deciding that he wanted to share a few moments with his wife and his best friend, the next he was already standing before their headstones, talking to the two people who had known him the best and, just possibly, the longest.
His Amy had been in this spot overlooking the sea a long whileâsometimes it felt as if she had always been here, whereas Daniel had been here only a little while. Richard missed them both so very much.
But it helped to come here to talk to them both whenever he was troubled or happy.
Someday, he himself would be laid to rest here, Richard thought. Buried next to his Amy.
But not for many years to come.
His girls needed him.
The four of them, ranging in age from twenty-one to twenty-eight were well along on their journey into womanhood, but they still needed him, needed his guidance.
âLooks like Alex wonât be wearing your wedding dress after all, Amy, even though she had her heart set on it. Sheâs too tall and just a touch too curvy to get into it. I know that Wyatt has no complaints in that department, but Alex really did think sheâd be walking down the aisle in your dress. She was very disappointed.â
He shook his head, recalling the stricken look on Alexâs face when she told him about the dress. âI know youâre thinking,â he continued, addressing Amy and Dan as though they were standing right in front of him, âthat alternations can be made since the wedding isnât until Christmas, but Alex feels that itâs disrespectful to alter the dress you wore when you married me. At times itâs hard to believe itâs Alex talking, but sheâs got this whole sensitive side to her that she never let on about.â He chuckled. âWho knew, right, Dan?â
