by Jillian Hart
“The horses I do not have?”
“Yes.”
“Ah, lass, but you have touched me. You have captured me heart and soul. How am I to let you go now?”
“Do you not want me to go? But you sold your horses so I can leave you. This train ticket—”
“No, my love. I want you to be free to choose.” He brushed her cheeks with his thumb, and her tears glimmered on his glove. “Remember I said that a marriage between us always has been your decision and no other’s?”
“I do. I choose you, Ian McPherson. You have made me believe in true love and noble men.”
“And happily-ever-afters,” he finished. Not sadness, then, driving those tears, but the same poignant emotion driving him. He felt it when she laid her hand on his chest, her small hand over his heart. He loved her; the infinite gentleness he felt for her had no bounds, no ends, no reason.
Happiness roared through him, strong enough to drown out all his old losses, and he knew that the past was gone. There was a future to build, the only one that mattered, the one God had led him to. For surely it was God’s presence gentle in the air above them, and in the proof of their love so strong. “I cannot give you a mansion full of fine things and servants.”
“I would not want it if you could.” In her perfect blue eyes, on her beloved face, her love shone for him. Unmistakable and the greatest gift he could imagine. The best Christmas gift on this holy night of love and saving grace. She smiled up at him, their hearts and souls as one. “A little house someday, with a happy family. All I want is for you to love me, Ian, and I will have the greatest of all riches.”
“We will be very wealthy indeed.” He drew her into the circle of his arms, where she was safe, where she would always be cherished and protected. “Marry me, Fiona. Be my treasured wife.”
“It would be an honor.”
Their kiss was perfection, as pure as the night. The winds stilled and the last flakes of snow tapered gently to the ground. Heavenly moonlight fell between the breaking clouds as if to bless the love of a worthy horseman and his gingham bride.
Dear Reader,
Welcome back to Angel Falls. This Montana town has become a beloved place to me, full of fond friends and new ones yet to meet. I hope you feel the same way. In this story, you will see familiar faces, like Cora and her nephews (from A Blessed Season) and new ones, like Fiona and her friends.
Gingham Bride is a story I have been wanting to tell for a long time. It is a tale of how love comes to a girl who has not known it before and the good man who can win her heart. I hope you are touched by Fiona’s journey, Ian’s sacrifice for her and their discovery of the true riches God has blessed them with. Meredith’s story is next!
Thank you for choosing GINGHAM BRIDE.
Wishing you the best of blessings.
Merry Christmas,
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Describe Ian’s reaction the first time her sees Fiona. Do you think this is love at first sight? What does he see in her that no one else does?
How would you describe Fiona’s opinion of most men? How would you describe her first impressions of Ian? What does she see that is different about him?
Why does Ian decide to stay with Fiona? Why do you think he has come to this decision? What sacrifices has he made for her? What does this say about his character?
How do you think the past has influenced Ian? Why can’t he let go of the past?
How do you think Fiona’s childhood has influenced her? Why does she cling so hard to the idea of a future alone? What does this say about her character?
What is the story’s predominant imagery? How does it contribute to the meaning of the story?
Fiona is not sure how God works in her life. Ian tries to follow where the Lord is leading him but is unsure how it can end well. How do these issues of faith develop for each character? How are they resolved?
When we first meet Fiona, she is determined not to trust in love and believes there are no noble men. How does Ian change that? How does he touch her heart?
How is God’s leading evident in the story?
What do you think Fiona and Ian have each learned about the power of hope?
What values of Christmas do you find in this story? What do those values mean to you?
What do you think of Ian’s Christmas gift to Fiona, and of hers to him? What does this say to you about the kind of love they share? What do you think they have learned about love?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-4348-8
GINGHAM BRIDE
Copyright © 2009 by Jill Strickler
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Steeple Hill Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
This edition published by arrangement with Steeple Hill Books.
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