by M. K. Moore
A Bride For Christmas
A Seven Brides of Christmas Novella
M.K. Moore
Copyright © 2018 by M.K. Moore
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Created with Vellum
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Epilogue
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
Other books by MK Moore
About the Author
Dedicated to those who read Christmas books year-round. I wrote this for you.
Blurb
Josiah Abernathy needs a wife in order to inherit Abernathy Aeronautics. He has no prospects and this needs to be done quickly. Out of desperation, he hires Delilah to find him a wife, sight unseen.
Matilda is all alone in the city for the first time. A chance encounter with everyone’s favorite matchmaker and her whole life changes.
A fight on the steps of the Fulton County Courthouse, followed by a quickie wedding begins the naughty happily ever after of these two.
This MK Instalove promises a safe and magical HEA, with lots of steamy, sometimes debauched love scenes. This holiday novella is over the top, so be warned.
Chapter 1
Josiah Abernathy
Two weeks to Christmas
I thought I had more time. More time to find her. The woman I would love forever. However, my asshole of a father died suddenly in the arms of his mistress last week and now I have to scramble. His final attempt to ruin my life. I’ve spent my entire adult life working for that bastard and now when it’s my time to step in and take care of business, I am blocked until I fulfill this ridiculous clause. When his sleazy personal attorney approached me with the contents of his will, I was only prepared for normal stipulations that could come from a will. I had no idea how much of a bastard my father really was.
In order to gain control of Abernathy Aeronautics, I must be married. Thankfully, he didn’t specify to who, but I must remain married to the same woman for the entire time I am CEO. Any divorce puts me out and my almost eighteen-year-old sister in. She doesn’t want to be CEO, even if she was old enough. She is currently getting ready to graduate high school. She has bigger plans than this company. She wants to be the President of the United States one day, but she has a lot she wants to accomplish before she is thirty-five. When I was her age, I was more concerned about my next comic book and sneaking cigarettes from the housekeeper. I was a huge nerd, but I've somewhat grown out of that.
Thankfully, I won’t have to answer to a board, but even in death, I still have to take orders from him. Alexander Abernathy was larger than life and I hated him.
Also in his will, he cut my mother off completely. Calling her cold and unloving. Is it any wonder? He cheated on her from the moment they said “I do,” leaving her to her own devices.
It was a dick last move, but I vowed to take care of her. My mother is a fucking saint for putting up with him all those years. He divided all of his personal assets amongst myself, my sister Enid, and his mistress, a twenty-two-year-old stripper from Collegedale, named Tawdry. How fitting. Except for his extensive collection of antique cars, he left those solely to me. I'll be selling them and splitting the profits with my sister. I have no need for more than one car at a time. My Aston Martin does just fine for me.
This clause is how I find myself here, in a nondescript office building off of North Avenue. Outside the office door, there is a little sign that reads Delilah Rothschild, Elite Matchmaking Services. It looks like it is etched in gold. It's classy and somehow comforting. I need a bride, sight unseen, now.
I have no idea what I'm even looking for in a wife. I'm only twenty-nine. I know what I don't want though. I haven't dated anyone in eleven years. I know a vapid cheerleader type will not do for me. I just need someone I can get along with and is in this for the long haul. I want children, but if she doesn't, we can adopt. I don't expect sex, but my bride can rest assured that I will be faithful. I haven't had sex since high school, so I clearly don't need it. I also refuse to be anything like my father.
I knock on the door at exactly nine. I prefer to be on time. With Atlanta traffic, that means leaving at least two hours before you need to be somewhere.
A riot of red curls is the first thing I see when the door swings open.
“Mr. Abernathy, I presume?”
I extend my hand for her to shake. “Delilah?”
“Yes, yes. Come in. Have a seat,” she says, gesturing to a plush purple couch. I am not sure what I expected, but this is more intimate than I thought it would be. “Would you like some coffee or water?”
“Coffee would be great,” I say. I watch as she gestures to her assistant, a young girl with curly brown hair. I smile and thank her when she hands me the coffee cup. She sets sugars and creamer on the table. She nods at me and walks back to her desk. Once I am settled with my coffee doctored how I like it, I lean back and sip it.
“I am having some work done in my office, so instead of canceling what appeared to be an urgent appointment on your end, our waiting area will have to suffice.”
“Not a problem. I am sorry to say this is urgent,” I reiterate.
“Excellent. Now, I have been through your application and background checks, which I rushed, but I want to know what paper can’t tell me. Tell me a little about what you are looking for. Looks, class, smarts?”
“I do not care about her looks and class at all. I do need someone smart, who can handle conversation and business gatherings on my arm. She also needs to be able to discreetly do her own thing. Not need my constant attention. However, let me be very clear up front, I am not anticipating nor do I require a love match. I need this in order to claim my place as the President and CEO of my family's company. I also want her to know that going in. I can't afford a divorce or any drama about that fact. If she agrees to marry me and follows through, we will never, under any circumstances, divorce. She has to be okay with that. I will have a contract prepared for her to sign. I do not feel the need for a prenuptial agreement, as the contract prevents divorce,” I say setting the coffee cup down. I am a little nauseous at how clinical the rest of my life seems.
“I'll be honest with you, Mr. Abernathy,” she says but I cut her off.
“Josiah, please,” I say and she smiles, placatingly.
“Josiah, most if not all of the women who are interested in being matched in this fashion are looking for love,” she says, her smile has faltered a bit.
“Thank you for your time, I must be married before my father's funeral, which my mother is already putting off,” I say, standing hastily. My next idea is to pick the first woman I see and offer her the world.
“Sit back down,” she says in a firm voice and pauses while I do so. “I never said I couldn't help you, I just do not have someone that immediately comes to mind. Give me until the end of the day, and I'll have the perfect bride for you.”
“Thank you, I'm sorry for being abrupt, but time really is of the essence.”
“I've got a good feeling about you, Josiah.”
I breathe a sigh of relief and give her my black AmEx, before leaving.
I make a quick call to my lawyer to get the contract sent over to Delilah as soon as possible. Thank God, that was easier than I thought it would be. I just hope she can find a suitable wife for me quickly.
Chapter 2
Tilly Caledon
God, who knew sitting on a stuffy bus, with only the clothes on my back, the thousand dollars I managed to save from working at the grocery store for the last three years in my pocket, and all of my identification, would taste like freedom? I forgot my jacket, but this cardigan will have to do. Suddenly, Miley Cyrus’ Party in the USA fills my head and I can’t help smiling. If my mother hadn’t kicked me out, I would never have had the courage to leave. Things were bad at home, but today was scary. Our trailer in Macon, Georgia was suddenly too small for three people.
My mom, Tina, who is fifty-five, just got married to a thirty-year-old man named Zion. He is a fucking creeper and I am ninety-five percent sure he is in a cult of some kind. Some new-fangled religion my mother is trying. She’s tried them all, but this one is over the top even for her. This morning I woke up with him standing over my bed, stroking his flaccid, tiny dick. Yuck. I am not sure I’ll ever get that image out of my head.
If my mother hadn’t called out to him and found him in my room, I don’t know what would have happened. My mother accused me of enticing him. I have never enticed anyone in my entire life, so I certainly wouldn’t start with that douche. She gave me twenty minutes to pack what I could, then she took me to the bus station.
I didn’t want to spend too much money, so eighteen dollars later, I am on my way to Atlanta. It’s only two hours from home, but honestly, it’s a world away. Only an idiot would go to a new city with absolutely nothing and hope for the best, but that’s what I’m doing, hoping for the best. It’s still really early, before six, so the infamous Atlanta traffic isn’t too bad and before I know it we’re at the bus station. I am the last off the bus, but the bus driver, an old man, stops me.
“Miss, you traveling alone?”
“Yes, sir.”
“This ain't the best neighborhood. Is someone picking you up?”
“No. I am starting over here.”
“Let me walk you inside. You need to call a cab. Head over to the downtown area. Go to a restaurant that’s full of people, until you figure out your next move.” I am slightly overwhelmed by this man’s caring nature. It’s not something that I am used to. We climb off the bus and he guides me into the bus station.
“Why are you being so nice to me?”
“You look like you could use a hand and you remind me of my granddaughter.”
Once inside, I see actual payphones, which is a good thing, because I don’t have a cell phone.
“Thank you,” I say.
“Good luck, dear. Anywhere you go can be harsh. Keep your chin up,” he says and walks back out to the bus loading area.
I manage to call a taxi and ninety minutes later I'm in line at Starbucks, waiting on my venti iced coffee. They are extremely busy. Freedom isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I am alone for the first time in my life and I am not sure that I like it. Atlanta, while a big city, has a small town feel that I am used to, so I am not intimidated by that. I just feel like something is looming over me. It’s not necessarily a bad feeling, but it’s enough to distract me. I'm not paying attention when I run smack dab into a tiny redhead.
“Excuse me, I apologize,” I say, when she turns around she has a to-go tray of hot coffees. I am so glad she didn’t drop those.
“No problem. I was just about to sit down at that small table over there. Would you like to join me?” I take a quick glance around the room and see that there are no freaking tables free. I don’t think she was going to stay really. She has a to-go tray, but something about this woman has me wanting to stay and talk to her.
“Sure,” I say grabbing my coffee that's finally ready.
“I'm Delilah. I work just around the corner.” I take a second to take her in. Perfect hair, makeup, nails, dress.
“I'm Tilly. Nice to meet you. If you don't mind me asking, what do you do?”
“I don't mind at all. I'm a matchmaker.”
“Like the Janeane Garofalo movie?” I ask. She laughs.
“I didn't realize anyone under thirty-five had seen that movie, but yes something like that,” she says, laughing.
“What an interesting job. You must have some amazing clients,” I say, slightly in awe.
“I do. Have you ever given any thought to being matched up?
“No, I don't believe I am the right sort of person for that.”
“Nonsense. You're beautiful, and just the right type for one of my clients. How about coming to my office to fill out some paperwork?’
“That sounds like something I’d be interested in,” I say, though I’m not sure where that comes from. Despite not knowing what all this means, it still seems my future depends on going with her.
“I must warn you, he is in a difficult position right now. He is not looking for love and he has a contract. You will never be able to divorce him. Can you handle being taken care of for the rest of your life?”
“Yes, I can most definitely handle that,” I say, but honestly, I don’t know if I can.
“Excellent, come with me, bring your coffee. It’s a brisk walk in this weather.”
We weave our way out of the coffee shop and take off down the street.
A few minutes later, I am sitting at a desk in Delilah's office, filling out paperwork, while she makes copies of my drivers license, birth certificate, and social security card.
“This is my assistant Levi, she can get you anything you need,” Delilah says, going into the back room. I extend my hand to the girl. She is so petite, that I feel like a giant, and I am sitting down.
“I’m Tilly. It’s really nice to meet you.”
“You too. I have to ask, what made you want to do something like this?” Her voice is quiet like she’s shy or something. I can understand that. Her thick, but cute glasses hide her blue eyes.
“Honestly, at first I was scared to be alone as I never have been before. Now, I want to help this man find his place in life. Does that make sense?” I say.
“Oh, yes. I totally understand. Delilah doesn’t usually take on this kind of client. Her selection process usually takes a month, but this is time sensitive. There was just something about him that made her want to help him. I’m sure she felt the same thing with you,” Levidia says and I nod, but before I can speak, she starts talking again about Delilah's process, going further into detail.
“Do you have a passport?” Delilah asks suddenly, coming back into the room.
“I do. I went to Cancun last year for my senior trip,” I say pulling it out of my bag.
“Excellent, I do not need a copy, but with the type of man I’ve set you up with you’ll probably need it sooner rather than later.”
This excites me. I have always wanted to travel. I worked and saved for three years to be able to afford that trip, but it was worth it. Once I filled out her paperwork and passed her extensive, albeit rushed background check, she hands me a folder. From the office of Pasternak and Associates is etched into it. It looks daunting and fancy.
“Read this. If you agree with what’s in there, sign it and I will take you to meet him.”
“Does he have a name?” I ask, laughing.
“I believe it is in the contract. Read it over.”
So I do.
Josiah Nathaniel Abernathy. He sounds too classy for me, but I do wonder what he will think of me.
The contract basically stipulates that I will have my own room, that I may have extramarital affairs as long as I am discreet, and kids will be discussed at a future date. All in all, I make out like a bandit and all he gets is his company. What a sad way to live, but if that is what he wants, I’ll give it to him. However, I'd never have an affair. It's just not in me to be unfaithful.
I sign my name to the bottom of the contract with a flourish. I go back and initial where needed and hand it back to Delilah. A few minutes later, she is standing in front of me. I should be feeling excited or nervous that I just signed my life away, but instead, all I feel
is a relief like I’ve never felt. He can’t be any worse than my weird, sheltered life before. I am so glad I was in the right place at the right time. I have a good feeling about this.
“Are you ready?”
“Where are we going?”
“Per your new fiance, we are going to the Fulton County Courthouse. I have already got us an UBER.”
“I am getting married today, like right now?” I ask, horrified. I look down at myself. I look like shit and I feel even worse. I am wearing jeans and a way too big t-shirt that says “I’m here to lay pipe” with a picture of a hot plumber. It was the shirt I slept in last night. I threw on some jeans, my flip-flops, and grabbed a sweater and my purse before my mom ushered me out of the house. I didn’t even have time to put on some panties. Thank God I showered last night right before bed. I walk blindly out of the office and into the waiting car.
The drive to the courthouse is quick and when we get out of the car, I watch Delilah greet the hottest man I have ever seen.
“Josiah Abernathy, this is Matilda Caledon,” Delilah says, introducing us.
“Tilly,” I say quickly.
“This is what you came up with?” Josiah says. He seems irritated. I am reminded of The West Wing. I will totally be calling this man Jeb for the rest of our lives.
“Wow,” I say.
“Wow what? You look like a child. How old are you? Can you legally sign a contract? You look like a bum too.” His calm voice and his harsh words are a complete contrast that pisses me off.
“I’m nineteen. Are you always an asshole or is this a special occasion?” I ask my voice raised in anger.
“Yes, he is,” an older woman I didn’t notice before says from her place next to Jeb.