Smitten with My Christmas Minx: Linked Across Time Book 15 Read online

  She marched down the aisle toward him with a seductive smile on her face. They hadn’t made love in months, and tonight, he would strip that lovely gown off her and make her moan with pleasure. God, he loved her. She joined him at the altar and they both turned toward the vicar.

  “We’re here to celebrate the joining of these two individuals in the bonds of matrimony…”

  The words the vicar said became nothing but a blur in his mind. Devon only had eyes for Addie. They said their vows, but he barely remembered those either. His entire focus was on his bride, the love of his life.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife,” the vicar said. “You may now kiss the bride.”

  “It’ll be my pleasure,” he said huskily and leaned down to press his lips to hers. He wanted to deepen the kiss, but he didn’t want to shock her family. His friends would not have been surprised. He stepped back and said, “Are you ready for the next part of our adventure?”

  “Darling,” she said. Bliss was etched through her voice as she spoke. “There’s nothing I want more…”

  They walked out of the chapel together hand in hand. Love enveloped him as they stepped out into the morning sunlight. Happiness warmed his heart, and he couldn’t believe how fortunate he’d been to fall for Addie…his wife. He’d been smitten with her since the moment he first met her, and he expected that would remain true for the rest of their lives.

  Afterword

  Thank you so much for taking the time to read my book.

  Your opinion matters!

  Please take a moment to review this book on your favorite review site and share your opinion with fellow readers.

  www.authordawnbrower.com

  About The Author

  USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.

  Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She is a single mother of two teenage boys; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.

  Also by Dawn Brower

  Broken Pearl

  Deadly Benevolence

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss

  A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss

  Snowflake Kisses

  Diamonds Don’t Cry

  Kindred Lies

  * * *

  Begin Again

  There You’ll Be

  Better as a Memory

  Won’t Let Go

  * * *

  Enduring Legacy

  The Legacy’s Origin

  Charming Her Rogue

  * * *

  Scandal Meets Love

  Love Only Me (Amanda Mariel)

  Find Me Love (Dawn Brower)

  If It’s Love (Amanda Mariel)

  Odds of Love (Dawn Brower)

  Believe In Love (Amanda Mariel)

  Chance of Love (Dawn Brower)

  Love and Holly (Amanda Mariel)

  Love and Mistletoe (Dawn Brower

  * * *

  Bluestockings Defying Rogues

  When An Earl Turns Wicked

  A Lady Hoyden’s Secret

  One Wicked Kiss

  Earl In Trouble

  All the Ladies Love Coventry

  One Less Scandalous Earl

  Confessions of a Hellion

  Coming Soon

  The Vixen in Red

  * * *

  Marsden Descendants

  Rebellious Angel

  Tempting An American Princess

  How to Kiss a Debutante

  Loving an America Spy

  * * *

  Marsden Romances

  A Flawed Jewel

  A Crystal Angel

  A Treasured Lily

  A Sanguine Gem

  A Hidden Ruby

  A Discarded Pearl

  * * *

  Novak Springs

  Cowgirl Fever

  Dirty Proof

  Unbridled Pursuit

  Sensual Games

  Christmas Temptation

  * * *

  Linked Across Time

  Saved by My Blackguard

  Searching for My Rogue

  Seduction of My Rake

  Surrendering to My Spy

  Spellbound by My Charmer

  Stolen by My Knave

  Separated from My Love

  Scheming with My Duke

  Secluded with My Hellion

  Secrets of My Beloved

  Spying on My Scoundrel

  Shocked by My Vixen

  Smitten With My Christma Minx

  * * *

  Heart’s Intent

  One Heart to Give

  Unveiled Hearts

  Heart of the Moment

  Kiss My Heart Goodbye

  Heart in Waiting

  Coming Soon

  A Heart Redeemed

  Heart Lessons

  * * *

  Broken Curses

  The Enchanted Princess

  The Bespelled Knight

  The Magical Hunt

  * * *

  Ever Beloved

  Forever My Earl

  Always My Viscount

  Infinitely My Marquess

  EternallyMyDuke

  * * *

  Kismet Bay

  Once Upon a Christmas

  New Year Revelation

  All Things Valentine

  Luck At First Sight

  Endless Summer Days

  A Witch’s Charm

  All Out of Gratitude

  Christmas Ever After

  Acknowledgments

  This is where I thank my editor and cover artist, Victoria Miller profusely. She helps me more than I can ever say. I appreciate everything she does and that she pushes me to be better…do better. Thank you a thousand times over.

  Also to Elizabeth Evans. Thank you for always being there for me and being my friend. You mean so much to me. Thanks isn’t nearly enough, but it’s all I have, so thank you my friend, for being you.

  Excerpt: Searching for My Rogue

  Linked Across Time Two

  Chapter 1

  September 5, 2015

  “Aly, have you seen my shoes?”

  Alys Dewitt rolled her eyes. “Did you check under the bed?” Her younger sister, Regina, was constantly losing something. They both sat in Regina’s chamber wearing their undergarments covered by a silk robe. If it wasn’t one thing, her sister would make something up so the attention would fall back to where she believed it belonged—on her.

  Alys plopped down into one of the fancy retro chairs next to the window and pulled a nail file from her overstuffed purse. She slid it across her nails to even them out. Maybe she would get lucky and Regina would find her shoes without asking for help.

  “You can help me, you know,” Regina whined. “You are my maid of honor.”

  No such luck...

  With a sigh, she dropped the nail file back in her purse. She should have known better. Regina couldn’t do anything on her own. Drama queen? Her sister put the very idea to shame. Men loved her though. They weren’t able to look past her perfect frame and flawless heart-shaped face. That Regina’s face was draped with platinum blonde hair and aquamarine eyes didn’t hurt and was enough to give Alys a complex. Her perfect sister...

  In truth, Alys was tired of people comparing them. She was content with how she looked and her life choices. So what if she was still single and her sister appeared to have found the man of her dreams. Someday, she’d find a man worth spending the rest of her life with, and if she didn’t, well, that was perfectly fine too.

  At least that’s what she kept telling herself. Complex—ugh—okay, I may have one.

  “I’m more than aware of my status in your wedding.” The person in charge of making sure she showed up and radiated her perceived perfectness. Just because she organized things down to the last detail didn’t
mean she should have to do it. Her sister was lucky she loved her. She pasted a bright smile on her face and turned toward Regina. “I can’t wait to watch you walk down the aisle and marry Trenton.”

  Alys couldn’t wait for this wedding to be over with.

  She loved her sister. Honestly. But her attitude grated on her nerves. Regina’s spoiled princess demeanor drove her insane. Alys could only spend so much time with her before she felt her fingers start to twitch. A desire to wrap them around her sister’s neck and squeeze filled her, and it took all of her self control not to act on it.

  “You don’t look very happy about it. Don’t you want to be part of my wedding?” Regina pouted. “Your fists are clenched at your side, and you’ve been bitchier than usual.”

  Alys tilted her head heavenward, silently praying for patience. She turned her attention to her overwrought sister. “I promise I want to be part of your big day.” She crossed her heart and blew her a kiss. “Now think, where was the last place you saw your shoes?” For once, please remember... So she wouldn’t have to mess up her own hair digging around for her sister’s shoes.

  Regina bit her lip and a small tear slid down her cheek. “I don’t know.”

  Alys took a deep breath and braced herself for the stream of tears about to descend. “It will be fine, Gina. Let me take a look. I’m sure they’re here.” She crossed the room and patted her on the back. Alys turned and scanned the room. No, her shoes weren’t any place obvious. It appeared as if she’d have to do some serious searching.

  “Thank you,” Regina’s voice wobbled. “You are the best sister, truly.”

  That’s what she was to everyone: the one they could always depend on. What would they do if she suddenly disappeared? Maybe she should. Teach them all they would have to learn to do for themselves sometimes. Alys couldn’t really do it though. Meanness, along with selfishness, wasn’t her go-to attitude. That was what made people lean on her so much. She was an easy target to get roped into doing everything. She walked around the room and looked under the furniture. No shoes. There was only one place left to check. Alys headed toward the closet.

  Alys sat down in the walk-in closet and rifled through a pile of clothes. She tossed them to the other side in an effort to reach the bottom. Of course, lying in the middle of it all was a pair of white stilettos with clear crystals decorating the toes and along the side. Regina loved shoes and allowed everyone to choose their own style for the wedding. Alys had a similar pair; a bridesmaid gift from her sister. Her reasoning for the modern footwear was no one would see them under their long gowns. Everything else was Regency period accurate for the wedding.

  She couldn’t believe how careless Regina was being with her wedding attire. If it were her wedding, she’d have taken better care of her shoes. Looking perfect for her big day would top her list, along with meeting her intended in front of everyone and saying her vows. Regina tended to be a tad unorganized. Why would she need to keep track of her belongings when she had everyone else doing it for her?

  “Found them,” she called out from the back of the closet. “You hid them from yourself under a pile of clothes.” Alys grabbed the shoes and stood. She left the closet and found her sister sitting on the edge of the bed, a forlorn expression on her face.

  “Hey, are you all right?” Alys rubbed her shoulder. “What’s bothering you?”

  “Do you think I’m making a mistake?”

  “Oh, honey, it’s not my place to say.” Was her sister having doubts? Didn’t all brides on some level? How could she make it better for her? “You love Trenton, don’t you?”

  “I do...”

  Good, that gave her something to work with. “Then what’s the real issue?”

  “I always jump in without thinking. When he proposed, I said yes before he finished asking me. I was so excited and could already see how our future would go, but now...” Regina bit her lip. “I think I may have feelings for somebody else.”

  Oh dear...

  “Who?” Alys waved her hand, dismissing her question. “Never mind, I don’t want to know. Let me put it like this. When you close your eyes, who do you picture as the man you want to grow old with, build a family with, and wake up each day to their face lying next to yours?”

  Regina closed her eyes. Her face remained calm and unmoving, lips parted as she breathed in and out. “Trenton.” A soft smile formed on her beautiful face. “I see him with me each day.”

  “Then you don’t need to worry about your choice. You’ve already made it.”

  Thank God... If Regina cancelled the wedding—Alys didn’t want to think about the backlash from it. Her mother, bless her heart, would be apoplectic. Crisis diverted, she needed Regina to finish dressing for her upcoming nuptials.

  “I’m sorry I’m such a mess.”

  Alys smiled. “From what I understand these feelings are quite normal.” She sat on the bed next to her sister and pulled her into a hug. “Now, I think we need to fix your makeup and get you into that lovely gown you picked out.”

  Regina rested her head on Alys’s shoulder. “I know, you’re right, but can we sit here for a minute?”

  Alys wanted to give her whatever she desired, but they couldn’t stay in their current position for very long. The wedding was scheduled to start in a half-hour. If they were going to be ready on time, they would have to start moving.

  “Of course.” Alys rubbed her arm. “Only a moment though. Mama will come barreling in any minute and go a little cray cray at the sight of us. Neither of us is ready.”

  Regina sighed. “Let’s get me ready.”

  Alys stood up and held her hand out to her sister. “Come on, go sit at your vanity. Time to make you even more beautiful than you already are.”

  Regina sat and started fixing her face. Alys went to the closet and grabbed both of their dresses and laid them across the bed. She settled herself next to Regina at the vanity, watching her apply her makeup. Her hair had been arranged earlier in a perfect chignon with curls framing her face. After more than thirty minutes, her sister sighed and set down her makeup brush and turned toward her.

  Alys shrugged. At least her sister hadn’t taken as long as she usually did to put on makeup. This maid of honor thing was not something she wanted to experience ever again. Regina was her only sister, so chances of it happening again were slim.

  “I’m ready to get dressed now,” Regina stated.

  “Good. I have your dress right here.”

  Alys held up the Regency inspired wedding gown. Her sister had decided on a themed wedding. They were all to wear period dresses or suits—even the guests. Alys loved her dress. It had a high empire waist with lace along the edge of the bodice and intricate beading at the base of the skirt. The fabric was silky and shown in a brilliant, pure white. The bridesmaid dresses were similar, but in varied shades. Alys’s dress was a brilliant emerald. Regina wanted to dress Alys in a color to match her eyes—and she approved of the choice. When she tried it on, complete bliss overtook her.

  Alys helped her sister into her gown and helped her tie the sash around the front. It all had to be historically accurate. No zippers for any of the wedding party. Lucky for Alys, hers slipped on and only had a few ties under the bodice. A complicated dress would have made getting out of it rather difficult considering she didn’t have a groom to help her out of it at the end of the evening.

  “All ready.” Alys smiled. “It’s time to go downstairs.”

  Regina nodded and wound her arm around Alys’s. They left the room and descended the stairs. Their father awaited them at the bottom, along with the best man, Bradford Kendall, the current Duke of Weston. He also happened to be Trenton’s stepbrother. The wedding was taking place on his estate in Kent. Alys sucked in a breath at the sight of him in his period attire. The man was gorgeous. There was no other word for it. His jet-black hair was brushed back, and his dark blue eyes shot upward as he watched them walk down. To be accurate, he watched Regina. Could he be the other
man her sister had feelings for?

  They reached the bottom. Their father kissed them each on the cheek. “You both look lovely.” He looped his arm around theirs, one of them on each side of him. “You ready for a wedding?”

  “I am.” Regina giggled.

  Bradford joined them, his gaze never leaving Regina’s face. “It’s a beautiful day for one. Every seat is filled.”

  “I can’t wait to marry Trenton.”

  Alys watched Bradford. He sucked in a harsh breath at her sister’s words. The duke had feelings for Regina. That would make for some awkward family dinners. She frowned. It was too bad really. The man could have any woman he wanted—except Regina—and now, well, her. Alys didn’t want a man besotted with her sister.

  “Yes, but you should let Bradford and I go on before you. Why don’t you spend a few minutes with Daddy while we walk to the church?” Alys wanted to put some distance between the two of them. If Bradford was given an inch, he’d try to talk Regina out of marrying his brother. She couldn’t allow him to destroy her sister’s wedding. “We will be patiently waiting to see you walk down the aisle.”

  “I don’t…” Bradford started to say, but stopped when Alys pinched his side, hard.

  He glared at her, his eyes promising retribution.

  “Leave Regina alone,” Alys whispered. “She needs some quality time with our father. We have other things to take care of.” She looped her arm around his and raised an eyebrow. “What are you waiting for? You’re to escort me down the aisle, right?”

  “Archaic,” he grumbled. “I can’t fathom why she wanted such an old-fashioned wedding.”