The Matchmaker's Mistletoe Mission (Boots and Bouquets novella) Read online

  Title

  Copyright

  Copyright © 2019 Jaci Burton

  Excerpt from The Best Man Plan copyright © 2019 by Jaci Burton

  Cover images © StockVector/Shutterstock (boots),

  Carpierable/Shutterstock (mistletoe) and Burakmcn/Shutterstock (snowflakes)

  Author photograph © Steve Ervin

  The right of Jaci Burton to be identified as the Author of

  the Work has been asserted by her in accordance with the

  Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

  Published by arrangement with Berkley,

  A member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC,

  A Penguin Random House Company.

  First published in this Ebook edition in 2019

  by HEADLINE ETERNAL

  An imprint of HEADLINE PUBLISHING GROUP

  Apart from any use permitted under UK copyright law, this

  publication may only be reproduced, stored, or transmitted, in

  any form, or by any means, with prior permission in writing of

  the publishers or, in the case of reprographic production, in

  accordance with the terms of licences issued by the

  Copyright Licensing Agency.

  All characters in this publication are fictitious

  and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead,

  is purely coincidental.

  Cataloguing in Publication Data is

  available from the British Library

  eISBN 978 1 4722 7079 5

  HEADLINE PUBLISHING GROUP

  An Hachette UK Company

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  www.headlineeternal.com

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  Contents

  Title

  Copyright

  About the Author

  Praise for Jaci Burton

  Also By Jaci Burton

  About the Book

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Epilogue

  Bonus excerpt of The Best Man Plan

  Have you read Jaci’s other addictive series?

  Find out more about Headline Eternal

  About the Author

  Jaci Burton is a New York Times bestselling author who lives in Oklahoma with her husband and dogs. She has three grown children, who are all scattered around the country having lives of their own. A lover of sports, Jaci can often tell what season it is by what sport is being played. She watches entirely too much television, including an unhealthy amount of reality TV. When she isn’t on deadline, Jaci can be found at her local casino, trying to become a millionaire (so far, no luck). She’s a total romantic and loves a story with a happily ever after, which you’ll find in all her books.

  Find the latest news on Jaci’s books at www.jaciburton.com, and connect with her online at www.facebook.com/AuthorJaciBurton or via Twitter @jaciburton.

  Praise for Jaci Burton

  ‘A wild ride’ Lora Leigh, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author

  ‘It’s the perfect combination of heat and romance that makes this series a must-read’ Heroes and Heartbreakers

  ‘Plenty of emotion and conflict in a memorable relationship-driven story’ USA Today

  ‘Strong characters, an exhilarating plot, and scorching sex . . . You’ll be drawn so fully into her characters’ world that you won’t want to return to your own’ Romantic Times

  ‘A beautiful romance that is smooth as silk . . . leaves us begging for more’ Joyfully Reviewed

  ‘A strong plot, complex characters, sexy athletes, and non-stop passion make this book a must read’ Fresh Fiction

  ‘Hot, hot, hot! . . . Romance at its best! Highly recommended!’ Coffee Table Reviews

  ‘Ms Burton has a way of writing intense scenes that are both sensual and raw . . . Plenty of romance, sexy men, hot steamy loving and humor’ Smexy Books

  ‘The characters are incredible. They are human and complex and real and perfect’ Night Owl Reviews

  ‘Spy the name Jaci Burton on the spine of a novel, and you’re guaranteed not just a sexy, get-the-body-humming read, but also one that melds the sensual with the all-important building of intimacy and relational dynamics between partners’ Romance: B(u)y the Book

  ‘One of the strongest sports romance series available’ Dear Author

  ‘As usual, Jaci Burton delivers flawed but endearing characters, a strong romance and an engaging plot all wrapped up in one sexy package’ Romance Novel News

  ‘A wonderful contemporary erotic romance that I recommend!’ The Romance Dish

  Also By Jaci Burton

  Boots and Bouquets Series

  The Matchmaker’s Mistletoe Mission (e-novella)

  Brotherhood by Fire Series

  Hot to the Touch

  Hope Series

  Hope Smoulders (e-novella)

  Hope Flames

  Hope Ignites

  Hope Burns

  Love After All

  Make Me Stay

  Don’t Let Go

  Love Me Again

  One Perfect Kiss

  Play-by-Play Series

  The Perfect Play

  Changing The Game

  Taking A Shot

  Playing To Win

  Thrown By A Curve

  One Sweet Ride

  Holiday Games (e-novella)

  Melting The Ice

  Straddling The Line

  Holiday On Ice (e-novella)

  Quarterback Draw

  All Wound Up

  Hot Holiday Nights (e-novella)

  Unexpected Rush

  Rules Of Contact

  The Final Score

  Shot On Gold

  About the Book

  How better to get in the Christmas mood that by celebrating a with a snowy wedding at a family vineyard?

  Stranded at the Red Moss Vineyard a week before her best friend’s wedding, LA native and professional matchmaker Alice Weatherford is not pleased with her first trip to Oklahoma, or the epic snowstorm forcing her to stay. So much for Christmas cheer. What she needs is a project, something to distract her . . . and, oh, has she found one in neighboring rancher Clay Henry. Gorgeous, charming, and unlike any other man she’s ever met, finding the right woman for Clay should be easy . . .

  Having grown up with the Bellini sisters, it’s no hardship for Clay to ride out the storm at their cozy family vineyard, especially since that means spending time with their savvy and smart houseguest. But despite Alice’s best efforts, he’s not the least bit interested in her matchmaking . . .

  Alice is the only woman Clay wants. Now he just has to convince the matchmaker herself to give love a chance.

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to my best friend and amazing author, Shannon Stacey, not
only for her steadfast friendship over the years, but also for her uncanny ability to come up with the most perfect titles for my books (like this one). Couldn’t do this gig without you, my friend.

  Chapter One

  Alice Weatherford pulled her rental car into a parking space at the Red Moss Vineyards.

  Talk about off the beaten path. This was her first trip to Oklahoma. As an LA native, her travels tended to be more coastal in nature, and her desires were definitely more exotic. She’d been to Hawaii, Fiji, the Caribbean, the Azores, Greece, so many places.

  She had to admit she’d had preconceived notions when her best friend Lainie had started dating Jeff, an Oklahoma native. Even though Lainie had raved about Oklahoma City, Alice had had a hard time imagining it as a happening place. Then when Lainie and Jeff had gotten engaged and decided to get married at the vineyard about twenty miles outside the city, all Alice could think about were the amazing vineyards in Napa and Sonoma and what a wasted opportunity it would be not to have the wedding in California.

  But as she got out of her car and took in the beautiful scenery in the middle of December, she was impressed. Rolling hills and tall trees adorned the landscape, along with rows upon rows of grapevines. In the not-too-far distance she spotted a picturesque pergola overlooking a lake, and could already envision Lainie and Jeff’s wedding next weekend. Besides, it was Lainie’s wedding, not hers, and Lainie could get married anywhere she wanted. Lainie loved Jeff, and if she wanted to get hitched in his home state, more power to her. Alice just wanted her best friend to be happy.

  She only hoped the weather would be better next weekend than it was right now. Once she’d picked up her rental car and left the airport, it had started to snow, something they didn’t see much of in Los Angeles. Hardly ever, for that matter. She pulled her cardigan tightly around her, wishing she had bought a better coat than the thin wool one she’d picked up before leaving LA. The coat that was currently residing in her suitcase because she was an idiot. The wind whipped around her, slapping tendrils of her hair against her cheeks and making her quicken her pace.

  She headed up the stairs of a large, beautiful wood-framed house that was decorated with bright white Christmas lights. A welcome sign with a friendly snowman waving at her adorned the door, making her smile. Hanging on the wall next to the door was a wreath that had been made from twisted branches and decorated with red berries, green leaves and a beautiful red bow. She rang the bell, already starting to shiver. She half turned to see that the snow was coming down even harder now.

  Uh-oh. This could be bad. Very bad. Then again, maybe it was just flurries. How would she even know? She’d never been in a snowstorm before. She always planned her trips to coincide with nice weather.

  Leave it to Lainie to decide on a Christmas-themed wedding. And she wasn’t even here yet, and wouldn’t arrive until next Thursday. As a pharmaceutical sales rep, Lainie was constantly on the go. And since Jeff was a doctor, the two of them led extremely busy lives. In fact, Lainie was currently managing a team of her own reps and attending a seminar in Portland this week. Jeff was an orthopedic surgeon and always buried in work. Because they were both taking off time for the wedding and their honeymoon in Greece after, they wanted to work as long as possible up to the wedding. Which meant it was up to Alice to fly on ahead and make sure all the preparations were made before the wedding.

  Which Alice didn’t mind at all. Her job was a lot more flexible. She was planning to stay in a hotel in Oklahoma City and do some work. A change of scenery was always a good idea. Plus, she might make some contacts here. Maybe pick up some new business.

  The door opened, and a beautiful woman with raven hair pulled up into a ponytail smiled at her. “Hello. You must be Alice. I’m Erin Bellini. Please come in.”

  “Thanks.” Alice stepped in and shook the snow off her shoulders and hair.

  “This snow is extremely unexpected.”

  Alice looked out the window next to the door, and she could swear it was coming down even harder than when she’d arrived. In fact, the windshield of her car was already covered with it. “Do you think it’ll last long?”

  Erin closed the door behind her. “The forecast calls for six inches, so it might last a while. You’re probably cold. Come on into the family room, and I’ll make you some tea or coffee.”

  “Thank you.” She followed Erin into a beautifully decorated room with arched windows surrounded by dark wood and a fireplace that crackled with a roaring fire. She already felt so much warmer. Next to the fire was the biggest Christmas tree Alice had ever seen, decorated with silver and gold balls, white twinkling lights and red ribbon. That tree had to be ten feet tall.

  There was plenty of room for it since the room had a ceiling that seemed to go on forever. This house was huge. Alice hoped she’d have a chance to explore it.

  “Take a seat by the fire,” Erin said. “Would you like coffee or tea?”

  “Coffee would be great, thank you. Decaf if you have it.”

  “I do. I’ll be right back. Please make yourself at home.”

  She set her bag next to the chair and sat, pulling out her phone. She had several text messages—one from Lainie, of course. She replied to that one to let her best friend know she’d arrived. She left off the fact that large flakes were coming down like snowmageddon, figuring that worrying Lainie wouldn’t do the already nervous bride-to-be any good. Then she let Lainie know she’d call her tonight with a more detailed update.

  She answered the other text messages, mostly from anxious clients, assuaging their fears. She had a few e-mails to answer, but she could handle those later.

  “Here you go.” Erin returned with a tray that she placed on the table between the two chairs. She poured coffee into both cups. Erin had also brought cream and sugar, so Alice put a little cream into her cup and lifted it to her lips.

  Mmm. Delicious. “Thank you for this, Erin. I’m sorry to be a burden.”

  Erin held her own mug between her hands. “Nonsense. We’re happy to have you here. My sister, Honor, actually handles the wedding portion of the business, but she’s out right now. As soon as she comes back, she can tell you all the details of the wedding.”

  “Of course. And what do you do?”

  “I’m the business manager. Since the family handles both the vineyard and weddings, I manage the business side of both.”

  “That’s a big job.”

  “It is, but I love it. My other sister, Brenna, works with my dad at the vineyard.”

  Alice smiled. “How ideal. So all three of you are involved in the family business in some way.”

  “Yes, it just worked out that way. Our mother helps me manage the family business as a whole entity. She’s the accountant in the family. I went to college to get a business degree, planning to run off and do anything but be involved in Bellini business.”

  “But?”

  Erin smiled. “After I graduated, I could see how being part of the family business had its benefits. I couldn’t wait to dig in and make the operation flow more smoothly.”

  “Plus, you already knew how things worked, right?”

  “Exactly. What do you do, Alice?”

  “I’m a matchmaker.”

  Erin’s eyes widened. “No kidding. That must be so fun, helping people fall in love.”

  Alice had noticed the big, beautiful diamond on Erin’s ring finger right off. “It’s an amazing job. But I see you need no help in that department.”

  Erin laughed. “No, fortunately. I’m engaged, and I’ll be getting married next spring.”

  “Here at the vineyard, I assume?”

  “Yes, of course. Plans are in full swing.”

  “Congratulations. I’m sure you’re very excited.”

  “Thank you. And yes, I am.”

  “I’m so sorry I’m late.” A beautiful brunette rushed in, brushi
ng snow off her hair as she did. She held out her hand. “You must be Alice. I’m Honor Bellini. I got waylaid by traffic and then this snow. It’s very unexpected.”

  “Nice to meet you, Honor,” Alice said, shaking her hand. “I guess no one was expecting this amount of snow.”

  “Initially, they predicted a couple of inches. This morning they changed it to six inches. I heard on my way here it might end up being a foot.”

  “A foot, really?” Erin said. “Wow. We normally don’t get much snow at all.”

  “Will it affect your vineyards?”

  Honor shook her head. “Dad is bringing the warmers out just in case, but the vines are dormant this time of year, so we should be okay.”

  Alice was relieved to hear that, not only for the vineyard, but also for the wedding next weekend. The last thing Lainie needed was a pre—wedding catastrophe at the venue.

  “You probably want to go over everything for your friend’s wedding,” Honor said.

  “I can wait. Take some time to catch your breath first.”

  “Oh, I’m good. I’m used to running a hundred miles a minute.”

  “This is true, she is,” Erin said, standing.

  Honor looked at her phone. “Actually, we should eat before we get down to details. Everyone comes in for lunch, so you’ll get a chance to meet the family.”

  “I don’t want to intrude.”

  “Nonsense. We always end up with extras at lunch.”

  “She’s right,” Erin said. “I hadn’t even realized it was lunchtime. That explains why my stomach is growling.” She smiled ruefully. “I skipped breakfast this morning, so I’m starving.”

  Alice felt a little strange about inserting herself into the family. She had only planned to stop by and introduce herself, take a look at the vineyard and the wedding venue, then head over to her hotel. But since Honor was literally dragging her by the arm, she didn’t have much choice.

  And, to be honest, she really didn’t mind, because now she could get a better look at the house, which was incredible. They walked down a long hallway, and Alice couldn’t help but admire the staircase leading to the second floor as they passed by. Cream wood spindles stood out under the dark wood rail. There was a grandfather clock in the hall that had to be an antique, yet it gleamed as shiny as if it were new. Black-and-white photos adorned the walls, and Alice wondered who the people in them were. But since both Honor and Erin were moving at a fast pace, she made a mental note to ask later.