Ramblings From This Chick: A Historical Christmas Event with Callie Hutton

Saturday, December 8, 2018

A Historical Christmas Event with Callie Hutton

USA Today bestselling author, Callie Hutton, has penned more than thirty historical romance books, and writes humorous and spicy Regency with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). Callie lives in Oklahoma with two rescue dogs and her top cheerleader husband of many years. Her family also includes her daughter, son, and daughter-in-law. And her four year old twin grandsons “The Twinadoes.”

Callie loves to hear from readers. Contact her directly at calliehutton11@gmail.com, or find her online at www.calliehutton.com for a printable list of all her books and to sign up for her newsletter. Also visit her on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads, and follow her on Amazon and Book Bub to receive notice of new releases and pre-orders.

Guthrie Oklahoma, 1906

Set-up: High School principal Max Colbert and teacher, Ellie Henderson have been at odds ever since Colbert took over the principals’ job. He decided the best way to get her out of his hair was to find someone to marry Miss Henderson who would then have to leave her job. That didn’t quite work out when he realized no one was good enough for her. However, Ellie found out what his plan was and is angry and hurt since she has fallen in love with him. This scene is Christmas Day when Ellie’s entire family is gathered for the holiday.

Slowly, the others drifted into the room as if waiting for something. There was a definite gleam in Tori’s eyes when she looked at her, and Heidi and Rachel were exchanging mirthful glances.

Uncle Jesse and Max entered the room together. Ellie’s heart sped up, and her stomach clenched. Max stared at her from the moment he entered the room. Slowly he walked across the room. Heidi reached for the baby and sat on the chair next to the fire place, leaving a wide open space for Max.

He sat next to her, took her hand. She pulled it back. He took it again, she pulled it back again. Rachel giggled.

“Ellie, I have something to say, and I want your whole family to hear it.”

“I have nothing to say to you, Mr. Colbert.”

Max glanced at Jesse who nodded encouragement.

He took her hand again, and it appeared they would play tug of war. He held her hand and gripped her elbow to keep her from pulling back. “Ellie, you’ve turned my whole world upside down. My life plan is out the window, and I’m not sure what’s up and what’s down.”

“I know all this, Mr. Colbert.” Heat rose from her middle and traveled to her face. Her jaw tightened and she fisted her hands. “I’m an annoyance, trouble, and a disaster waiting to happen. I’m in your way, you would love to get me out of your school, and you hate everything about me.” She raised her chin. “Does that about cover it?”

His lips moved into a slow smile. “No. I love everything about you, and I love you.” He slid on one knee in front of her. Tori sniffed, Jesse hugged her.

“Ellie Henderson. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

She sat there stunned. This man, the proudest man she’d ever met, was on his knee in front of her entire family proposing marriage. A giggle started deep inside of her and she covered her mouth to keep it in. She bent toward him and whispered. “Get up, everyone is watching.”

“I know,” he whispered back. “That’s what I planned.”

“You look silly. Get off the floor.”

“Not until you say yes.” His voice still a whisper.

“What about the Superintendent job, and the hours you need to spend. Your desire to remain single?”

“I just asked Senator Cochran to remove my name from the list. I don’t want any job that would keep me from you.” He smiled that lopsided grin and her heart did a double time thump. “Besides, I tremble at the thought of the trouble you would get into while I was gone.” He raised her hands to his mouth and kissed them.

“What about your plan to marry me off to one of your horrible friends?”

“Merely a lapse of judgment.” His face softened. “I could never stand to watch another man walk off with you. You are mine. I’m just sorry it took me so long to realize it. Well? What do say?”

“I say you need to get off the floor.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Answer me, Ellie.”

“If I say yes, will you get up?”

“Perhaps.”

She studied him for a moment. “Okay. Yes!” She shouted and threw her arms around him, knocking them both to the floor. The impossible had happened. The very stern, very rigid Max Colbert had put his life plan aside to marry the crazy and troublesome Ellie Henderson. Her heart soared.

Cheers and laughter erupted around the room as they rolled on the floor. Max gave her an enthusiastic kiss and helped her up.

“One more thing.” He placed her on the couch and sat alongside her. He slid his hand into his jacket pocket and took out a ring. “This was my mother’s ring. It was left to me when she died. Since you’re so much like her, I’d like you to wear this as an engagement ring.” He slid the gold ring with a ruby stone onto her finger. It fit perfectly.

“Dinner is served.” Tori announced, blotting her eyes with the corner of her apron. Hugs and congratulations followed the noisy group to the dining room. Max held Ellie back.

“Now that we’re alone, I want to properly kiss my future wife.” He cupped her face in his hands and gently kissed her. When she moaned, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, deepening the kiss. He reluctantly pulled away. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Dinner’s getting cold.” Jesse leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, grinning at the two of them.

Three stories of love at Christmas.

A Wife by Christmas: Oklahoma, 1906. Can high school principal, Max Colbert marry off that pesky History teacher, Ellie Henderson so he can have some peace? Why is it no one he introduces her to is good enough?

A Dogtown Christmas: Colorado, 1912. Priscilla Cochran has arrived in Dogtown. Colorado to fulfill her teaching contract, but Mitch Beaumont, the man who hired her, was expecting a much different woman. She said in her application she was a woman of mature years. Twenty year old Priscilla steps off the mail coach and falls at Mitch’s feet.

Miss Merry's Christmas: Hamptonshire, England, 1813. The Duke of Penrose is not happy with Miss Meredith Chambers, the American governess his new wards have arrived with. He quickly replaces her, happy to have his unwanted attraction to the unsuitable woman behind him. Until his mother hires her as a companion…

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