Cupid Valentine (Ornamental Match Maker Series Book 11) Read online

  Mini Match Makers

  Cupid Valentine

  BOOK 11

  In the Ornamental Match Maker Series

  A Special Valentine Publication

  By

  Marlene Bierworth

  Copyright © 2019 Marlene Bierworth

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without written permission of the author, Marlene Bierworth, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  Disclaimer

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, places, character and events are the product of the author’s imagination. While the author has tried to be historically correct, her goals in this book are great characters and storytelling. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locals, is purely coincidental.

  Table of Contents

  From the Author

  Chapter 1 The Invitation

  Chapter 2 A Job for Chris

  Chapter 3 A Counterpart

  Chapter 4Package Delivered

  Chapter 5 The Date

  Chapter 6 Never Give Up

  Chapter 7 Terrible News

  Chapter 8 Everything Changes

  Chapter 9 Moving Forward

  From the Author

  Mrs. Claus is giving Cupid a run for his money. He thinks he has the front row seat for romance, but the lady with the ornaments is still handing out gifts. But she is weary. Year round matchmaking is an enormous commitment. Mrs. Claus resigns to the fact that she needs helpers if she is to surpass the well-known Cupid, who shoots arrows to claim his couples. Her approach would be gentler – not the bully approach.

  She recalled the delightful duo in Livingston, Montana. Chris and Annie had worked the clues diligently until their parents found true love in the book, Love Wears Plaid for Christmas. Now, Valentine’s Day was coming up – the perfect setting for lonely hearts to dream and create their happily-ever-after. Yes! She’d send the invitation before leaving for a brief holiday with Mr. Claus. When she returned – if the girls accepted her challenge – she would search for their first assignment.

  Here it is – fans of Love Wears Plaid for Christmas! You asked for a return performance by Chris and Annie, the young sleuths, and they are more than willing to oblige. Impatience appears to rule the season, which to their sorrow, cause the girls to pay a high price for their impulsive choices. Kara and Stephen are the love interests in this book, and the Cupid angels have targeted them.

  Let the love story begin. Welcome to the kick-off story for a new series of matchmaking adventures with the Parker girls in Livingston, Montana. Matchmaking will never be the same.

  NOTE: The books in the Ornamental Match Maker Series are designed to be a fun quick read with a touch of magic and romance. From historical to contemporary, from heartfelt to humorous, each of these sweet romance stories ends in a festive happily ever after that will leave you wanting more — so be sure to check out all the titles by multiple authors in our Ornamental Match Maker Series, by visiting

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  THE INVITATION

  Sleep did not come easy for Chris Spencer. The boarding house, where she lived with her mother, snapped and groaned under the intense fierceness of the storm blowing outside. When she’d moved to Livingston in December, winter seemed to toy with her expectations of the merciless northland she’d heard so much about. The previous gentle snowfalls had made her new home appear non-threatening and picturesque. Then the New Year hit and the season’s fury moved full steam ahead, never considering a reprieve for survivors left staggering in its tailspin.

  Chris fidgeted, rubbing her legs up and down against the soft, warm sheet beneath her. A red mass of curls appeared on the topside, and a cool blast greeted her face. Frustration festered under her restraints and drove Chris to yank the heavy load of covers back – but only for an instant. The frigid air assaulted her wiry body, piercing straight through the flannelette nightgown onto her bare skin. Arms flailed, and her fingers grasped for the discarded source of heat.

  Burrowed, once again, under the layers of quilts, Chris sighed – then resurfaced. Squinty eyes peeked over the top blanket, and Chris gazed through the frosty, glass pane. An upper rod hung across the window, and from it fell two panels of rainbow-striped curtains, meant to give her privacy. But Chris rarely drew them closed. At night, she loved to lay awake and dream upon a wishing star or imagine all sorts of mysteries the man in the moon winked down from above.

  Tonight, the creaking of timber and the whistling of the wind around the back porch crammed her imagination with intruders and half frozen travelers seeking shelter. She scolded the irritation that attempted to consume her. Tucked cozy in a warm bed, she counted her blessings and forced her squirrely attitude to unwind and enjoy the privilege granted her.

  Chris squeezed her eyes shut. Tomorrow was a school day, and she prayed that somehow her best friend, Annie, and soon to be stepsister, would brave the weather and come to town. She’d missed her more than words could express, and that was going some for the talkative Christine Spencer. Folks had remained housebound for four long days, waiting out this never-ending storm. For Chris, putting life on hold was a waste of time. Her feet craved to roam free. Chris and Annie Parker were kindred spirits, and being apart felt like only half of her functioned in the real world. But mostly, the lack of adventure played havoc on her, for Chris was an untamed spirit and did not enjoy captivity behind the four prison walls of the boarding house.

  Somewhere between sleep and wakefulness, Chris awoke with a start. Through closed lids, she sensed the strange aura in the room but squeezed her eyes tighter, fearful to face it. She wondered how long she’d slept. It couldn’t be morning already. Curiosity got the best of her, and she inched open her eyes. The glow originated from one location – behind her. She’d need to turn around to investigate further.

  Slowly Chris wiggled about face while remaining positioned under the covers. When settled again, she chanced a peek. Tracing the brightness to its source, led her eyes to rest atop her dresser drawers. She identified the odd stream of light as an envelope, perched against a darkened lantern. The color of the paper was a light, sky blue and a grand multi-colored rainbow stretched from side to side across the face. In the middle of a wide streak of bright red was written her name, Christine Spencer, scrolled with artistic curved lettering – as grand a document as she’d ever seen.

  Chris pushed the covers back and crept with apprehension from the bed toward the glowing envelope. Her hand shook as she reached for it, the tremor not resulting from the cold air surrounding her, but from deep within. The only time she’d felt this magic was when her mother had received the ornamental gift. That thought calmed her, and when her fingers touched the stationary addressed to her, the light dimmed and faded out. The room returned to darkness. She grabbed the note, raced back to her bed, and ducked under the covers. Holding this peculiar post within her grasp seemed enough for the moment. Chris felt no urge to break the spell that consumed her. Her eyes blinked once too often, and then remained shut. Somewhere in fantasyland, she spent the rest of the night.

  Chris wakened as the sun rose over the horizon and spilled the first signs of daylight into her room. The wind ceased overnight, and snow no longer fell from the heavens. A thick white blanket stretched as far as she could see outside her window and the rays danced on the icy surface projecting a field of diamonds. Her mind replayed
the night adventure. Chris might have passed the entire thing off as a mere segment of her wild dreams, but the envelope she clutched close to her heart at this very minute spoke otherwise. It had really happened!

  How she wished Annie were here. This was an event worthy of sharing with someone, and her new, best friend was the first to come to mind.

  *****

  On the Parker ranch outside of town, young Annie squealed and ran for her father’s room. “Pa! I received a letter – in my room – in the middle of the night!”

  Joel jerked awake and rose to a seated position in bed. With two fists, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. “What are carrying on about?” He yawned and stretched while Annie jumped without ceremony onto his bed.

  “Whoa, girl. What did you say – a letter? From whom?”

  “Pa, you missed the point, entirely!” She rolled her eyes. “Where is Chris when I need her?”

  “Sleeping.”

  “Not likely. It’s school today, and the snow has stopped. Can you take me to town for classes?” Annie asked.

  Joel flung his legs over the side of his bed. “Let me get the fires going before we tackle plans for the day.”

  Annie, on second thought, felt grateful that her father had sidestepped the issue of the letter. He would not appreciate its contents – certainly not like Chris! Annie hoped her premature excitement never registered again in her father’s foggy brain. The man needed coffee. After drinking his fill of the wake-up beverage, she’d approach the subject of school again. She couldn’t wait to hear Chris’ input on the mystery message.

  Annie hurried to her room. After lining her upper body with a heavy insulated shirt and her limbs with woolen leggings, she then pulled on a warm cotton dress. At the bureau, Annie brushed through her tangled hair and with little effort, braided two long ponytails and fastened them at the ends with ribbons. She slipped her house shoes on. By the front door, Annie tucked the letter into the center of a schoolbook, in hopes that today Pa would take her to town.

  Inside the kitchen, Annie noticed Pa had already left for the barn to do morning chores. She set the coffee pot on the stove that she’d pre-measured last night before heading to bed. Her feet danced across the cool floor to the food closet. She loaded into her arms a loaf of cornbread, strips of pork, and a tray of assorted jellies. Close to the stove sat six of yesterday’s eggs inside a bowl, cool to the touch, but not affected by the night’s frost.

  By the time her father returned to the house, Annie had a full hot breakfast on the table ready for him to eat. Pa never mentioned the letter again, and she sighed with relief. It had been rash to run into his room at the crack of dawn and expect him to welcome the words of possible escapades – those bordering on direct interference with those needing a happily-ever-after. The first plaid ornamental mystery that she’d shared with Chris had united their parents. Annie figured nothing could top that miracle, but the letter of invitation promised a whole new adventurous journey.

  “Annie! Are you not listening to me?”

  “Sorry, Pa. Thinking about my lessons. Sure hope Mrs. Spencer didn’t continue working on the science project with the town students and forget about us stuck on the outskirts unable to get in.”

  “Science, huh? Didn’t know you cared.”

  “Well, I do. See how little you know about your own daughter.”

  Joel pushed his chair back. “I know one thing. You will be late for school if we don’t get a move on.”

  Annie squealed and sprang from the table. The dishes were quickly washed and left to air dry. With her boots pulled on, her coat buttoned up tight, and donning a woolen hat, scarf, and mitts, Annie stood by the front door waiting. When she caught sight of her father gliding up to the house in the sleigh, she raced outside to face the day.

  *****

  The teacher, Tamara Spencer, had to speak to the girls three times before first recess.

  “Last warning, you two. I realize you haven’t seen one another for four days, but you need to concentrate on your lessons. The new snow will still be there in ten minutes.”

  When her mother dismissed the class for recess, Chris was the first out of her seat. The girls bundled into their winter clothes and dashed outside. Chris grabbed Annie’s hand, and they raced to the back shed, an old one that nobody used anymore. They glanced around. When Chris noticed that no one following, she shoved a plank sideways and removed the key that lay inside. She unlocked the door, and the girls slipped inside.

  “Did you bring your letter?” Annie asked.

  Chris reached in her pocket and pulled it out. She stared at it. “Did yours glow in the dark and the rainbow light up as if pointing to a pot of gold?”

  “Yes, it scared me half to death. But at least I opened mine. I can’t believe you didn’t. You are far more curious than me,” said Annie.

  “That I can’t explain. Just knew I wanted to wait for you. But I’m sure I would never have made it through the entire morning had you not come to school today. A pact with my sworn blood-sister only goes so far. Of course, I’d have blamed my eagerness on the magic.”

  “I’m sorry. It was part of our pact, wasn’t it? Anything earmarked a mystery was for the Dream Team to embark on together.” Annie’s face dropped. “You’re disappointed that I know something…”

  “Don’t tell me! I’m going to rip it open now and share my first response with you. Then we can make a plan.”

  Teary eyed, Annie sat on a huge wooden crate. “I’m sorry.”

  Chris scuffed her on the head and joined her on the seat. “Not to worry. You’re still the amateur in our detective duo, and far too sensitive. But I love you.” Chris sucked in a long breath and carefully tore open the seal.

  My dearest, Chris.

  I was so enamored by your skills and passion during our first adventure together that I wanted to invite you (and your friend, Annie) to join my team of assistants. My staff is on a wee holiday, and the elves must soon dive into manufacturing toys for next Christmas. The season comes far too quickly. Meanwhile, lonely hearts are crying out all around the world, including those in your town, and need to be nudged together with gifts of love.

  Also, the arrogant Cupid has challenged me to a competition this year. He’s all about the numbers and says he can join more lonely hearts with his arrows than I can with my ornaments. I may be a jolly old soul, the aging part, unfortunately, slowing me down some, but I cannot pass up his dare. And I suspect you feel the same way.

  If you agree that you are able to follow a few rules and bring couples together, as we did your mother and soon to be father, then take the self-addressed return envelope to the post office and mail it. I will give further instructions when I return from my getaway.

  Cordially, Winter

  Chris exhaled and let the note drop in her lap. “Well, I’ll be!” Her eyes rounded as she looked at Annie. “What do you say, partner? You up for more engagements with Winter?”

  “Do you think that’s her real name?” asked Annie.

  “It’s the only one she offered when she visited at Christmas.”

  “But, of course, we both know she is Mrs. Claus,” said Annie. “I wasn’t dreaming, right?”

  “Of course not! And that’s exactly why we can’t say, no to her request. I definitely want to stay on Santa’s good list.”

  “Me too!” Annie voice rose in agreement then dropped with her next words. “What will our parents say?”

  Chris shook her head from side to side. “I’m sure it’s all hush-hush.”

  “Probably rule number-one.” Annie liked rules.

  “Let’s mail the return letter after school.” Chris held up her pinkie finger and Annie wrapped hers around it, squeezed and bobbed it up and down.

  “Oh, Chris. Life is so exciting since you moved to Livingston.”

  “Just wait till I move into your house in the spring when our parents get hitched.” Chris pounded her fist in the air with excitement. “That’s it! I have a great
idea! I know a lonely heart that is in desperate need for a push off single-mountain. Just imagine a Valentine sleigh ride to happily-ever-after. How romantic!” Chris sighed, her drama complete. “Mm… All we need to do is pick the lucky man.”

  “Chris Spencer! You have not received the rules, the ornament or the recipient. I think Mrs. Claus is supposed to be the boss,” said Annie.

  “But Valentine’s Day is coming fast, and Cupid is sure to be lining up his arrows. So, I hope postal service is quick to the North Pole, or I’ll be inclined to set up this matchmaking couple without her help.” Chris laughed when she saw Annie’s distraught expression. “Don’t worry. What could go wrong?”

  A JOB FOR CHRIS

  Kara hurried toward her place of business, late as usual, and saw Tamara Spencer standing at the door waiting.

  “I’m sorry. Everything has gone wrong this morning.” She fumbled with the lock and pushed open the door. Kara moved to the side to allow her first client in. “Please, take off your boots and follow me into the fitting room.”

  “I only have thirty minutes. I need to ring the bell for school.”

  “I knew you were pressed for time. I wasn’t thinking.”

  While Kara stirred the ashes in the stove and set the blaze going strong, Tamara quickly changed into the wedding gown the seamstress was designing. Kara quickly washed her hands with the cold water in the basin then grabbed her container of pins. Kneeling at Tamara’s feet, she turned the satiny, white fabric in her skilled fingers.

  “I’m sorry for the chill. I should have arrived earlier,” Kara said.