A Crown for Christmas Read online




  A Crown for

  Christmas

  By

  Marlene Bierworth

  Book #20

  Ornamental Match Maker Series

  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.

  About the Series

  Mrs. Claus is all about spreading Christmas cheer — especially to the many lonely-hearts seeking friendship, love, healing, second chances, and that special someone of their own.

  To help each lovely heroine and dashing hero find their perfect match, Mrs. Claus sends them a magical holiday ornament. From a carousel horse that matches the exact horse a hero will be found riding to an iced angel just like the cookies a dreamy chef bakes, each ornament has a real-world counterpart that, if followed, will lead to true love. These books are designed to be a fun quick read with a touch of magic and romance.

  From historical to contemporary, from heartfelt to humorous, from magical to inspirational; 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

  https://www.facebook.com/groups/712109532498752/

  From the Author

  This is my sixth contribution to the series. If you love clean romance, rags to riches, and a fairy-tale Prince and Princess Happy-ever-after story, then this book is for you.

  Ms. Claus is on the lookout for love’s heir, and zeroes in on the perfect match for the upcoming King of Edstrom Isle. Megan Fairchild, a successful psychiatrist, is tired of celebrating her deceased mother’s version of Christmas, and sets out to find her own path.

  The vacation destination is decided when the ornament arrives from the North Pole – a Royal Tiara. Megan embarks on the trip of a lifetime, never suspecting Prince Charming awaits her on the other side of the world. But royal blood and that of commoners have never mixed within the Monarchy, and as the complications mount, Megan must decide between preserving tradition or seizing her happy-ever-after.

  Join the romantic chase as love crosses the boundaries in this Ornamental Match Maker story of rescuing two lonely hearts?

  May the Spirit of Christmas rein in your life all year round, and may readers the world over, continue to enjoy tales of romance everyday! Love reigns!

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1 The Royal Tiara

  Chapter 2 Edstrom Isle

  Chapter 3 Castle Tour

  Chapter 4. The Ruins

  Chapter 5. Lies

  Chapter 6 The Invitation

  Chapter 7 Moving

  Chapter 8 The Luncheon

  Chapter 9.Trim the Tree

  Chapter 10Meet the Queen

  Chapter 11The Coronation

  Chapter 12The Escape

  Chapter 13The Rescue

  Chapter 14The Make-over

  Chapter 15The Ball

  Megan sat at her desk, shuffling through incoming mail and sorting it into priority piles. She sipped coffee and scanned the return addresses. She needed a break. It was December and she’d not even given one thought toward what used-to-be the best season of the year. At home, Mom had always started preparations right after Thanksgiving and never let up until the New Year. But after suffering a long battle with cancer, Mom lost, and the disease won. Now Meg’s absentee father lived somewhere in the Caribbean with his latest fancy-pants – a mere five years older than Megan. Even in her wildest imaginings, Meg never planned on calling the floosy stepmother. Something seemed definitely wrong with that picture.

  Life had taken a turn for the worst these past couple of years and Megan’s heart teetered between the old and the new. The inner child needed to make a comeback, but for the moment, appeared lost in the shuffle.

  She chuckled at the irony of her existence. Her career choice as a psychiatrist for the mentally challenged, mocked her; she probably needed a shrink as much as her patients. On all fronts the world showed signs of going crazy and she longed for the simplicity of seeing life through the eyes of innocence. Yes – a princess in need of her Prince Charming.

  This musing was not getting her day off to a good start. Her schedule, packed full of clients, would not take kindly to a distracted counsellor – not for the price she charged. She was about to push the pile to the side when she spotted the picture of Santa in a sleigh dropping a letter to the ground: An unusual and unique sticker for a return address. She peered closer and laughed out loud. Ms. Claus, Santaville, North Pole. Great; now she needed glasses. Pulling the manila envelope closer she squinted her eyes, and sure enough, she’d read it right the first time. A childlike grin spread across her face. This could be the laugh she needed to get her day off to a better start. Eager fingers ripped open the seal and she shook the contents free of the bubble-wrap.

  On her desk lay a Christmas ornament. She smiled at the perfect timing, for her reminiscing only moments earlier had conjured up images of her mother’s artistically decorated tree. This ornament would have fit perfectly into her décor. Sadly, Megan realized she didn’t have a style she could call her own, as she’d always relied on Mom to create the magic at Christmas. She picked it up and snickered. Ms. Claus appeared to be a mind reader, for this royal tiara, which was covered artistically with tear-drop shaped pearls and scattered stones, fit all too perfectly into the wish she’d uttered less than five minutes ago. A miniature replica of what ladies in waiting might wear to the king’s ball; where of course, Prince Charming would fall under their spell and whisk them off to his palace and live happily-ever-after. Megan had read all the princess stories as a child, but now frowned at such fantasy. She lowered her gaze to the desk and noticed a scroll, tied with a red ribbon. She laughed, and mocked aloud, “I suppose this is the royal invitation.” She rolled it open, and read the elegant inscription; Peace will follow your dream.

  A loud knock sounded, and her secretary bounced into her office. Susanne was her best friend, a mix of perfection and crazy that drew people like a magnet. She kept her boss on track during the day and nagged her in the evening to get a life.

  “Morning, Megan. Ready for another full day of setting patients free of mind-blowing delusions.”

  Megan dangled the ornament by the string, and grinned. “Got one of my own, delivered straight from the North Pole.”

  Suzanne’s professionalism took a back seat as she rushed to her friend’s side. “It’s gorgeous! The tiny colorful stones give it Christmas appeal, but the pearls scream wealth. I love it, but of course, you don’t even have a tree yet.”

  “I don’t. Perhaps we can remedy that this weekend. You up for some fun? We can cut down our own tree just like I did when I was a kid and drag it home, decorate, drink hot cider – the whole nine-yards.”

  “We could; or in keeping with the whole tiara concept, I have another idea.”

  “Okay, shoot,” said Megan.

  Suzanne ran out of the room and returned a minute later with a pamphlet. “This also came in the mail – not from the North Pole – but from Vacation Time Magazine. Edstrom Isle is one of the
ir top picks for a great Christmas experience. Five stars! There’s even a palace there. How perfect is that? Surely we can find a real tiara for sale in the souvenir shops there.” She continued in a dreamy tone, which with every word grew more energized. “My dream is to take a spin around the island in one of those regal carriages. The ride includes this handsome driver in the fancy red suit.” She stuck the picture under Megan’s nose and pointed to the man perched on the front bench seat and gazing into the camera with those come-on eyes. Despite the silliness of the moment Megan felt herself relax.

  “You look like the girl who just opened an early Christmas present.”

  “I did! Of course, you’re the boss and in control of my fate. You can force your best friend and only employee to work straight through the 24th or you could say the word and shut down this place in a heartbeat. Just imagine it.” Suzanne began drawing lines in mid air to press her point. “We’ll hop the first plane out of here and enjoy the festive season in the kingdom of Edstrom, a magical island where anything can happen.”

  “So, you’re all over Kurt – was that the name of your last romantic interest?”

  “He’s yesterday’s news. I’m reaching higher this time – maybe a Prince – my very own Prince Charming.”

  Megan wondered if everyone was reading her mind this morning. “Whatever would I do with all my appointments? We have patients scheduled for the two weeks prior to Christmas.” Meg placed the ornament back in the envelope and tucked it in her drawer. “Best get your head out of the clouds. We’ve work to do.”

  “Promise me you’ll think about it. I’m so ready for a vacation.” The door to the outside waiting room opened and Suzanne groaned. “Duty calls.”

  After she left, Megan stood and stretched. She grabbed her cup and moved into the adjoining area she’d set up with comfy chairs and a couch gathered around an electric fireplace. The walls were painted soft blue – the color of trust – and yellows and greens complemented the space to bring nature inside and create an atmosphere of hope. The accordion blinds were pushed up during working hours, allowing breathtaking views of rolling forested hills and the twisting Grand River to create an aura of peace. Sunlight filtered through the tinted glass windows of the room and she drank it in. With the remote she clicked the power on the hearth and an inviting blue flame arose from the fake logs.

  The thought crossed her mind that her life had become much like that – artificial and pacifying. And this room, meant to bring comfort to her patients, suited her docile existence. At age twenty-seven, the years spent educating and building a successful practice, had swept along with the force of a forest fire leaving behind destruction and isolation, especially in the romance department. Suzanne’s plea for a long-overdue vacation sounded better by the minute. Megan would surely not survive another traditional Christmas home alone.

  Suzanne tapped on the door leading into the waiting room and peeked in. “Your first appointment is here.”

  “Send him in,” Megan said as she placed her notepad and pen on the glass-topped table next to her plush corduroy chair. She greeted her male patient with a big smile. “Good morning, Sammy. Ready to tackle those shadows today?”

  When the last patient left at four-thirty, Megan returned to her desk and pushed the buzzer. Suzanne’s cheery voice answered. “Yes?”

  “How can you sound like it’s the beginning of the day instead of the end?”

  “Practise, my dear Dr. Fairchild. A happy patient twiddling his thumbs in my waiting room is well worth the effort.”

  “Well, bring your magazine in here and two cups of hot chocolate. It’s time to put up our feet and plan.”

  Megan cringed when the screech rang through the speakerphone. “Plan a holiday? Are you serious?”

  “Better make it snappy before I change my mind,” Megan added with a touch of authority.

  “Be right there, boss.”

  The phone clicked dead and Megan returned to her comfy chair to stare at the view outside the window. Why not escape to parts unknown? Her patients probably needed a break from spouting their heartbreaks to a stranger, and family time would serve a better brand of healing. Megan hadn’t taken any time off for two years now, with Suzanne faithfully manning the reception desk the entire time. And if she needed one final reason, she refused to decorate an apartment that no one would visit. Suzanne hurried in just as her thoughts summed-up.

  “When did my life become so dull?” Megan blurted out.

  Suzanne parked cups of steaming chocolate with marshmallows covering the top and a plate containing two huge shortbread cookies on the table in front of her.

  “After your mother died and your father left the country with baby-face number two.”

  Megan chuckled. “You’re right. Judy does have a little-girl face: One more reason to dislike her. I never wanted a sister and I sure don’t need a baby-stepmom.”

  Suzanne dropped onto the couch with an exaggerated sigh. “You let work consume your every waking moment: It’s not healthy.” She tapped the seat beside her. “Come sit here so we can both see the magazine.”

  Megan complied and eased back into the cushioned seat of the white leather couch. She took a sip from her cup. “I wonder why chocolate tastes so much better around Christmas?”

  “You’re just full of questions, aren’t you?” Suzanne pointed to the castle. “They even give tours twice a week. We can don our fancy hats and pretend the Queen invited us to tea.”

  “I think you’re confusing Edstrom with the royal garden party at Buckingham Palace in England.”

  “Whatever – a gal can dream. How else will I meet the hierarchy if I don’t bump into them at the palace?”

  “A tour will give you ample opportunity to scout the neighbourhood for loitering monarchy. Slot us in for that outing.” Megan glanced at her friend and laughed. “The way you’re devouring that cookie, perhaps you should forget about spoiled royalty and settle with the Baker.”

  “I’m starving. Want to do supper out? I know of a small café with a terrific view of all the dingy city buildings.” Megan screwed up her face but her friend plodded on with the invitation. “But the food is to die for. And I can bring the magazine and my phone so we can book our next great adventure.”

  “Our only great adventure in far too long. A vacation was a good idea, Suzanne. Thanks for mentioning it.”

  “I’m full of good ideas.” Suzanne squealed again. “Look there’s another carriage photo showing a different man in a jolly red suit standing beside the team of horses. Equally handsome and delicious looking.”

  “I’m sure there will be plenty on the landscape for you to pick from,” Megan said wishing she was half as interested in pursuing the opposite sex as Suzanne was. Playing the field had never been her style.’ Megan was more interested in the one who would sweep her off her feet and swear allegiance until death-do-us-part. “How soon can we get away?”.

  “I’ll rebook patients starting January 4th next year and hopefully we can be out of here by the fifteenth.”

  “That’s only five days from now?” argued Megan.

  “Well, I’m trying to make the best of our time away. The island is a twelve-hour plane ride.” She glanced up from the advertisement and frowned at the doubt written all over her friend’s face. And don’t look at me like that – all doctors take vacations, you know?”

  “An island is a nice touch,” said Megan.

  “And it’s a tropical one. Looks like Edstrom Isle is tucked in a valley with forested hills surrounding it on three sides. Only the shoreline facing the mainland is open.”

  Megan bent closer to study the map. “It’s a huge island.”

  “It’s a country. Covers over a thousand square miles but the kingdom suburb where we’ll be staying, houses a smaller population and is set up for tourism.”

  “You sold me.” Megan stood to her feet. “I’m starving. Let’s go to that café and make the arrangements.”

  Tired vacationers ex
ited the airline terminal to hail a taxi. Scores of gentlemen dressed in black and trimmed in red stood with doors swung open ready to receive customers. Megan scanned the group looking for the one from the hotel where they’d booked. Eagerly one stepped forward and handed them a business card.

  “Good afternoon, ladies. I’ve been sent from the Belfry Hotel to escort you to your accommodations. May I take your luggage?”

  Suzanne nodded to the bags where they’d placed the telltale sticker that separated them from other travellers. “Punctual. I’m sure a strong chap like you can manage four itty-bitty bags.” Her eyes flirted with the stranger and Megan groaned. She was it already.

  When he was loading the cases in the trunk, Megan pulled her to the side. “Be careful, Suzanne. Not all handsome fellas are safe choices. You’ve read the news of women being abducted in strange lands, haven’t you?” When Suzanne clicked her tongue showing annoyance, Megan made one last pitch to her common sense. “Just don’t invite trouble to our doorstep, okay?”

  “Fine! I was only being polite.”

  “Of course, you were,” Megan agreed with a grin on her face that said otherwise.

  Their driver cleared his throat to get their attention. “Ladies, jump aboard my island taxi and we’ll be on our way.”

  The trip from the airport to the hotel took thirty minutes. The main highway ran along the water with inviting beaches and swarms of vacationers dodging in and out. Strategically planted palm trees lined the roadway and created a wonderful tropical feeling that reached into Megan’s tired body and revived her. She wished she could stretch out in one of those beach loungers right now and sleep the effects of the long flight away.

  When they turned off the main road they entered into another world. Megan sat to attention, filled with wonderment. The driver spoke.