Page 11 of The Preacher's Bride

Caleb nodded.

“Yes, please,” Mia said aloud, her voice cracking as Hailey took in her surroundings.

The church was big and beautiful, with stained glass windows spaced strategically around.

“Well, then! You’ve come to the right place,” the preacher announced. “Right this way.”

They all walked down the aisle together until they came to a stop at the altar.

“Here,” Colton said as he reached for Hailey. “I’ll take her.”

Mia gave him an appreciative smile as she handed her to him. Then, he took Shane by the hand and approached Ella and Colton.

“Would you mind watching the children for a few minutes?” Caleb asked, sounding frazzled.

“Yes, of course,” Colton replied, patting Hailey’s back.

She whimpered a bit but soon settled into his arms.

Mia hurriedly took off her coat and laid it in a nearby pew.

“Don’t worry,” Ella whispered, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “You’re doing the right thing.”

Although she didn’t say it aloud, Mia hoped so. She nodded as she smoothed her hands over her dress, and then took her place by Caleb’s side at the altar. He stood with his hands folded in front of him, not even giving her a sideways glance.

“Today, we are gathered before God to witness the joining of Caleb Henley and….” The preacher leaned in, his eyebrows raised. “What is your name again?”

She sighed. “Mia Flynn.”

“And Mia Flynn,” he continued, “in Holy Matrimony.”

As she listened to his words, she glanced over at Caleb, but he kept his eyes only on the preacher.

“Do you, Reverend Caleb Henley, take Mia Flynn as your lawfully wedded wife? To love, honor, and cherish her, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”

Caleb nodded, emotionless. “I do.”

Then the preacher turned to Mia. “Do you, Mia Flynn, take Reverend Caleb Henley as your lawfully wedded husband? To love, honor, and cherish him, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” Mia replied, giving Caleb’s arm a gentle squeeze. But he did nothing.

A broad smile spread across the preacher’s face. “Then, by the power vested in me by God and the state of Wyoming, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Then he turned to Caleb and smiled. “You may now kiss the bride.”

For the first time since they entered the church, he looked into her eyes. When he placed his hands on her shoulders,an electrical current ran through her body, and then his lips descended upon hers in a chaste kiss.

The preacher looked around as if it was the happiest day in the world and the most spectacular event he had ever witnessed. “May I present to you for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Henley!”

Both Ella and Colton started clapping.

Colton approached, smiling as he shook Caleb’s hand. “Congratulations, Caleb!”

Caleb mumbled something back to him, but Mia didn’t hear it all.

Ella came up behind her and placed her hand on her back, claiming her attention. Mia almost cried when Ella pulled her in for a hug. “Don’t worry,” she whispered. “I know you’re overwhelmed, and it seems rushed, but trust me. Everything will work out. I know it will.”

“I hope so.” Mia nodded as she bit her lower lip, fighting back tears. “Thank you.”

Ella smiled encouragingly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

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