Page 69 of The Preacher's Bride

He led her out to the dancefloor and spun her around. This time, they effortlessly launched into a waltz, capturing everyone’s attention.

“I knew you could dance, but I didn’t realize you could dance this well,” Mia said as he guided her around the floor.

“I learned in college,” Caleb said as he glided her around the floor, looking into her eyes. “But my skills pale compared to yours.”

Mia blushed but held her head high as all eyes were on them. When the song ended, he leaned her back in an elegant dip as everyone clapped. Then, Hailey and Shane ran up and they all danced together.

They took a break to eat, everyone sitting on the floor against the wall or in the chairs that were available. Mia ate until she couldn’t eat any more, and each dish was more spectacular than the last.

After they had finished, Caleb asked her if she would like to go with him to play with the children outside. She quickly agreed.

Watching him playing “Hide and Seek” and “Tag” with the children stirred her heart. She was amazed to see how good he was with the children. Then, toward the end of the day, Hailey curled up on her lap and went to sleep.

“Here. I’ll take her,” Caleb said, holding his arms out for his daughter.

Mia shook her head. “No, I have her. You stay here and have fun with Shane.” She carried her inside, sat on a chair, and held her while she slept.

A few minutes later, Caleb walked in with Shane, causing Mia’s heart to flutter. He smiled as he crossed the room to her and kissed his little girl’s forehead. “We’ll be going soon. I’ll help the men break everything down and put it away and then we’ll go.” He looked into Mia’s eyes. “Is that okay, or would you like to leave now? I can take you and the children home and then come back.”

Mia shook her head as she smiled. “No, you go ahead. We’ll be fine.”

She glanced over at Shane, and he was yawning and rubbing his eyes. He would probably fall asleep on the way home.

Home. It was a small word that held so much meaning.

It was almost dark when they got home, and both children were asleep. Mia carried Hailey and Caleb carried Shane inside and they put them straight to bed. Then, they walked into the living room, leaving their door ajar, just in case.

Mia covered her mouth with the back of her hand as she let out a big yawn. “Well, I think I’m going to call it a night.” She took Caleb’s hands into her own. “Thank you for today. It really was wonderful.” She had turned to walk away, but he held her hand, stopping her.

“Would you like to sit with me for a while by the fire?” Caleb’s eyebrows lifted, hope filling his eyes, causing her heart to pound.

Mia smiled. “Yes, of course.”

“I’ll get us some coffee if you’d like to make yourself comfortable.” He disappeared into the kitchen before she could say anything.

“Would you like some help?” she yelled after him.

“No, I’ve got it!”

She threw some pillows on the floor by the couch on the oval area rug, and sat down on one of them, curling her legs under her skirt, and watched the fire as she waited. The flames lapped hungrily at the log, in tongues of orange, red, and yellow. It was mesmerizing. She was about to drift off to sleep when Caleb entered the room, carrying two coffee cups.

“Here you go, love.” Caleb handed one to her and sat on a pillow beside her on the floor. Up close like this, she noticed how his muscles played under his shirt, evidence of the hard labor he hadn’t shied away from over the years. She imagined that his stomach was just as muscled, but she quickly pushed the thought aside.

“Thank you.” Mia looked into her coffee cup, holding it with both hands. “Caleb?”

“Umm?” he asked, looking up from his coffee, propping his elbow on the couch. His eyebrows lifted, so handsome with the sharp contrast between his dark brown hair and blue eyes.

Mia smiled. “I was so proud of you today. Watching you preach. Watching you with the children. Watching how you chipped in with the men of the congregation so easily, not afraid to roll up your sleeves.” She looked into his eyes. “You might not want to hear this, but I’m proud to call you my husband.”

A smile lit his lips, but his eyes never wavered from hers. “I like hearing that.” He looked away, and Mia’s heart sank, thinking that he was going to let her down easily, but then his eyes met hers. “Mia, I’m proud of you, too. In the short time you’ve been here, you’ve become a part of the churchcommunity, and a part of this family. You were wonderful today. The community has accepted you, and so have my children. Thank you.”

Then, he placed his hand gently on the side of her cheek and laced his fingers through her blonde hair, gazing into her eyes, searching for acceptance. Then, he slowly leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, sending shivers throughout her body and filling her heart. His lips moved with hers, and even though it was technically their first real kiss, it was as if her body knew his, as if it recognized him as hers.

Caleb pulled away a moment later, and then wrapped his arm around her and pulled her to his side. She watched the fire as she laid her head on his shoulder, enjoying the warmth of his body so close to hers. She was about to fall asleep when Caleb adjusted his arm, waking her.

He placed his hand on the side of her face. “Goodnight,” he said as he pressed his lips to hers once more.

Heat rushed through her body, and she was tempted to take the lead and deepen the kiss but thought better of it. Mia knew that this was hard for him, and she appreciated the effort. “Goodnight, Caleb.”

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