Page 7 of The Preacher's Bride

Ella giggled. “Yes, she did.” She ran her hand over the back of the picture frame. “Would you like to see a picture of her? The oil painting really doesn’t do her justice, though.”

Caleb’s heart pounded as he nodded. Here, he had just made the decision, and now everything was happening so fast.

Ella’s lips curled into a mischievous grin as she handed him the picture frame face down.

When he turned it over, he looked into the most beautiful green eyes he had ever seen. She had blonde, wavy hair and a sweet smile. “She’s beautiful,” he said as a twinge of guilt pulled at his heart. Not long ago, he had thought that Jessica would always be the most beautiful woman in the world to him.

Ella giggled, pleased with his reaction. “She’s like my baby sister.”

“What’s she like?” he asked, unable to take his eyes from the young woman in the painting.

“Well, she’s just as nice and kind as she is beautiful.” Ella smiled proudly.

“But she can be feisty, too.” Colton laughed. “She won’t take any guff from anyone. At the saloon—”

“She’s one of the kindest people I know,” Ella cut him off. Caleb assumed that she must not have been wanting to push the fact that she was a dancehall girl. Ella looked into Caleb’s eyes. “Caleb, she’s a decent person and has good morals. She only danced with men because it paid well. As you know, there are very few options for single women to make a living these days.”

“I understand,” he said, looking at the painting.

“Does it bother you?”

He shook his head as a smile lit his lips. “Hey, if she can help me with the children and the house, then she’ll be golden to me.”

Ella laughed. “Well, she’s already golden to me.”

“Just don’t make her mad.” Colton chuckled, shaking his head. “Once, a man gave her a hard time and she stomped on his foot, pushed him away, and marched off the dancefloor. I couldn’t have been more proud.”

“That’s right.” Caleb nodded in realization. “You all knew each other in New York. Didn’t you?”

Ella smiled, absentmindedly rubbing her stomach. “Yes, we did.”

Caleb’s heart twinged. He knew that move well, remembering when Jessica used to rub her stomach while she was pregnant. “I should go and let you rest.”

Ella shook her head. “No, I have a plan.”

“Already?” Colton chuckled as Ella nodded. “Leave it to my wife not to waste time.”

Caleb laughed. “So, what’s the plan?”

“Well….” Ella leaned forward, clearly excited. “Madame Samantha Chase is the matchmaker I went through, and she can set everything up.” She let out a deep breath. “You’ll have to pay for everything, though—all of her expenses, and Madame Chase’s fee, as well. Mia doesn’t have much money.”

“That’s not a problem at all. Just let me know how much it is and I’ll give it to you.” Caleb thought for a moment, and then asked, “Is she good with kids?”

Ella smiled. “She loves children.”

Caleb nodded. “How soon can she get here?”

A broad grin spread across her lips. “I’m sure she can leave right away.”

Caleb rose to his feet. “Well, I really must go. Mrs. Jenkins has been with the kids all day. But something told me to comeover and talk to you both tonight.” He chuckled. “Now I know why.”

Ella caught his hand, stopping him. “Caleb, are you sure this is what you want?”

He thought for a moment, and then nodded. “I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life.”

“Okay, then. I’ll get in touch with Madame Chase and Mia right away.” She laughed. “With as many men needing wives here in Whiskey River, I think I might go into business with Madame Chase!”

Caleb and Colton laughed.

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