Page 83 of The Preacher's Bride

“That’s lovely!” Mia exclaimed, crossing the room to her.

The lady held out her hand. “The name’s Kenzie, and you must be Mia.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “It’s a pleasure to meet you… officially.”

Mia’s eyebrows pulled together as a smile lit her lips. “You aren’t Kenzie Baker ofThe Lady’s Dress Emporium, are you?”

She gave a slight curtsy. “The one and only.”

Mia smiled. “I’ve heard about you. It’s nice to officially meet you.”

“I’ve been going to the church on Sundays but haven’t officially met you yet.”

“Well, I’m glad to ‘officially meet you’ now,” Mia chirped. “I look forward to seeing you at church on Sunday, too.”

Kenzie smiled. “Yes, and we must have tea sometime soon, too.”

“Actually, you should come to the barn raising this Sunday,” Mia replied, happy to have made a friend. “There will be a dance afterward. All the eligible bachelors in Whiskey River will be there.”

Kenzie chuckled. “Then I’ll definitely be there,” she joked as they both laughed. “Where is it?”

“At our farm.” Mia filled her in briefly on the details. “We look forward to seeing you there.”

“Now, let’s get down to business,” Kenzie began examining the fabric.

They spent the next half hour comparing fabrics, and before they left, Mia had picked out enough for three outfits for eachmember of her family, and Kenzie had enough to make several dresses.

Mrs. Carson smiled. “You’ve both made excellent choices.” Then, she asked the ladies how much fabric they wanted, and she measured it off. Mia also picked up some matching thread and some dainty buttons that she needed, along with men’s buttons, too.

“Well, it’s been lovely chatting,” Mia said, looking around for Caleb, who was speaking with Mr. Carson and entertaining the children.

Kenzie extended her hand daintily, and Mia gave it a gentle squeeze. “It truly was a pleasure. I’ll see you Sunday.”

After the women said their goodbyes, Kenzie gave Mrs. Carson one last wave over her shoulder, carrying her packages with her.

“Thank you, Miss Baker,” Mrs. Carson called after her. “Please, come again.”

Kenzie smiled. “Oh, you can count on it! Have a good day!”

Mia spent the next few nights making outfits for them after the children went to bed.

Saturday night, Caleb entered the room and leaned against the door facing, smiling as he watched her sew. “Coming to bed?”

Mia smiled, enjoying herself. “Not just yet. I’m almost finished.”

Caleb chuckled. “May I see?”

She shook her head. “No, not yet. I want it to be a surprise.”

Caleb tapped the door facing, clearly enjoying watching her. “Have fun, but don’t stay up too late.”

Mia nodded. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

As she watched Caleb walk away, she knew that she was finally home.

Epilogue

Mia

Mia got up and walked out of the bedroom and into the living room early Sunday morning. It was a bit chilly, so she put a few pieces of wood on the fire. Within minutes, flames flared up and filled the house with warmth. Then, she went out to the kitchen and put on some coffee. While it was brewing, she tiptoed to the rocking chair in the living room and checked the clothes she had made for everyone. Today was the day of the barn raising and dance, and she wanted her family to look wonderful.

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