Page 84 of The Preacher's Bride

“Good morning,” Caleb said as he walked out of the bedroom, shirtless. “You look wonderful this morning.”

“And so do you.” She smiled as she pulled him in for a hug.

He patted her back, and then whispered into her hair. “Do I smell coffee?”

“You do. I’ll pour us some.”

He nodded. “So, how late were you up last night?”

“I’m not sure.” She shrugged. “But I finished everything for today.”

“Mia, thank you for all the hard work you’ve been doing.” Caleb smiled as he took the coffee she offered him. “But be sure to get some rest and take care of yourself, too.”

“I will.”

“So, French toast?”

She chuckled. “I think we have enough time.”

Together, they fixed French toast and then they got the children up. The children came out, rubbing their sleepy eyes. They were delighted when they heard that their parents had made French toast and scampered quickly to their seats at the table.

After their family breakfast, which had become a ritual once again, they cleaned up the children and dressed them in their new clothes. Hailey and Mia’s dresses were pale pink with little blue buds, and Caleb and Shane’s clothes matched in crisp white shirts and dark gray vests and matching trousers. Mia then combed Hailey’s hair into a high ponytail and tied it off with a matching pink ribbon. She had enough material left over to make herself a matching reticule and gloves. Then, she pulled her hair up and pinned the curls in place, and added a hat that matched the outfit perfectly.

“Well! You look wonderful!” Caleb beamed, taking in his family. The children giggled, and then he gave Mia a kiss on the cheek. “You look beautiful.”

She blushed. “Thank you.” Then, she raised an eyebrow mischievously. “And you look very handsome.”

He pulled down on his vest. “You like it? My lovely wife made it for me.”

She laughed, and they all slipped on their coats, piled into the buckboard, and headed off to church.

When they arrived, she walked with the children to the pew in the front row and Caleb greeted the parishioners, as usual. She looked around, and Kenzie was shaking Caleb’s hand. Then, she spotted Mia and walked over to her.

“Good morning!” Kenzie greeted Mia happily as she gave her an air kiss over her cheek.

“Good morning! It’s so good to see you!” Mia chirped, pulling her in for a hug.

Kenzie smiled. “I wouldn’t miss it.” Then she looked at hers and the children’s clothes. “Well, well! Don’t you look nice! I love the new clothes!” Then she leaned in conspiratorially. “If you ever decide that you’d like to make clothes for a living, I’d love for you to come work for me.”

Mia grinned as a sense of pride filled her chest. “Thank you, but I think I have my work cut out for me at present, just making clothes for my family.”

Kenzie shrugged. “Well, it was worth a try! But if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.”

Mia laughed. “I’ll keep it in mind.” Although she had only known Kenzie for a short time, she liked her very much. “So, are you coming to our house after church for the barn raising today?”

“Of course!” Kenzie smiled as she leaned in conspiratorially. “Do you think I would miss the chance to dance with such handsome men?”

Mia laughed. “I’ll see you after church.”

Kenzie nodded, and then walked over to talk to Gabriella.

Mia went on to greet Mrs. Jenkins, Madison and Wyatt, and more. This Sunday morning, the church was packed full. Caleb gave a wonderful sermon, thanking God for all the blessings in their lives.

And Mia knew that he was right. Even though their barn had burned down, it didn’t matter. What mattered most was that they had each other. She had a lot to be thankful for, the top one being… a family.

After the service was over, they headed to their farm in a long caravan. When they arrived, the men got right to work raising the barn, while the women set up the food. Before long, the kitchen counters and the dining table were filled with food.

Later that night, there was a brand-new barn where the old one stood, much bigger than the one before. When everythingwas finished, the band started playing and couples started swirling expertly around the floor.

---