Page 25 of The Preacher's Bride

“I didn’t ask for it.” Shane folded his arms across his chest.

“But youwilleat it,” Caleb corrected sternly.

Shane started to push the plate away again but stopped when Caleb glared at him.

Hailey was asleep on her shoulder, so Mia laid her across her lap and continued to rock her. She picked up a chicken leg and took a bite, but crumbs fell onto Hailey, so she set it back on the plate.

“Here.” Caleb reached for his daughter. “Let me take her so you can eat.”

But Mia just shook her head. “No, you go ahead. I’ll eat in a bit.”

Caleb nodded, and then dug into his meal.

Shane picked at his dinner, but then hunger must have taken over and he started eating with gusto.

They ate in silence, and everyone in the restaurant turned their attention back to their own conversations.

Mia took a sip of her lemonade. “So, how long have you lived in Whiskey River?”

Caleb set down his chicken breast, letting out a deep breath. “Jessica and I moved here after I became a preacher. I found out they needed a preacher here, so we talked about it and then decided to move. Shane was just a baby.”

Mia nodded. “So, for about three years?”

He swallowed the bite of chicken in his mouth. “Have you always lived in New York?”

Mia shook her head. “No, I’m originally from Connecticut. I moved to New York after my parents died.”

Caleb’s demeanor suddenly changed, obviously going into his preacher persona, appearing to put his own needs aside to focus on her. “Oh. I’m so sorry to hear that.”

Mia gave him a small smile. “And what about your parents?”

Caleb let out a deep breath. “My mother died when I was young, and my father still lives in San Francisco.”

Mia’s head snapped up. “You’re from California?”

He nodded. “In fact, my father still preaches there.” He sighed. “When I took the job in Whiskey River, I tried to get himto come with us, but he refused, wanting to stay there and attend his congregation, saving people from the sin of greed. You know, from the Gold Rush, even though it was years ago.” He took a sip of his coffee and set it down. “But in his defense, people still go out there looking for gold. Greed can be very controlling.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that.”

Caleb shrugged. “I’m not. I have no regrets.” He stood and looked down at Hailey. “Here. Let me take her while you eat.”

“Are you finished?” Mia asked, concerned.

He smiled. “I’ve had more than you. Besides, I can eat and rock at the same time.”

Mia nodded, guessing that she had a lot to learn about parenting, if only for her own survival. “Thank you.”

“Come here, princess,” he cooed as he scooped his sleeping daughter into his arms. “I’ll be right back.” Mia nodded, and he walked with his daughter to the front of the restaurant by the windows to talk to the man behind the counter.

Mia let out a deep breath as she looked down at her untouched food.

“I’ll take it if you don’t want it,” Shane blurted out.

“No, you have plenty. Now, eat,” Mia said, having had enough of his antics.

A broad grin spread across his face. “So, what are you going to do? Tell my father?”

Mia forced a smile. “No, I’ll take away your privileges.”

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