Page 4 of The Preacher's Bride

Caleb

Whiskey River, Wyoming

“Would you like me to come over tomorrow, too?” Mrs. Jenkins asked when Caleb Henley walked into his house. He hung his cowboy hat on a peg by the door but left on his heavy coat.

“If you don’t mind,” Caleb replied, his mind a million miles away.

Since he had lost his Jessica, nothing seemed real anymore. Nothing seemed quite right. No matter how much he tried, something was missing from his life. And he knew what it was… her. It had only been a few months since she had passed away from influenza, leaving him alone with two small children—Hailey, age two; and Shane, age four.

Most days, Caleb tried to suppress his anger, and guilt. Why hadn’t he taken better care of his wife? He had left her to care for the children and the house, knowing she was ill, while he tended to the congregation and their farm. And she was also the town schoolteacher. But she had insisted that she was fine. Why hadn’t he taken better care of her? Why hadn’t she taken better care of herself? Then, he felt guilty again for being angry with her.

As the town preacher, he was supposed to be strong for his congregation, to comfort them in their time of need, assure them that God was with them. But where was God now? Why had he taken his Jessica away from him so prematurely?

In his heart, he knew that God wasn’t the one who took her away. Things happen. He knew that God never turned away from his people, but why had he allowed that to happen to his Jessica?

He had been going on for months like this, but it was time to take matters in his own hands. If something didn’t change soon, he stood to lose more than his congregation. Although he truly appreciated the help, he felt like he was losing his family with so many people coming and going in his house. Caleb was used to him and Jessica raising their family themselves, not having so many differing opinions. As they say, too many hands in the pot spoils the brew.

But on the other hand, he didn’t know where he would be now if it weren’t for the help of the community.

A crease formed between Caleb’s eyes. “Are you in a hurry to go home?”

Mrs. Jenkins cocked her head to the side, her curly, silver hair causing her to look like a kind grandmother, rather than the widow that she was. “No, what do you need, Caleb?”

He let out a deep breath, guilt stabbing his chest. “I hate to ask. You’ve already done so much, but could you watch the children for me for about forty-five more minutes, or so? I have some business to take care of, and I won’t be long.”

Her eyebrows rose, a smile lighting her lips. “Oh! I wouldn’t mind it at all! Go do what you have to do. I’ll stay here with the children.” She nodded to them playing quietly on the big oval rug in the center of the living room in front of the fireplace. “Take your time.” She gave his arm a motherly pat.

She reminded him so much of his mother that it was uncanny. Actually, his mother was even kinder than Mrs. Jenkins, if that was even possible. But God had taken her when he was little, leaving him alone with his father, who was a preacher, too.

It seemed that history had repeated itself.

“Thank you, Mrs. Jenkins.”

Caleb ran his fingers through his dark brown hair, slid on this cowboy hat, and walked out the door. A cold wind rushed through him, causing him to shiver. He pulled his collar up on his coat, deflecting the cold. Snow adorned the ground, creating a thick, sparkling blanket across the land that reached all the way to the base of the mountains.

At least the blizzard had stopped. It had snowed nearly nonstop the whole month of December. He had been afraid that he would have to cancel the annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, but the Good Lord had seen fit to give them a reprieve.

Earlier, Caleb had left his buckboard out front with the team still attached, knowing the errand he wanted to run. He didn’t have much time, so he jumped in and grabbed the reins. “Yah!” he yelled, urging the horses into a gallop.

There was only one person on the planet who could help him.

Guilt filled his chest from even contemplating the idea. But he had been thinking about it and it seemed the most logical solution. It was either this or lose control of everything, including his family, which was something he would never allow.

He let out a deep breath, and it turned to steam immediately in the cold Wyoming winter air. Guilt filled his chest again. Wasn’t he supposed to put God first before everything, including his family? And the people in his congregation and in Whiskey River had been so kind to him. But he had to do something.

He was tired. Caleb often found himself running ragged just to try and keep up. It would be more than enough for any man to handle. If something didn’t give, he was thinking of stepping down from being the preacher here in Whiskey River.

It seemed that he felt guilty over everything lately. Guilt and anger was his prominent emotions.

Within minutes, he pulled down the long driveway leading to Colton and Ella Hill’s ranch.

Colton headed toward the house from the barn but stopped short when he saw Caleb pull up in the driveway.

Just seeing Colton’s warm smile made Caleb feel better. He just hoped that he was making the right decision for his family… for his children.

“Evening, Preacher.” Colton smiled as he extended his hand when Caleb wrapped the reins around the front bar of his buckboard and stepped down. “What brings you out here tonight?”

It was twilight and the sun was just beginning to set, signaling the end of another day. Another day without his Jessica.

---