Page 39 of The Preacher's Bride

Even though he knew she would be there, her presence in his house still took him by surprise. “Good morning. What got you up so early?” He leaned against the counter as he took a sip. “Umm… good coffee.”

A small smile lit her lips as her eyes went from his face to his bare chest. Then, she quickly looked away, turning her attention back to the bacon that she was frying on the stove. “I’m an early riser. I can get a lot of work done if I get up early. The earlier, the better.”

He looked around the kitchen and everything was in place. The dishes were washed and put away, the counters were clean, and the kitchen table had been cleared off and was set with breakfast dishes. “From the look of it, you must have gotten up pretty early.”

She glanced over at him and smiled, and then her eyes went to his bare chest again. “Not that early. I’ve been up for a few hours.”

“Looks like it. And I thought thatIgot up early.” He smiled as he set down his coffee. “I’ll be right back.”

Caleb walked into the bedroom and pulled on a clean shirt, then headed back into the kitchen again where Mia was putting breakfast on the table. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again,” he said, referring to him walking around the house without a shirt.

Her eyes met his. “No, it’s all right. Don’t worry.”

“Can I do anything to help?” he asked as he took another sip of his coffee, watching her work. It felt good to watch a woman work in the kitchen again. Then he turned away as guilt filled his chest, unable to believe that his thoughts had betrayed him like that.

Mia shook her head. “No, thanks. I have everything under control. Go ahead and sit down while I put breakfast on the table.”

Caleb’s thoughts went to the night before. “Listen, Mia. I’m sorry about what I said the other night… about you disciplining the children.”

She shook her head as she scrambled the eggs. “It doesn’t matter.”

Caleb placed his hands on her shoulders, forcing her to look at him. “Yes, it does matter.” He thought for a moment as he looked into her bright green eyes. “You were right. If I handle everything with the children, then they won’t respect you.” He let out a deep breath. “Please, be patient with me. I’ve been protective of the kids for so long… I’m not used to anyone else taking charge with them….”

“Shh….” Mia pressed her finger gently to his lips, sending shivers over his body. “It’s okay. It’ll work out.” She bit her lower lip and released it. “But there is one thing that I want to speak with you about.”

“Oh?” His eyebrows rose. “And what’s that?”

She let out a deep breath. “I’ve been on my own for some time now, and I’m not used to being told what to do. In fact, I never liked it. So, if you don’t mind, please ask if you want me to do something, but don’t order me. Also, ask me what I want and don’t order for me.”

Anger filled his chest, but he nodded. Clearly, this woman wasn’t Jessica, and he couldn’t expect her to be. “Anything else?”

She let out a deep breath, her eyes meeting his. “Shane.”

He nodded. “I’ll talk to him today. I can’t believe he acted that way in Laramie. He never does.”

“I’m an outsider, coming in and invading his territory.” She shrugged as she set a plate of toast on the table and turned to face him. “He’s just being loyal… to his mother.”

Guilt caused a lump to form in his throat. Caleb was tired of feeling guilty. Feeling guilty for not being able to handle the children, his congregation, and the farm all on his own. Feeling guilty for not having taken care of Jessica better. Feeling guilty for taking a wife out of survival.

But it was either that or lose everything… including his children, and that was out of the question. He would do anything for them, including giving his own life.

Caleb’s eyebrows pulled together in concern as he watched her place the bowl of scrambled eggs on the table. And now, guilt raised up within him for having feelings for another woman. Even if he was legally married to Mia, he was still married to Jessica in his heart.

He pushed the thought aside, remembering his promise to try and make the best of it. “Everything looks great. Thank you, Mia.”

She shrugged as she spooned scrambled eggs onto her plate. “It was my pleasure. I’ll try and see if I can get the house in order today.”

Caleb nodded as he took a bite of his bacon. “Sounds good.” He thought for a moment, and then added, “Mia, I hate to leave you alone on your first day here, but I have to visit some parishioners. I’m behind on my visits. Will you be okay with the kids and the house?”

She nodded. “Yes, of course. Also, I was thinking that if we needed extra money, I could take in some sewing… maybe even sew for the dress shop.”

Caleb shook his head. “That’s not necessary. Let’s just take it a day at a time for now.”

She nodded, giving him a small smile.

From her reaction, Caleb thought that she might like to work. After all, she was used to working and providing for herself all this time. He suspected that it might be difficult for her to get used to having a man to care for her. But, for now, he just wanted some normalcy to his life again.

“Is there anything else you’d like me to do today? Anything pressing?” she asked casually, bringing him from his reverie as she nibbled on a slice of toast.

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