Page 3 of The Preacher's Bride

“Hmph!” Mrs. O’Riley huffed as she marched back into her apartment. “And don’t ye forget to come by later with the rent!” She slammed the door shut, punctuating her words.

Mia hurried inside and quickly locked the door behind her. A woman living alone in New York City wasn’t ideal, but it was the best she could do at the moment. She slung her reticule haphazardly onto a nearby table and then looked down at the letter in her hands.

January in New York was cold. There was no other way to say it. Mia wanted nothing more than to curl up in her rocking chair, tear open the envelope, and devour every word from her friend. But she would probably freeze to death before she could finish the letter. So, she hurried to build a fire in the fireplace with what was left of the twigs in the wood box. She made a mental note to have some wood delivered.

Soon, the small fire lapped eagerly at the twigs, burning a bright red, orange, and yellow as warmth filled the tenement. Then she settled herself in for a nice read. She picked up the envelope and looked at the return address one more time, savoring the moment.

“Whiskey River,” Mia mumbled, running her fingers over the paper. What an odd name for a town, but from what Ella had told her of the friendly people there, it seemed to suit the town well.

Unable to wait any longer, she daintily tore open one end of the envelope, revealing the contents inside.

My Dearest Mia:

It seems as if it’s been longer than it has since I’ve seen your lovely, smiling face. This pregnancy is making me nostalgic, perhaps. Lately, I’ve been reminiscing about the tenement we shared, which seems like a lifetime ago. But I have no regrets.

Colton is the light of my life. I have so many blessings in my life, so much to be thankful for. A loving husband to care for me and a new little one on the way. What more could I ask of life? I feel lucky for all that the Good Lord has chosen to bestow upon me.

Now, for the town. Wyatt and Madison have settled in nicely. Of course, you know that she’s the new school teacher and Wyatt now owns the saloon. Madison wasn’t too keen on the idea at first, but they have since settled in and are happy in their new life together. Wyatt cleaned up the Whiskey River Saloon since the likes of Pete McGregor. Truth be told, it’s probably the cleanest saloon in the county now.

It’s strange that no one has heard from Pete McGregor since his departure. If not anything else, I hope he learned something from the experience.

We also have a real, honest-to-goodness princess living in Whiskey River! Dirk Price married a princess right after Christmas. I’m not sure how they met or the particulars, but they seem to be very happy together. She left her title behind and has settled into Whiskey River as Mrs. Gabriella Price. It has a ring to it. Don’t you think? Anyway, I wish them all the happiness in the world.

Preacher Caleb Henley is struggling. The townsfolk are worried about him and try to help him out as much as they can, but he’s just not the same since he lost his wife. He hasn’t smiled much lately. Not that I have seen, anyway. I suppose that between caring for his two small children, the congregation, and the farm, it has taken a toll on him. Colton and I continue to keep him in our prayers. I ask that you do the same. I just wishthere were something more that I could do. But I feel comfort in the fact that dear Mrs. Jenkins and the other ladies of the church congregation have been trying to help out with the children. But it’s of little consequence to lift his spirits. The loss of his adoring wife, Jessica, has been a loss for us all indeed.

I don’t want you to worry, but Doc Morgan has me on complete bedrest now. Colton tells me that it’s not only for my good, but for the good of the baby. Although he says nothing about it, I know he worries. I try not to complain, so as not to give him fuel for his worry.

But you, my dear friend, I can confide in. Lately, I’ve been feeling helpless. Colton waits on me hand and foot, and never complains. Although he has never given me cause to feel this way, I feel guilty for Colton having to shoulder the burden of the ranch and the house alone. He hired a few ranch hands, and they have been working out, which is a comfort. I just hope they continue to be of service to Colton and lessen his burden.

So, how are you, dear friend? I miss you so, and wish you would consider moving to Whiskey River. The town is much, much smaller than you’re used to in comparison to New York, but the picturesque landscape of the rolling mountains and the friendly, communal nature of the people make it home.

If you do decide to move here, I would expect you to stay with us, of course, until after the baby is born, or for as long as you like. But if the cries of the baby in the middle of the night become too much for you, Mrs. Jenkins always has room at the boardinghouse.

Alas, I know this is but a dream.

Take care, my friend. I hope this letter finds you well, and I count the days until I can see you again.

Your Loving Friend Forever,

Ella

Mia clutched the letter to her chest as she rocked back and forth, watching the glow of the fire, the only light in the room. Although it hadn’t been that long since she had seen her best friend, it seemed like it had been a lifetime.

Could she ever think of moving to Whiskey River? After all, there was nothing left for her here. Ella would let her live with them for as long as she wanted, but she didn’t want to intrude upon their hospitality indefinitely.

Mia let out a deep breath. Even if she wanted to, she didn’t have the money for train fare, and purchasing a horse and a rig would be even more expensive. Also, the journey would take weeks in what was sure to be snow. No, that would be out of the question.

She couldn’t go, but she couldn’t stay, either. The money that Trent gave her would soon deplete, leaving her with nothing. She could continue to take in more sewing and work at the saloon, but what kind of life would that be? Eventually, she wanted to have a family of her own. Something she hadn’t had in a very long time.

Mia rocked back and forth into the wee hours of the night, considering her options, which were slim at best, when it finally hit her. Ella had been a mail-order bride. And although she didn’t end up marrying the man that she had intended to, everything had worked out. Perhaps God did have a plan for Ella that was bigger than she herself could see.

What if she became a mail-order bride, too? After all, Ella would pick out a suitable man for her. Also, Ella had connections with a matchmaker, who had the resources to set everything up.

Mia jumped from the rocking chair and dashed over to her desk, picked up a quill, and began penning a letter, asking Ella if she could pick out a suitable husband for her.

Mia just hoped she was making the right decision.

Chapter 2

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