Page 5 of The Preacher's Bride

“You got a minute to talk?” Caleb asked, shaking his hand.

Colton took off his hat and ran his hand through his long brown hair, pulled it back, and then let it fall down his back. “Sure. Come on in.” Colton started walking toward the house, but Caleb stopped him.

“Actually, I’d rather talk out here privately, if you don’t mind.” Caleb’s heart pounded at the thought of what he was about to do, but he had to do something, for better or for worse.

Colton nodded, his eyebrows pulling together in concern. “Sure. What’s wrong? Something happen with one of the kids?”

Caleb shook his head. “No, nothing like that. The kids are fine.”

Colton waited patiently.

The preacher let out a deep breath. “I don’t know how to begin.”

Colton gave him a knowing smile. “Want to sit on the porch?”

Caleb shook his head.

Colton waited, obviously giving him time. One corner of his lips curled into a mischievous smile as he gave him a manly slap on the back. “Oh, come on, Preacher! It can’t be that bad. Just spit it out.”

Caleb nodded. “Right now, I’m not here as a preacher, but as a man. I need to talk to you about something, but it needs to stay between us for now.”

Colton nodded thoughtfully. “Of course.”

Caleb placed his hands on his hips. letting out a deep breath. “Your wife, Ella, was a mail-order bride, right?”

Colton’s smile faded as he nodded. “Yes, you know she was. But Dallas King was an ass, and she fell in love with me—”

“No, you misunderstood.” Caleb bit his lower lip, summoning his courage. He almost dropped the whole thing and walked away, but he was desperate. “I need a wife. Someone to care for the kids and the house. Someone I can trust while I’m away. Someone who will become a part of my family and help me hold it together. I can’t keep depending on the ladies of the church anymore.” He let out a deep breath. It felt good to get it off his chest, if nothing else. “I was wondering if Ella might know of… a woman… that I can marry. I know it sounds crazy, but it will be purely platonic. We will have to be married for her to live in the house with me and the kids, though. But I have a spare room and she can have it all to herself.” Caleb walked away to collect his thoughts, and then turned back around. “I just need some help holding my family together. I’ll pay for everything. She can just stay at home with the kids and take care of the house. I’ll take care of the rest.”

Colton nodded as he wiped his hands on a towel, lost in thought. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

Caleb nodded as a lump of guilt formed in his throat.

“Are you ready for this?”

“I have to be.” He held out his arms, letting out a deep breath. “Colton, I know it doesn’t sound rational, but I feel like I’m losing my family, and I can’t do it anymore. Between trying to care for the congregation, my family, and the farm… something’s got to give. I hate to say this, but I have to start putting the needs of my family first.”

Colton nodded thoughtfully. “What do you need me to do?”

Caleb sighed in relief. “You don’t think this is crazy?”

Colton laughed. “Oh, it’s crazy, all right. But no crazier than anything anyoneelsein this town has done.” Colton placed his hand on Caleb’s shoulder and squeezed. “Caleb, you have to do what you have to do. I don’t see how you’ve done it so far. I couldn’t imagine….”

Colton’s voice trailed off, not finishing the sentence. But Caleb knew full well what he was about to say. He couldn’t imagine ever losing his wife like that.

Caleb nodded in understanding and smiled. “It’s all thanks to the parishioners and the people of Whiskey River. I wouldn’t have survived it if it weren’t for them. I appreciate everything that everyone has done, but now I have to do what is best for my family.”

“Yes, you do.” Colton sighed. “If I were in your shoes, I’d do the same thing. For the sake of the children, if not anything else. It’s going to be hard for you, though. But if you’re sure, we can go in and talk to Ella right now.”

“Are you sure it’s not an imposition?” Caleb arched an eyebrow.

Colton smiled. “Never. Preacher, you’re welcome here anytime.”

“Please, call me Caleb.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. Caleb had been out making his weekly rounds, seeing to his congregation, even though the barn and the house needed tending to, and he didn’t have time to clean up before coming over. There just never seemed to be enough time for anything lately. But he pushed the thought quickly aside.

Colton smiled as he headed up the stairs and held open the door for Caleb. “Ella, honey! We have company!”

“Oh, yes?” Ella’s voice rang out throughout the house, coming from the living room. “Who is it?”

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