Page 42 of The Preacher's Bride

Mia shook her head, a smile lighting her lips. “No, not at all.”

“I’m sorry, but I’ve been helping out with the children and old habits die hard.”

“Not to worry,” Mia replied. “Actually, I’m grateful for the help. Make yourself at home, and I’ll be right back.”

She disappeared into her bedroom and peered in the mirror. Feathers stuck out of her hair in all directions. It was a credit to Mrs. Jenkins that she hadn’t died laughing with just one look ather. She cleaned up the best she could, changed her clothes, and then headed back into the kitchen.

When she walked in, Mrs. Jenkins already had the children dressed and sitting at the table. Shane was dressed in mismatched clothes, but dressed he was. Mia made a mental note to make sure that the children were properly dressed before Caleb got home. She didn’t want to give him any fuel for her incompetence, although she was pleasantly surprised that breakfast that morning had gone so well. She sighed as she pushed the memories of his perfect, bare, muscular chest from her mind.

“I’ll make the children some eggs,” Mia said as she walked into the kitchen, washed and dried the eggs, and then set them beside the potbelly stove.

Mrs. Jenkins suppressed a smile. “Just to let you know, Caleb usually keeps the eggs on the counter in a bowl under a dishtowel.” She lifted the dishtowel to reveal more than enough.

They both burst out laughing.

“I found enough eggs for mine and Caleb’s breakfast this morning, but didn’t think there was any more,” Mia said in her defense.

“Also, just to let you know, the milk is in the root cellar,” Mrs. Jenkins added. “Caleb usually milks the cows before visiting his parishioners or working on the farm.”

“Good to know.” Mia was relieved that the woman had come by to show her the ins and outs of farm life. Otherwise, it would have taken much longer to master, learning on her own.

Hailey let out a sleepy yawn, and then headed toward Mia and held out her arms.

Mia scooped her up and propped her on her hip as she continued working. Hailey immediately laid her head on Mia’s shoulder. “What’s the matter, baby girl? Still sleepy?”

Hailey nodded, and then laid her head back on Mia’s shoulder and put her thumb in her mouth.

“We’ll have to work on that.” Mia kissed the top of her head as she took her thumb out of her mouth. Without missing a beat, Mia expertly cracked some eggs with one hand as she held Hailey, scrambled them, and then poured them into a hot skillet.

“So, you can cook?” Mrs. Jenkins asked, obviously impressed.

Mia shrugged. “Simple things.”

“Do you know how to make biscuits?” Mrs. Jenkins poured two cups of coffee, and set one on the counter beside Mia.

Mia shook her head. “No, but I used to make bread with my mother when I was little.”

Mrs. Jenkins raised her eyebrows. “Do you still have the recipe?”

She shook her head. “No, my aunt took them all after my parents died.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that.”

To Mia’s relief, it wasn’t the kind of crippling sympathy that so many other people were quick to give.

Mia guessed that, in the west, people died and experienced loss. It was a fact. It was just how one dealt with it that mattered. “It happened long ago.”

“I’ll tell you what,” Mrs. Jenkins said cheerfully. “I have some recipes that I’ll bring over tomorrow, if you like.”

“That would be nice.” Mia poured the cooked eggs into two bowls. “Do you happen to have a bread recipe, as well?”

Mrs. Jenkins nodded. “Yes, of course.” She gave her hand a gentle pat. “I’ll be sure to bring them over. Here in the west, neighbors help one another….” She leaned in conspiratorially. “And that means sharing recipes, too.”

“Thank you.” Mia smiled as she set one of the bowls in front of Shane. Then, she sat down with Hailey on her lap and started feeding her.

Mrs. Jenkins took Mia’s coffee to her, then sat in another chair and nodded to Hailey. “It looks as if she’s taken right up with you.”

Mia gave Hailey a quick hug. “She’s my girl.”

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