Page 43 of The Preacher's Bride

Hailey looked up and smiled.

“She is not your girl!” Shane yelled as he stomped out of the room, walked into the bedroom, and slammed the door, rattling the windows in the rest of the house.

Mia let out a deep breath as she continued to feed Hailey. “I’m sorry about that.”

Mrs. Jenkins shook her head. “It appears that he’s having a difficult time.”

Mia nodded. “Everything is just so new. I mean, I haven’t even been here for twenty-four hours yet.” She sighed, glancing over at the closed door. “He’s just showing loyalty to the memory of his mother. I guess he thinks I’m coming in here and taking over… and I guess I have. It’s just a lot for him to handle.” Mia hugged little Hailey. “But this little one was too little really to know what was going on at the time, so I guess it’s easier for her.”

Mrs. Jenkins listened attentively. “She needs a mother.”

“They’ve all been through a lot.”

Mrs. Jenkins sighed. “How’s Caleb handling it?”

“Not well.” Mia shook her head. “He won’t talk to me unless it’s necessary. We went to dinner last night in town, and it was a disaster.” It was nearly an exact repeat of the dinner scene in Laramie with Shane running around while Caleb chased him around the restaurant, and Mia trying to hold it together, internally ready to climb under the table. A small smile lit herlips as she gently nudged Mrs. Jenkins’ shoulder with hers. “But I’m sure you heard all about it this morning.”

The elder woman chuckled. “Don’t worry about it, my dear. The princess is old news now, so your arrival and the preacher getting married out of the blue is now the hot gossip. But don’t let it get you down. Before long, there will be someone new for the townsfolk to talk about, and you’ll be old news.” She shrugged. “I guess that’s how it works in small towns. Without that, no one would have anything to talk about.”

Mia laughed, knowing she was right. “I know we’ve just met, but I feel as if I’ve known you for a very long time.”

Mrs. Jenkins reminded her so much of her mother it was uncanny. Their interaction was what Mia would have imagined it would be like with her own mother, if she was still alive.

Mrs. Jenkins smiled, patting her hand. “After you take care of Hailey, would you like me to show you how to make biscuits? It’s a staple with every meal here in the West.” Mrs. Jenkins shrugged. “That is, unless you make bread.”

“That would be nice. Thank you.” Mia turned her attention to Hailey as she scooped the last bite of egg into her mouth. “Are you full?” Hailey nodded. “Want some more?” The little girl shook her head as she struggled to get down off her lap and scampered into the bedroom. “She doesn’t talk a lot, does she?”

Mrs. Jenkins shook her head. “Some. It’s just been hard on them all. But now that you’re here—”

“I just hope that I can be of help.” Mia sighed. “That’s all Caleb needs right now, a wife who is a liability and not an asset.”

“And that isn’t you.” Mrs. Jenkins gently patted her hand and headed into the kitchen. “I’ll get everything ready.”

“I’ll dress Hailey and will be right back.”

When Mia walked into the bedroom, Shane stormed out and Mia let him go, making a mental note to have a talk with him later.

Mia let Hailey pick out her own dress and she was presentable a few minutes later. When she was ready, Mia joined Mrs. Jenkins. In that short period of time, the woman had already set out the flour and everything they needed to make biscuits.

After a while, the fresh aroma of homemade biscuits filled the air. But what meant the most to Mia was that Mrs. Jenkins had taken the time to teach her. It had been a while since she had a friend around. She had been alone since Ella left, and despite everything that was going on with Caleb and Shane, she was glad she was there.

“Would you like one?” Mia asked when she pulled the tray of biscuits out of the oven.

“Don’t mind of I do.” Mrs. Jenkins smiled as she sat down, suddenly looking tired.

“I would offer you some honey or jam, but I’m not sure if we have any.” Mia set the plate of biscuits on the table in front of her.

Creases showed beside her eyes as Mrs. Jenkins smiled. “There might be some jam down in the root cellar. I’m not sure, because I don’t go down there unless I have to. As for honey, it’s usually not plentiful this time of year, but Caleb has some on the counter.” She let out a deep breath, as if debating whether or not to tell her something. “Jessica liked it, so he kept it in the house for her all year long.”

Mia nodded, hoping that, one day, Caleb might care for her like he did his late wife. “I’ll get it.” She rose from her seat, thankful for the distraction. A few seconds later, she set it on the table before Mrs. Jenkins.

“Thank you.” She picked up the honey, spread it over each side of her open biscuit, and took a bite. “Now, this is what I call a biscuit!” she gushed between bites. “I do believe this is the best biscuit I’ve ever had.”

Mia laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. “I think you’re going a little overboard, but it’s very kind of you to say.”

Mrs. Jenkins’s eyes and mouth opened wide. “You don’t believe me? Taste it and see for yourself.”

Mia smiled in disbelief and took a bite. “Umm… this is good,” she said, surprised with her efforts.

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