Page 47 of The Preacher's Bride

Mia nodded, her eyes wide, never leaving the chicken. “And surprise me you did.”

Caleb laughed again. “Sorry. Next time, I’ll give you fair warning.”

“Yes, that would be nice.”

Caleb took another sip of his coffee. He had thought of going out to the barn but wasn’t ready yet. “Come sit down and enjoy your coffee.”

“I’m waiting for my heart to start beating again.” She chuckled, holding her hand to her chest. Then, she sat back down and started to relax.

He laughed. “So, tell me. Do you have any other family?”

She shook her head. “No, both of my parents died of influenza a few years ago, so I moved to New York.”

A crease formed between his eyes. “They didn’t leave you anything?”

She shook her head. “No, the house and their assets had to be sold off to pay the bills. They had owned a logging business and owed a lot of creditors. I barely had enough left over to move to New York.”

He nodded, realizing that her life hadn’t been all peaches and cream, either. He couldn’t imagine being a young girl and losing everything. “If you don’t mind me asking, is that why you became a dancehall girl?”

“It paid the bills.” Mia shrugged. “As a woman, our job choices are limited.”

He bit his lower lip, understanding. “So, you’re from Connecticut?”

Mia nodded, taking another sip of her coffee.

“I heard it’s beautiful up there.” He looked into her eyes, seeing her anew.

“Yes, it is. But the winters are cold and harsh, and there’s not a lot of work up there.” She shrugged. “I started taking in sewing before I left but didn’t make enough to support myself.” A smile spread across her lips as she looked away, enjoying a memory. “I met Ella when I moved to New York, and she helped me get the job at the Breckenridge Saloon where she worked, and we ended up sharing a tenement and splitting the bills. It helped a lot.”

Caleb smiled. “So, you and Ella have been friends for a while?”

She nodded. “The best. I don’t know what I’d ever do without her. After she left, I had a hard time making a go of it alone.” Mia let out a deep breath. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to visit her sometime and see how she’s doing.”

He nodded as a smile lit his lips. “Of course. Just let me know when you’d like to go, and I’ll take care of the children.”

She smiled her thanks. “Even though she never complained, I’m sure the pregnancy took its toll on her. Now, trying to recuperate while caring for newborn twins, I’m sure she could use the help.” She shrugged. “I’ll go over to visit her soon.”

He smiled, feeling lighter than he had in a while. “She’d like that.”

Mia bit her lower lip. “Maybe I can take her dinner.”

“That would be very thoughtful.”

Mia smiled as she poured herself more coffee and then refilled his, glad she and Caleb were getting along. “Would you like some pancakes?” She looked through the cabinets and took out a bowl.

A smile curled his lips. “Where did you learn to make pancakes?”

She shrugged as she started measuring out flour and poured it into the bowl without looking at him. “My mother taught me in Connecticut before she died.”

Caleb finished his coffee and rose from the table. “Well, I’m going to get to work. Let me know when it’s ready.”

Mia smiled. “I will.” Then, she turned her attention back to expertly throwing ingredients together.

Caleb slipped on his hat. “You know, you really are full of surprises.”

She chuckled. “You have no idea.”

He laughed, shaking his head.

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