Page 54 of The Preacher's Bride

“Pa?” Shane asked when he woke.

“Shh….” Caleb led him and Hailey into the kitchen. “Let’s not wake Mia. She had a busy day.”

Shane nodded, smiling as he sat down at the kitchen table, along with his sister. Caleb fed them dinner, and then sat and enjoyed watching his children.

“Aren’t you going to eat, Pa?” Shane asked as he took a bite of his chicken thigh. “Umm! This is really good.”

Caleb chuckled. “It looks good, but no. I’m going to eat with Mia.”

Shane nodded as he continued eating. Caleb tore Hailey’s chicken into small bites for her when he saw that she was having a difficult time, but she ate her mashed potatoes by herself without issue.

When the water was heated, he poured it in to the tub in his room, repeating the process until there was enough water for the children. After they finished eating, he bathed them one at a time and dressed them for bed. They said their prayers, and he put them in bed and told them a bedtime story. Then, he kissedthem both goodnight and pulled the door almost closed, leaving it cracked open.

When Caleb walked into the living room, he took Mia in, noticing the delicate curve of her neck as it fell to her shoulders, her feminine hands, and her beautiful face. Something stirred inside him, but he quickly pushed the thought aside. Never had he ever thought he would be afraid to touch his wife. Then, guilt reared its ugly head again.

Watching her sleep, Caleb didn’t have the heart to wake her just yet, and he didn’t want to eat without her, so he sat in the rocking chair across from Mia. He couldn’t help but think of how caring and accepting she was of his children.

Mia really was beautiful. Her blonde hair turned golden in the candlelight, and the way her jaw curved to her slender neck was lovely. Her body was perfect with curves in all the right places.

“Mia,” he whispered, hating himself for waking her. He waited for a minute, but she continued snoring lightly. “Mia, wake up. It’s time for dinner.”

Caleb reached out and gently touched her cheek with the back of his hand. “Mia….”

She didn’t stir, and it was getting a bit chilly, so he put some wood on the fire. Warmth immediately filled the room.

Caleb walked back over to Mia and decided to try one more time. “Mia, time for dinner.”

She stirred and opened her eyes.

“Wake up, sleepyhead,” he teased, kneeling at her feet as he looked up at her.

Mia gazed at him and smiled, and then jumped with a start. “Oh my goodness! Where are the children?”

Caleb chuckled. “Don’t worry. They’ve been fed, bathed, and put to bed.”

“Oh,” she said, looking around. “How long have I been out? The last thing I remember was rocking the children—”

“Are you hungry?” he asked, rising to his feet and extending his hand. “The fried chicken looks great.”

She looked at him, confused. “You didn’t eat yet?”

He shook his head as a smile lit his lips. “I was waiting for you.” When she hesitated, he added, “I heated everything up, but it’s going to get cold.”

She took his hand and let him guide her to the table, the glow from the beige tapered candles bathing her in a golden hue.

Mia’s eyes opened in surprise. “Everything looks great.” She slid the cloth napkin across her lap. “I’m so sorry—”

“Shh….” Caleb gently pressed his finger to her lips. “It’s okay. You’ve been working really hard… too hard,” he said, taking her hand. “Mia, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

She nodded, forcing a smile. “I see.”

Caleb wondered what he said that had changed her mood. He reached for her hand, claiming her attention. “No wonder you fell asleep.”

She smiled and looked down at his hand in hers.

Caleb pulled away, and then slid the napkin across his lap. “So, shall we?”

Mia chuckled, and his heart soared at the sound, much to his surprise.

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