Page 61 of The Preacher's Bride

Madison threw a playful elbow into his side. “You love coming here, and you know it.”

Wyatt laughed. “Yes, you tell me that all the time.”

“Ella, we’re going to go sit down now,” Madison said as she gave her a gentle hug. “I have to teach tomorrow, but I’ll be by after school to see you.”

“I’ll look forward to your visit.” Ella gave her friend’s hand a light squeeze. “I think you have enough on your hands with teaching school, let alone worry about coming to see me.”

Madison chuckled. “It’s my job to worry about you.”

Colton arched an eyebrow. “No, actually, that’s my job.”

Everyone laughed.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Madison said to Mia, and then she and Wyatt took their seats.

To her right, a beautiful young brunette woman held up her hand and smiled. “Sorry for the interruption, but I wanted to meet you. I’m Gabriella Price,” she said in a distinct French accent. “I canter here every Sunday now.”

Mia shook her hand and returned the smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Gabriella had the type of beauty that affected the self-esteem of every woman around her. But she appeared to be unaware. She was just as cordial and welcoming as everyone else in the town.

“Let me guess,” Mia said, smiling. “You’re the princess I’ve been hearing about?”

Gabriella laughed. “Yes, that’s me. But here in Whiskey River, I’m just Gabriella.”

A heavily muscled brunette man walked up behind her and slipped an arm around her waist. “Gabriella Price, that is.”

The woman giggled. “Mia, this is my husband, Dirk Price. He owns the livery stable.”

“Yes, we met when I first came to town.”

Mia noticed that Caleb took his place at the pulpit, signaling the start of the service. Gabriella gave her hand a gentle squeeze, and then walked over to stand by the organist as Dirk sat in the row behind her.

Just before the service started, someone grabbed Mia’s shoulder from the row behind. When she looked back, Mrs. Jenkins leaned in. “It’s so good to see you here.” Mia squeezed her hand, and then turned her attention to Caleb.

Caleb said a wonderful service, and the music was exquisite. Gabriella was truly a songbird, her voice lilting over the crowd, filling the room. As she watched, Mia saw Caleb in a different light. She was amazed at his passion and his love for God as he preached. It really showed… not only in his words, but in his mannerisms and the way his eyes lit up, too.

After the service, Mia turned to Ella. “I have to go organize the after-church potluck dinner. Will you be okay?”

“You go ahead. I’ll be along in a moment.” Ella caught her hand, capturing her attention. “You’re doing a wonderful job.”

Mia smiled. “Thank you, Ella. I’ll see you in a minute.”

Colton chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’m sticking with her like glue.”

Mia nodded as she let out a deep breath. “Holler if you need me. I’ll see you in the recreation hall in just a bit.” Then she looked down at the children. “Would you like to help me?”

Hailey and Shane both nodded. Mia took the children by the hand and guided them over to the recreation hall. Immediately, she started guiding people where to set their specialty dishes, setting everything up. Shane tried to help but was mainly just repeating what she was saying. When other families and children started piling in, she let him and Hailey go play with the other children.

“Be sure to watch your sister!” Mia called after them as they scampered off.

Mrs. Jenkins let Mia take the lead, but helped out, telling the ladies where to set their dishes, and then she told the men where to set the tables and chairs. Mia felt that this was a true community and was glad to be a part of it—something that she hadn’t had in a very long time.

Ella walked in with Colton and the babies, holding Colton’s hand.

Mia motioned them over to the main table. “Here you go,” Mia said as she held a chair for her.

“Will you be all right for a moment?” Colton asked his wife.

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