Page 19 of The Preacher's Wife
Humbled by his father’s words, Hubert shook his head, tossing his hands in the air.
“And I left her!”
“Did you tell her where you were going?” Pa lifted one eyebrow.
“Of course.”
“Then it will be fine. It sounds to me like you were both in an emotional state. Now you’ll gather your things, which you’ve done. Kiss your mother goodbye and return to your wife.”
They both exited his childhood room and started back down the hall. “Do you have any other advice?”
“Well, son, women are a bit more vocal than we men are. If she’s not talking to you, it means you’ve done something wrong and should probably fix it. Don’t rush things, and you’ll find your way.”
“Who’s in trouble?” His mama looked up from the sink when they returned to the kitchen.
“Probably me, Mama, but I’ll fix it.” Leaning down, he kissed her cheek before straightening. “Thank you for taking care of Prudence before I got here. Be sure to collect the foodstuffs tomorrow.”
“You’re a good boy. Remember to ask, not demand things from your wife, or your mother, and the Lord will carry you the rest of the way.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
He felt considerably lighter leaving than he had when he’d arrived. They had the rest of their lives to find their way, and if they were working toward the same goals, it would work out.
Arriving back at the house, he found her sitting where he’d left her. “Prudence?” he called cautiously as he stood in the doorway. “How are you feeling?”
She turned her head slowly towards him and gave him a sad smile. “I don’t want to deceive you. I’ve prayed for very specific things. A way to leave my home. A husband who needed ahelpmate and for God to use me for His purpose. Hubert, I don’t know what I’m doing.” She popped up off the floor and turned to watch him, where he stood in the doorway.
“It looks like we came to the same decision then.” He set his bag down and strode back into the living room to stand in front of her, offering his hands.
“What’s that?” Her fingers hesitantly settled atop his.
“Neither of us knows what will happen next, but we have time to figure it out together.”
“I like that.”
“Then it’s settled. Shall we get back to our picnic so you can ask me something embarrassing?”
“You can tell me how you’ve made it to thirty-something and never kissed a girl.”
“I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”
Chapter Seven
Prudence appreciated Hubert.
Traveling with a companion was a whole new experience compared to her solo trip from Boston. Instead of feeling trapped between strangers, he made sure she had a window seat so she could take in the passing landscape at her leisure.
“We’ll be in Sterling soon.”
She tore her eyes away from the swaying tall grasses of the prairie and turned to face her husband. “Are they expecting us?”
They hadn’t really talked about what would happen once they arrived in town. Instead, their discussion centered on learning as much as they could about each other. Hubert mentioned the Sunday service and that there would be a dinner to welcome her to town.
“They know we are coming, but I didn’t mention which stage we’d be on.”
“Oh.” She turned her face back to the rolling landscape. There were just three of them on the stage now, and if she kept her voice low, perhaps they wouldn’t disturb their traveling companion. “How far is your house from the stage depot?”
Hubert coughed, but he didn’t answer. Turning away from the window, she studied him again.They had a home, didn’t they?
