Page 30 of The Preacher's Wife
“What’s next, and where are you going?”
“I need to run out back, and I’m moving in here at night. We can keep separate spaces if you insist, but I’d like to sleep in your arms. I am your wife, after all.” Looking over her shoulder, she wiggled her eyebrows and then dashed out of the bedroom.
Hubert was deep in thought about what she had said as he descended the stairs. While there were tasks that still required his attention, if Prudence was well enough to tease him, then it must be safe for him to move around downstairs. He had no intention of leaving the boarding house, though.
“How is she?” Silas called from the dining room when Hubert came into sight.
“It’s been a long day. She’ll be all right.” Pouring himself a cup of coffee, and grabbing a scone from the sideboard, he settled in across the table from his friend, shaking his head. “She thought I was going to send her away.”
“I remember thinking Mama H. was going to turn me out if I disappointed her. It’s something about the way we attach to people. Charlie never worried about her sending him away, but remember when my da used to lose his temper? He’d threaten to send me away to one of those orphanages.”
“Why didn’t you ever say so?” Hubert’s father would have had plenty to say on that subject.
“What was I going to say? My father didn’t love me enough, and I didn’t think anyone else ever could?” Silas’s voice was quiet, but before Hubert could speak, another voice chimed in.
“Sometimes the idea of him sending me away seemed like a blessing. It would be less painful than kneeling on rice and repeating Bible verses until I lost my voice, among other things.” Prudence’s hands gently gripped Hubert’s shoulders, and he could tell that she was sharing a moment with Silas. They were communicating without words, their eyes locked in understanding.
“I know we haven’t really gotten to know each other, Prudence, but Hubert is the best guy I know for handling things with compassion and care.” He shot Hubert a wink. “Even when he’s uncoordinated and awkward.”
“Hey!” Hubert protested, taking a bite of the scone.
“He seems to have God on his side,” she replied, ignoring his interjection completely. “I’m finding myself attached to him.”
“That’s good to hear. Now, I’m going to warn you both that everyone is overly concerned, and you have about twenty minutes before they all start flooding the boarding house. Go take your evening walk.”
Hubert took the dismissal for what it was and stood, catching Prudence’s hand in his and heading for the back door.
“Uh, Hubert, go the other way. Maybe head to the east side of the church to view the sunset tonight,” Silas called out.
Shifting their direction, he grabbed her cloak from the peg before they ran out the door and down the steps like school kids greeting the first day of break.
“Um, Hubert.” Prudence tugged at his hand.
“Yes, wife?” He pulled her to stand in front of him as the sun was just touching the horizon.
“Now is probably a good time to tell you I love you.”
“I suspected that was what this feeling was. I love you, too.”
Everything was going to work out. They just had to take it one moment at a time.
Epilogue
April 1866
The scent of roasted beef filled the cramped kitchen of the boarding house, causing Prudence’s stomach to growl. She discreetly dabbed at her mouth with a napkin, trying to hide her hunger and making sure there were no signs of drool. The other women bustled in and out, bringing trays of food for the upcoming meal. They all quickly disappeared to tend to their families before dinner.
Amanda Holstead had shared that the men often called each other brother, and all shared a deep love for Mrs. Holstead, affectionately known as Mama. She had become like a mama to Prudence as well. Tonight was a special occasion. It was the anniversary of when the small wagon train pulled into Sterling and settled the town. It was a celebration of all the families coming together.
Even those who no longer lived in the cozy boarding house would spend the night at the inn during this special occasion.
Prudence stood alone in the kitchen, giving one last glance over the dishes before she had to get ready for her first town celebration with her husband. A wave of excitement washed over her, and a small grin formed at the corner of her lips.
Checking the warmer first, she gave Chloe’s potato dish a quick stir. While food was something that Prudence quite enjoyed, she’d never seen a dish quite like this. Chloe had made a wonderful dish of sliced potatoes, bacon rashers, gravy, and soft-boiled eggs. It smelled wonderful, and Prudence couldn’t wait to try it.
Emily Easton brought over rolls and a bread cake with dried fruit. Prudence really wasn’t sure about that one. She was willing to at least try itif Hubert had a slice on his plate.
Amanda offered chicken and dumplings. She was by far the most practical of the women Prudence was becoming friends with.
