Chapter 13

Mia

The next morning, Mia woke to the sound of bustling in the kitchen—pots and pans clanking—so she slipped on her robe and walked out. "What's going on?" Mia rubbed her eyes and looked out the back window. "It's not even light out yet."

Caleb smiled. "It's Sunday."

Mia's eyes opened wide. She must have lost track of the days, because she had no idea that it was Sunday. Her stomach flipped. There were lots of duties expected of the preacher's wife… and that meant her. "I'll be out in a minute."

"Mia…." Caleb stopped her. "After you're ready, would you mind getting the children dressed while I milk the cow and gather the eggs? We won't be back for a while."

Mia gave him a small smile. "I'd be glad to."

"I already laid out their Sunday best." Caleb smiled, and then headed outside.

There had been a change in him the night before, but Mia wondered if the change would continue into the light of day. She hurried to her room and slipped on a baby blue dress with small pink buds on the print, bustled in the back. It was a bit low cut for church, but the rest of it was fine. So, she added a cream modesty scarf around her neck and tucked it in to the neckline. Then, she added a matching one to her waist and tied it in the back, setting off the dress. She quickly washed her face and pulled a brush through her hair, but it was hopeless. So, she pulled it up into curls at the crown and pinched her cheeks. Then, she added a matching pale blue hat, donned her beige shoes, threw her beige coat over her arm, and then walked out to the living room.

She looked toward the back window and the sun was just beginning to rise. So, she hurried into the bedroom where the children were still sleeping and knelt down by the boy. "Shane, honey." She stroked his light blond hair away from his sleeping face. "Wake up. It's time for church."

"Okay, Ma," he said in his sleep. "I'm getting up."

She smiled as her heart leaped. She knew that he was just waking up and disoriented, but she hoped that, one day, he would call her Ma just as naturally.

His eyes suddenly opened wide, and then he looked over at Mia and smiled. "Good morning, Mia."

She ruffled his hair. "Time to get up and get ready for church, sleepyhead."

He sat up and rubbed his eyes as a huge yawn escaped his lips. "You look real pretty. I like the blue feather in your hat. It's the same color as your dress." His eyebrows suddenly pulled together. "But where did they ever find a bird with that color feather?"

She giggled as she ruffled his hair again, and then leaned in conspiratorially. "I think they dyed a white feather."

"Oh!" he said, nodding thoughtfully.

She laughed. "Okay. Enough about feathers and my hat. Let's get you dressed for church before your father gets both of our hind ends."

He laughed, and she placed a kiss on the top of his head.

When she studied the children's clothes that he had laid out, they weren't the best. But she was sure that it was the best they had. She made a mental note to make the children new clothes before the following Sunday. She wanted the children to look their best, and to make their father proud.

After Shane was dressed, she gave Hailey's shoulder a gentle shake. "Hailey, girl. Time to wake up and get ready for church."

She turned over and gave Mia a smile. "I like your hat." She reached up and brushed the feather, giggling.

A smile spread across Mia's face. "Thank you, but don't touch the feather. Okay?"

Hailey grinned as she nodded.

"Come on." Mia scooped her up into her arms. "Let's get you dressed."

A few minutes later, the little girl was wearing her best dress, but it looked a bit too shabby for Mia. She remembered her mental note to make the children new clothes as she scooped her in to her arms and carried her out to the living room. "I have a surprise for you," Mia told her as she sat down in the rocking chair with Hailey on her lap.

Hailey's eyes widened.

Mia pulled out the repaired ragdoll and handed it to her.

"Dolly!" Hailey yelled, hugging it tightly to her chest.

Mia smiled, enjoying her reaction. "I stayed up late last night and fixed her. She's as good as new."

Hailey looked at Mia with puppy dog eyes. "Did it hurt?"

Mia's eyebrows pulled together in concern. "Did what hurt?"

"Did it hurt Dolly… when you fixed her?"

Mia lifted her eyebrows. "Oh, no! Not at all! I made sure she didn't feel anything. And she was very brave. She never whimpered once."

A broad smile spread across the little girl's face. "Yeah!" Then, she threw her arms around Mia's neck, catching her by surprise. She pulled back with her hands still wrapped around her neck. "Does this mean that you're my ma now?"

A lump formed in Mia's throat as tears filled her eyes. "I guess so, baby girl. Is that okay?"

Hailey nodded, and then laid her head on Mia's chest. "Thank you, Ma."

A tear rolled down Mia's face. "You're welcome, baby." Mia stroked her hair as she rocked her, then she thought of something. "Hey! I have an idea. Would you like to wear a scarf? I have one that would look nice with your dress."

"Yes!" Hailey jumped off her lap, headed toward Mia's bedroom, and climbed onto the bed, her feet wiggling in front of her.

Mia looked through her chest of drawers and found a dark blue scarf that complimented her dark brown dress and matched the tiny medium blue flowers in the print. "Here we go!"

"Pretty!" Hailey said as she ran her hand over the silk.

"You like it?"

Hailey nodded vigorously.

Mia smiled. "Here. Turn around." She stood her on her feet, wrapped the scarf around her waist, and then tied it in a bow in the back. It really brightened up the dress. "Now! You look beautiful! Want to see?"

Hailey nodded, and Mia stood her in front of the full-length mirror.

Mia gazed at her new daughter's reflection in the mirror. "You look beautiful."

Quicker than Mia would have thought possible, Hailey turned around and pulled her in for a hug. "Thank you, Ma."

Mia nodded, a lump forming in her throat. "Now, let's do your hair."

Mia sat her on a stool in front of the vanity, and then brushed her dark blonde hair up into a style similar to her own, pulled up high on the crown of her head. But instead of pinning it in place, she wrapped it in a high ponytail, and twisted her waves into ringlets that hung down her back.

"Oh, Hailey! You look lovely!" Mia stood her in front of the mirror once more.

Hailey gasped. "Thank you!" She threw her arms around her and gave her a huge hug.

Mia slipped on her shoes, and then they walked out to the living room.

"Shane! Let's put your shoes on!" Mia called for him, and he slid into the living room across the wooden floor in his socks. "We need to put your shoes on. Go get them and I'll help you."

Shane turned around, saw Hailey, and stopped in his tracks. "You look pretty!"

Hailey twisted back and forth, looking down at her dress. "Thank you. Ma did it for me."

Shane froze, and then walked slowly back into his room. He came out a moment later with his shoes in his hands, threw them on the floor, and folded his arms across his chest, glaring at Mia.

Mia picked up the shoes, and then knelt on the floor in front of him. "Shane, I know I'm not your real mother. But Hailey asked if I was her ma now. I know she knows that I'm not your real mother, but knowing that I can stand in for her… well… I think it makes Hailey feel better." She placed her hands on his shoulders as tears formed in his eyes. "Is that okay?"

He nodded, tears running down his cheeks.

"Oh, Shane. Come here." She pulled him to her chest and let him cry on her shoulder.

"Okay. I think we're about…." Caleb walked in through the back door and took in the scene. "Is everything all right?"

Mia gave him a small smile. "I think so." Then, she turned her attention back to Shane. "But you don't ever have to call me Ma if you don't want to."

Shane nodded, and then gave her a hug.

As they were talking, Caleb's lips formed a straight line as he headed into the kitchen.

When he walked back in, Mia and the children were dressed and ready to go.

"My, my!" Caleb reached out for his children and stood them before him. "You both look beautiful."

Shane laughed, smiling. "I'm not beautiful! I'm a boy!"

Hailey covered her mouth as she giggled.

Caleb laughed. "Okay then," he said as he held him at arms-length. "You look very handsome." Then, he stood and took in Mia. "Mia, you look gorgeous."

She blushed at the compliment. "Thank you."

Caleb reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, giving her a small smile. "Okay! Let's get going or we'll be late." He looked down at the children. "Put your coats on, everyone!"

The family rushed to put on their coats, and Mia slipped into her long beige coat that hooked just under her breasts and fell over her dress to the floor, becoming the perfect accessory. Caleb helped Hailey into her coat and lifted her into his arms. "You look beautiful, princess." She giggled as he nuzzled her neck.

"Thank you," Hailey replied. "Ma did it." Then she pointed at Mia.

Shane hung his head as he waited for his father's reaction.

Caleb's mouth flew open, but he quickly recovered himself. "Well, she did a wonderful job."

Shane held his head up and smiled.

"Now, let's go." Caleb carried Hailey to the door. "If we're too late, the parishioners will be waiting for us at the door."

They all piled into the buckboard. Caleb gave them all quilts to cover themselves so they would stay warm as they headed toward the church.

"I'm sorry about the comment," Mia said over Hailey's head, her voice low. "But she asked if she could call me that."

Caleb gave her a weak smile. "It's okay." Then he looked into her eyes. "I would have it no other way."

Mia nodded thoughtfully. She knew it was hard on him, but he was trying. And if he was trying to make it work, then so would she.

They arrived at the church within minutes. They were the first ones there. As the preacher should be, Mia thought. Caleb helped them out, and Shane jumped down of his own accord.

"Shane, don't get yourself dirty before church!" Mia called after him as he scampered off to play.

Caleb offered her his arm. "Shall we?"

She took his arm and let him escort her into the church and to the front pew to the right. Evidently, that must have been the place reserved for the preacher's wife and family. He took her hands in his and looked into her eyes. "Will you be okay here?"

She smiled, grateful for his concern. "Yes, of course."

He grinned, obviously pleased. "You look beautiful."

Mia blushed at the compliment. "Thank you, and you look very handsome."

Caleb smiled as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I'll see you after the service."

He walked to the back and opened the doors to greet the first parishioners to arrive. He shook their hands, and they headed toward the left, but cast their gaze toward her. When their eyes connected, they gave her a welcoming smile and waved, which helped to ease Mia's nerves.

The church filled up quickly, and Caleb greeted them all, cordial to each one. They all shook his hand warmly and took their seats. Many of the women approached Mia and welcomed her to the church and to the community. Mia thanked all of them, and a few had even invited her over for afternoon tea. But she told them that even though she appreciated the invitation, she was kept quite busy at home settling in at present. Satisfied, they smiled graciously and took their seats.

Just before the service started, Ella walked in with Colton right behind her with his hand on the small of her back as they carried in their two new children. The color was back in Ella's face and she looked much better. Colton had guided his wife to sit in the back pew, but Mia motioned for them to sit up front with her. She swung Hailey up on her hip and headed toward them.

"Ella, Colton, come sit with me." Mia smiled as she hugged her friend. "I'll help with the babies."

Ella chuckled. "Mia, you have plenty to worry about than us."

"Nonsense," Mia replied, giving her an encouraging smile. "Come up to the front… please."

Ella chuckled. "Well, if you insist."

Mia linked her arm with Ella's. "I've missed you." She led her to the front of the church as Colton followed.

"I've missed you, too," Ella replied.

Guilt filled Mia at her words. "I'm so sorry. I'm afraid that I haven't been the best friend lately."

"Oh, hush," Ella replied, walking slowly down the aisle. "You've had your hands full with settling in, I'm sure." Ella held her hand, looking into her eyes. "And you've been the best friend I could ever want."

Once Ella was settled in the front pew, Colton sat on one side of his wife and Mia sat on the other. She looked around for Shane. He hadn't come in yet, and the service was about to start.

Mia squeezed Ella's hand. "I'll be right back."

Ella nodded, smiling as she adjusted herself in the pew.

Mia grabbed Hailey and headed to the back of the church and approached Caleb, who was finishing up greeting another parishioner. "Caleb," she whispered. "Could you call for Shane? He hasn't come in yet."

He nodded, and then turned to another parishioner.

Mia went back to the front pew to sit beside Ella and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

A blonde woman and her husband approached a moment later.

"Mia, you know Wyatt Nash, and this is his wife, Madison," Ella said. She started to get up, but Madison stopped her and turned to Mia.

"It's good to see you again, Wyatt," Mia said as he pulled her in for a one-armed hug. Then, Mia offered her hand to Madison. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Madison shook it. "The pleasure's all mine."

"I'm glad you came, Mia," Wyatt said, sliding his arm around his wife.

Mia laughed. "Yeah, you left a mess in New York."

Wyatt shrugged unapologetically. "Sorry about that, but it was unavoidable."

Mia smiled. "Not to worry. It's good to see you here in church, though."

Wyatt chuckled, pulling his wife to his side. "Well, you have Madison to thank for that. She roped and hogtied me and dragged me in."

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.

Ella nodded. "I'll be fine. I'm not an invalid. Go ahead."

"I'll be here with her, Colton," Mia reassured him, and then added, "Don't worry. I'll look after her."

"Oh, for land's sake!" Ella interjected. "I'm fine!"

Colton smiled. "I'll be right over here." He chuckled as he kissed the top of his wife's head and hurried off to help the men set up the rest of the tables.

A few minutes later, Caleb walked in and went directly over to help the men set up. Mia watched him, proud of how he chipped in with the other men. He wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. And she couldn't help but notice how nice he looked in his Sunday suit, and how his muscles flexed under his suit coat.

A band started playing and people started swaying to the music. Others joined in, and, soon, a dance was in full swing, with children dancing as well as adults.

In the corner of the room, a man sat on a tall stool with a guitar on his knee, and another man set up makeshift drums. A few other men joined in, forming a band, and music soon filled the room.

"Care to dance?" One corner of Caleb's lips curled into a handsome smile.

"I thought you'd never ask." Mia took his hand and let him lead her onto the dancefloor.

Caleb looked into her eyes, holding her at a respectable distance as they sashayed over the floor. Soon, other couples joined them and before long, it was a true party.

When the next song started up, Hailey and Shane joined them on the dancefloor. They spent the afternoon dancing and having fun. If Mia didn't know any better, she would have thought they were finally becoming a real family.