An Unexpected Mother (The Colorado Brides Series Book 4) by Carré White

us to help you. You’re not alone.”
    “Poor Hannah. Her house will be like an orphanage.”
    “She took in the Montgomery children when they needed a place to stay. She’s a generous woman. She’ll graciously open her home, as she has done before. We could all learn a lesson or two from her charity.” Mother’s look was meaningful.
    “Then I’m uncharitable? I’m not a good Christian? Is that what you’re implying? I’m giving up my chance of happiness to…to mind someone else’s family. I don’t even know these people! It’s not fair at all what’s happened to me. Don’t you realize the implications? My life is over. I’ll never find a husband now. No man in his right mind would marry a woman who has five children. I might as well wear black from here on out!”
    Father closed his eyes, as a deep, strained breath lifted his chest. “I’m developing a dreadful headache.”
    Mother took my arm. “Now listen, Fanny, and listen good. You may not be happy about it, but God is asking you to do the right thing. It’s imperative that you set aside your wants and selfish inclinations. Your sister Paulina has a child she’s minding whose parents have died. She loves Laura, as if she were her own. Louisa has three children that aren’t hers, yet she adores them. You’re being asked to do the same. I’m sorry if you feel your life is over, but this situation is rather urgent. There are five innocent souls who need care and nurturing. They need a mother. The oldest might be helpful to you. She seems to have taken charge of the little ones for quite some time.”
    “Your mother is right, Fanny. Accept your fate, my dear. There’s no way around it.”
    “Fine.” It felt as if my world had just imploded. I was far too distraught to think clearly. What I really wanted was to find a quiet room and weep, but the luxury of self-pity would not be mine, as I had to attend a brunch. “They’ll need their things. I have no idea where Pastor Horrible lives. I assume their belongings are there.”
    “Oh, Fanny,” mother intoned. “Goodness. I hope the Lord gives me the strength I need to make it through the day.”
    “We’ll share a brandy later, my dear. We’ve earned a few sips.”
    “Let’s do this then.” I sniffed, clearing my nose, while thrusting my shoulders back. “I’m ready.”
    The children waited patiently in the church, sitting in a pew, while Hannah spoke to Pastor Bailey. Her eyes lit when she saw me. “Fanny.” She smiled sympathetically. “I’ve been told about…the situation. We have room for them. We’ve a bunkhouse that’s empty at the moment. It can sleep the boys. The girls can stay in the house.”
    “Your kindness is appreciated.” I refused to look at Pastor Bailey. “We’re to get their things. I don’t know where…where…he lives.” I couldn’t bring myself to say his name out loud.
    “I’ll escort you to my apartment.”
    Hannah glanced between us. “Well, I guess that’s settled then.”
    “Thank you, Mrs. Weaver. I wish all my parishioners were as gracious and selfless as you.”
    Steam all but began to seep out of my ears. I wanted to scream at him for deliberately provoking me, but the eyes of a young boy, who stared at me with expectation, stymied the impulse. His brother stared as well, and his sisters, who were all quietly seated. The girls wore simple bonnets, with wisps of blonde hair escaping around the edges. The older sister seemed the most composed; her face was bland, yet there was an edge to her look. She appeared older than her age, and, perhaps, the hardships of life had taken a toll.
    I experienced a moment of intense shame then. It was as crushing as it was humbling. I hadn’t really considered how difficult this had been for the children. They had lost their parents and their uncle and now…they were being handed off to strangers.
    “I’m Fanny, by the way.” I held out my hand to the youngest. “How do you do?”
    “My name’s