Finally a Bride by Vickie Mcdonough Page B

Why did she affect him like she did? Why couldn’t he treat her like any other woman of marrying age? How would he eat with her right there?
    Come to think of it, his appetite had fled.

Chapter 5

     
    J ack peered over her shoulder at her stepfather as he entered the kitchen. How could he leave her alone with their guest?
    Rearranging her skirts, she swallowed the lump in her throat, wondering why it bothered her so much. She’d never had a problem chatting with their visitors before, but remembering how she couldn’t take her eyes from the new minister’s the first time she saw him, she felt her cheeks warm. How could she have shamelessly gawked at him like that?
    She peeked up, glad to see he was watching Emmie as she reached for Abby’s spoon. Abby scowled at her little sister, snatched the spoon from the youngster’s hand, and put it on the far side of her plate. The pastor’s lip pressed tight, but the corners of his mouth turned up. His black eyes glimmered with humor—eyes that were more intriguing than those of any man she’d ever met. His thick, dark hair refused to lay in place, instead falling forward onto his tanned forehead. And he was so tall. His gaze flicked to hers, then darted away.
    Alan set a glass of water beside her, and she picked it up and took a sip. Had the reverend noticed her staring? What was wrong with her?
    “Alan says you’re the new preacher.” Abby tossed out a glare like it was a challenge. Alan set a glass next to Reverend Jeffers and glanced up with a worried look. He scowled at Abby and went back to the kitchen.
    “I don’t like going to church,” Abby said.
    Jack choked on her water and erupted into a fit of coughing. Her gaze whizzed across the table at him, and his concerned look didn’t help any. She cleared her throat several times and focused on her sister. “Abby, that’s a dreadful thing to say, especially to our new pastor. You apologize right now.”
    “No, it’s all right. I appreciate Abby’s honesty.” He lifted a hand, palm facing outward. “I realize sitting through a church service can be difficult for youngsters.” He smiled, but it did little to put her at ease.
    “Have you been a minister long?” she asked.
    “A little over a year.”
    “Mary’s ma says you’re too young to be a preacher.” Abby tossed a sideways glance at Jack then smirked. “And you ain’t got no wife, neither. Preachers gotta have wives.”
    He looked at Jack as if asking who Mary was. She reached across Emmie’s lap and squeezed Abby’s arm. “We don’t repeat gossip.” She gave her sister a gentle shake. “You just sit there and be quiet. You’re being very rude to our guest.”
    Jack cast him an apologetic glance, relieved that he looked more amused than upset. “I’m sorry. Abby can be rather … um … outspoken.” His lips quirked up in a smile. Then his gaze moved past her, and she heard footsteps. Her parents took their places at the table, as did Alan, who brought the last two glasses of water.
    Luke looked over at Reverend Jeffers. “Would you care to ask the Lord to bless our food, Reverend?”
    He gave a brief nod. “I’d be happy to.” He bowed his head, and the others around the table followed. “Heavenly Father, we thank You for this delicious-smelling meal and for the hands that prepared it. We ask that You bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies, and I ask Your blessing on this household and this town. Amen.”
    “Good. He don’t pray them long-winded prayers like Pastor Taylor did.” Alan jumped out of his chair and snagged a biscuit off the buffet.
    “Son, don’t talk poorly of Pastor Taylor,” Luke said. “He’s a good man. And set that biscuit down. You know we allow our guests to go first.”
    Alan flopped back in his chair. “Sorry, Pa, but I’m starvin’.”
    “Please, Reverend, help yourself.” Jack’s ma held her hand toward the buffet.
    The minister looked down at his plate. “Thank you, but it