Prudence's Prayers: Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides Book 44 by Sterling Christine

Author:Sterling, Christine
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Small Cottage Press
Published: 2024-02-13T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

As Hubert held her in his arms, Prudence’s heart danced in her chest. The weight of his gentle touch and the warmth of his presence made her feel lighter than she had in years. She couldn’t help but admire the way his powerful arms carried her, the short distance between his father’s church and the Holstead house as if she weighed next to nothing.

The gold ring on her finger caught the light and she couldn’t stop smiling, knowing that they were about to start their life together. As they approached the house, she caught a whiff of his unique scent, a blend of earthy moss and sweet notes of cinnamon and vanilla.

“You could put me down,” she said with a little laugh.

“I could, but I won’t. Unless you need me to.” His chest rumbled under her cheek.

She was feeling anxious. They were now legally bound in marriage, and he could request intimacy from her whenever he pleased. She had no experience in these things, having only recently had her first and second kiss. Holding hands was new, too.

As he carried her up the porch steps, Prudence’s body jostled in his arms. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment when her feet brushed against the floor instead of being swept off the ground and across the threshold as tradition dictates. But with their already non-traditional wedding, she pushed the thought away and focused on the warmth of his embrace.

“Don’t frown. This isn’t our home.” His fingers grazed her cheek in a gentle caress. “We’ll be home before the end of the week.”

Hubert stepped back, pulling open the door, and Prudence let them in through the main door.

“I was thinking, not frowning.”

“Potato, potahto,” he chuckled.

She couldn’t help but admire the way he effortlessly removed his jacket and hung it on the hook by the front door. He even took off his boots before stepping further into the house. That was something her father never did. As she nervously copied his actions, she realized with embarrassment that she was still wearing her heavy winter cloak from the ceremony earlier.

Hubert took it from her hands, hanging it next to his before turning back to her. “You look beautiful.”

“I’m sorry that I didn’t think to take my cloak off. Lately, my respect for propriety would have horrified my mother.”

“You haven’t mentioned her. Do you miss her?”

“Every day.” Walking around him, Prudence headed for the kitchen. No one had asked about her mother in years. The mere thought of her caused a sharp pain, a wound that had never fully healed. So much for keeping that closet door closed.

“Hey,” Hubert called softly from the doorway, “what did I say wrong?”

“My mother died four years ago. No one talks about her.” Instead of looking at him, she moved the bread pans from the stove to the table and replaced them with a Dutch oven containing dinner. Lifting the lid of the pot, she quickly stirred the stew inside while grief swamped her. “I never thought I’d get married without her.

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