Rescuing The Preacher (Christmas Rescue Series Book 1) by Cheryl Wright

Author:Cheryl Wright [Wright, Cheryl]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian Era, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Frontier-Pioneer Era, Cowboy & Western Romance, Hearts Desire, American West, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area, Christmas Rescue Series, Multi-Author Collection, Christmas Holidays & Celebration, Christmas Time, Holiday Whimsy, Festive Season, Winter Weather
Publisher: Cheryl Wright
Published: 2019-11-29T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Rose faced the preacher. “What just happened?”

Her words faltered, as she knew they would.

He stood stiffly and stared at her. “Honestly? I don’t know. I had no indication this was coming.”

He glanced down at his still sobbing daughter, then walked over to her and hugged her tight. “It will be alright, sweetheart. Rose isn’t going anywhere.” He glanced up at her. “Are you?”

Her heart tightened in her chest and she could barely breathe. She had to make a choice – leave this little town and her newly adopted family immediately, or marry the preacher.

She looked from one to the other of them, then squeezed her eyes tightly shut, not allowing the tears to escape. Turning her back on them, she pretended to tidy up from the meal, despite having already done it.

“Rose?” His voice was low and gentle. “I will not force you to do this, but you need to make a decision. Bishop Holloway will be waiting. If you decide against it...”

She hurriedly intercepted his words. “I’ll do it.” What other choice did she have?

Her words came out much quicker than she’d intended. She had no money, and no where to go. If she stopped looking after the children, there was no reason to stay here, and no means to pay rent to Mrs Armstrong.

It was all a huge mess.

He stood frozen. “You’re certain?” He looked as bewildered as she felt. She had no idea what caused this sudden turn of events, and was certain he was in the same situation.

Obviously someone had contacted the Bishop. Was it Mrs Stapleton? Rose wouldn’t put it past her, but she had no evidence that was the case.

“Grace, why don’t you go and play in the sitting room for a bit?”

It was obvious Grace didn’t want to leave, but wanted to see how it all panned out. She couldn’t possibly understand what was unfolding, but the emotions were blatantly clear. That much was certain.

When they were alone, Matthew approached her. “You don’t have to do this. I’m not going to make you.” His hands were on her arms. It was the first time he’d ever touched her, and it felt nice.

His eyes suddenly fell on his hands and he snatched them away.

“Where would I go?” she asked softly. “I have no choice. It wouldn’t be so bad, would it? Being married to me?”

He was probably wondering the same thing, but didn’t hesitate. “No. It certainly wouldn’t. And not much would change – you would sleep here instead of at Mrs Armstrong’s. That’s it really.”

He smiled at her, but she could tell it was a forced smile. “A preacher’s wife has certain obligations in the community. Do you think you could manage that as well as the children?”

“What obligations?” It was the first she knew of it.

“Helping with the Ladies Auxiliary. Preparing food for those in need. That sort of thing.”

She nodded slowly. Rose had been pushed into a corner. There was little choice available to her, but at least this time she knew what she was getting in to and had a choice.

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