Christmas Surprise by Paisley Kirkpatrick

Author:Paisley Kirkpatrick
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical romance, American Western Romance, American Western Historical Romance, Historical Romance ebook, Historical romance fiction
Publisher: Paisley Kirkpatrick
Published: 2019-03-03T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Hank gathered his family into the wagon and let Matthias drive them to church. Once they arrived in front of the chapel and he pulled the horses to a halt, Hank maneuvered himself off the wagon seat and walked inside with his crutches. Pastor Timmons helped him settle in the front row and sat beside him.

"How's the broken leg doing?"

"Fine, except it isn't healing fast enough."

"I might have a diversion for you."

"What do you have in mind?"

"It's not what I have in mind, Hank. It's what the lady in my office wants."

"Jacob, you're talking in circles. Please just say it straight?"

"One of your mail order brides arrived last night. We didn't want to break into your entertainment so kept her with us. When you leave today, she's yours to take home."

Hank rested his forehead against his palm. "Oh, dear God, no. We don't need another woman at the lodge."

The pastor chuckled. "You're outnumbered, aren't you?"

"Yes, and it doesn't look like I'll be getting a son-in-law anytime soon."

"Ah, but you must remember patience is a virtue, Hank. By the way, the lady said she knew you. Her name is Penelope Brown."

"Penelope Brown? I don't recollect the name."

"She remembers you quite well. We heard stories from when you were youngsters."

Hank frowned at his pastor. "You're having too much fun at my expense."

"She accompanied her father, Roy Harvey, to the lodge."

He gasped. "Oh, I do remember her. I called her Nellie."

"She's the one. Would you like to meet her now or wait until after the service?"

Hank glanced down the pew until he caught Caroline's attention. He motioned for her to join him.

She grabbed her bag and hurried his way. "What's wrong, Daddy?"

He moved over and patted the pew next to him. "Sit so we can decide what to do with the mail order bride who's waiting in Pastor Timmon's office."

"What?"

"Penelope Brown arrived last night. What makes the situation even worse is that we've known each other since we were teenagers. If she's anything like I remember, she won't take rejection well."

Caroline let out a deep sigh. "I'm so sorry, Daddy. I cancelled the ad, but she might have seen it in an old magazine. I brought all the apology letters to give Mrs. Timmons after the service. I'll go right now and send your surprise guest on her way."

Jacob started his service, but Hank couldn't concentrate on what he preached. He should have gone to Nellie instead of sending his daughter. This annoying mail order bride situation was getting on his nerves. It should have been concluded by now.

A door at the back of the church slammed open. "Henry Hughes!"

Hank closed his eyes and wished he could crawl inside his boots. He grabbed his crutches and tried to stand, but lost his balance and toppled forward. Jacob hurried from the pulpit and caught him before he hit the floor. Madeleine picked up the crutches and helped him stand.

"Thank you, Maddie." He faced the churchgoers. "Sorry for the drama this morning." He hobbled along the aisle toward the furious woman waiting for him at the back of the church.

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