John Wayne headed for the porch with the blond man in tow. “Ethan,” John said, and held his hand out, “it’s good to see you. I wanted to introduce our new preacher to you and extend an invitation to another get-together.”
Ethan kept his mouth from falling open. The man was a giant. The preacher stood half a head taller than John Wayne which was no small accomplishment. His legs were the size of tree trunks and the muscles in his arms bulged under his shirt like they just might bust clean through the fabric. When Ethan’s eyes reached his face, the big man shrugged as if to say Yup, I’m big.
His face was broad and open. Eyes the pale blue of ice—kind eyes, watchful eyes, eyes that didn’t miss much—surveyed the group gathered on the porch. His hair was so blond Ethan couldn’t decide if it was silver or white. He had a face that glowed as if a candle burned in his chest. Leaning over the porch rail, he laid his hand on the baby’s little bottom. His smile was a benediction, a blessing.
John Wayne cleared his throat. “This is our new preacher, Sven Nielson. Sven, this is Ethan Ford, the sheriff.”
Ethan stood and held his hand out. “Nice to meet you, Sven, but I’m not the sheriff any longer.” He placed his hand on his wife’s shoulder. “This is my wife, Charlotte.”
“Nice to meet you.” Sven shook Ethan’s hand and gave Charlotte a polite tip of his head.
John continued, “The new school house is finished, and we’re expecting the teacher to arrive any day now. My wife is having a tea next Thursday to give folks a chance to meet her. We would be mighty happy if you would all come and make her feel welcome.” He turned his attention to Sven. “Would you offer a prayer?”
“It would be my pleasure. What is the school teacher’s name?” Sven queried.
“Caroline Connors,” John replied.
The color drained from the preacher’s face, and he froze into the stillness of marble. His smile faded. The light in his chest extinguished.
John’s brows drew together. “Do you know her?”
“I did know a woman by that name back in my hometown.” His lips turned up once more, but it looked like a chore, an effort of great magnitude.
“I’m sure it’s not the same person. What are the chances of that?” Sven raised his hands and let them fall in acknowledgement of those long odds.
What, indeed, were the chances of that?
Victoria Phelps
Victoria Phelps lives in northern California with her two best friends: her handsome husband and her Goldendoodle, Max. She has two daughters, two sons-in-law, four granddogs and one grandcat. That’s a lot of fur!
Victoria, who has always loved the written word, taught literature and writing. Now that she has the opportunity to write full time, she is in wordsmith heaven. She enjoys playing tennis, quilting, and reading, reading, reading.
Don’t miss these exciting titles by Victoria Phelps and Blushing Books!
Texas Time Travel Series
Home on the Range - Book One
Meeting John Wayne - Book Two
Wyld Woman - Book Three
Lone star Love Series
Troubled Water - Book One
Treasured - Book Two
Connect with Victoria Phelps:
www.victoriaphelpsromance.com
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Treasured: Lonestar Love, Book Two Page 18
