Read Online Finally a Bride by Vickie Mcdonough - Free Book Online

doesn’t seem proper for me to go before you ladies and the children.”
    “I knew I was gonna like him.” Alan grabbed his plate and jumped up, but her papa snagged her brother’s arm and pressed him back onto his chair.
    “Since the pastor has expressed his wishes, we’ll let the ladies go first, Son.”
    Alan scowled into his plate, while Abby grinned. Jack could almost hear her sister’s taunting, “Na–na–na–na–na! I get to go before you.”
    “That’s kind of you, Reverend.” Her mother stood, took her dish and Jack’s, then soon returned with both plates filled with food.
    Jack wondered how she’d manage to eat so much pork roast, green beans, and potatoes with him sitting across the table. And just why did that bother her so much?
    She’d already decided she wasn’t going to chase after him like some schoolgirl with her first crush. Tessa had made it clear that she meant to lasso the poor, unsuspecting man.
    With her head lowered, she watched him through her lashes. He waved and smiled at Emmie while he waited on her siblings to fill their plates. Finally, he followed Luke to the buffet. While his back was turned, she took the opportunity to study him. Luke was a solid six feet two, so Reverend Jeffers had to be at least six feet four. His shoulders were even broader than Luke’s, but he wasn’t husky for a large man, nor was he a string bean. In fact, he looked well-muscled—a man more used to physical labor than studious pursuits. As far as she could tell, Noah Jeffers was close to perfect. She exhaled a heavy sigh then noticed her mother watching her. A smirk danced on her ma’s lips, and a knowing gleam lit her eyes.
    Appalled that her ma must think she was attracted to the man, Jack shook her head and stabbed a bite of meat.
    The minister returned with a full plate and a contented smile and sat down. She imagined a man his size had a big appetite.
    “This sure looks delicious, Mrs. Davis.” He poked some green beans with his fork and took a bite.
    “Thank you,” her ma said. “Pastor Taylor didn’t tell us much about you when he mentioned you’d be taking his place. So, where do you hail from?”
    “Emporia, ma’am.”
    “Isn’t there a sawmill in Emporia?” Luke set his plate down and reached across the table for the butter.
    “Yes, there is. They cut a lot of wood there, but most of the lumber is shipped by train to Houston.” Using his fork, the minister lifted one corner of his meat, which he’d covered with the red-eye gravy her ma had made.
    Intrigued, Jack watched him. His brow crinkled, and he leaned down, as if to sniff his food, then glanced up and caught her watching. Quickly he cut a bite of meat and shoved it in his mouth. He chewed it a few times, and she’d have sworn—if she swore—that he turned three shades of white before he all but turned green. His cheeks puffed out as if he’d belched. A panicked look engulfed his handsome face as he glanced one direction and then the other. Suddenly he leapt from his chair and rushed out of the room.
    “My heavens.” Her mother looked at Luke. “What do you suppose that was about?”
    Luke shook his head and glanced at his plate. He blew out a sigh. “Don’t know, but I’ll go check on ‘im.”
    “If’n he’s done eatin’, can I have his food?” Alan reached over to take the pastor’s biscuit.
    Her ma snapped her fingers. “Don’t touch that. I’m sure he’ll be right back.” Then she glanced over and met Jack’s eyes. Her brows lifted.
    Jack shrugged. “That was the strangest thing I think I’ve ever seen.”

     
    Noah’s stomach swirled and cramped, and he bent over the porch railing and heaved. Once he retched, his belly settled. With his hands spread apart, he leaned on the railing, his head hanging. What a fool he’d made of himself. How could he go back in there?
    “You all right, Reverend?” Mr. Davis stopped a few feet behind him.
    “I’m sorry, sir.” He straightened, pressing