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

a hand to his stomach, and turned. “I guess I should have told your wife that I can’t eat pork. It’s just that I thought your daughter—the middle one—said it was pot roast.”
    Luke smiled. “Abby sometimes gets confused on the meat we’re having. If it looks like a roast, it’s a pot roast to her.”
    Noah rubbed his hand across his mouth, making a mental note to look the meat over better before taking any in the future. “I hate to think I hurt your wife’s feelings. I feel bad about that.”
    “Think nothing of it. Rachel’s run this place for close to fifteen years. She’s used to people having particular tastes or not being able to tolerate certain foods.”
    “I just don’t want her going to any extra effort on my behalf.”
    Luke clapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry about her. She’s a good-natured woman and wants to please her guests.” He stared at Noah; then his brows dipped. “Have we met before? There’s something familiar about you.”
    Noah’s heart jolted. He wasn’t ready to tell people his true identity. What would the marshal say if he knew who he actually was? Would he kick him out of his home? Out of town?
    A wagon rolled to a stop in the street, and the marshal turned his attention to it. He smiled. “When’d you get back home, Garrett?”
    Noah studied the man in the wagon, grateful for the reprieve. He fully intended to answer the marshal’s question, but he needed more time first. He had things to do in this town—to make recompense for injuries he’d caused in his youth.
    “Afternoon, Luke. I just rolled into town. I suppose you’ve already had your lunch.”
    Luke shook his head. “We’ve just started eating. C’mon in and join us.”
    Noah recognized Garrett Corbett, the older of the marshal’s two cousins. The man glanced down at the mess Noah had made in the grass, then back up. His brows lifted. “Is Rachel trying out a new recipe? Or did Jack cook?”
    Luke chuckled and shook his head. “Neither. This here’s our new parson, Reverend Jeffers.” Noah extended his hand toward Garrett.
    “I’d appreciate it if y’all would call me Noah.”
    “Nice to meet you, Reverend.” Garrett nodded. “Just let me take the wagon around to the freight office and tend to my horses; then I’ll wash up and come back.” He clucked to the horses, and they plodded forward.
    Luke waved and turned to face Noah. “Are you ready to go inside now?”
    Noah hung his head. How could he face Mrs. Davis after his uncouth flight from her table? How could he face Jack?
    “Don’t be worrying so much, Noah. You’re not the first in this house to air their paunch.”
    “I hope I didn’t make your wife feel bad. The beans I ate were delicious.”
    Luke crossed the porch and opened the front door. “C’mon. Rachel will be fine. I’ll explain to her.”
    “If you could show me where a bucket and the water is, I’ll take care of”—he motioned toward the porch rail—”uh … that.”
    Luke shook his head. “No need. I’ll tend to it. Just come on back inside.”
    Noah nodded and trudged across the porch. He hadn’t been here a full day yet, and he’d already made a fool of himself. If only Abby hadn’t said the meat was pot roast, then he wouldn’t have taken any. He hated wasting food, but there was no way he could eat two bites of that pork—much less that large slice he’d taken. He could only hope Mrs. Davis would forgive him.

     
    Jack watched Noah Jeffers wolf down his food—everything, that is, except his meat. Whatever had bothered him earlier no longer affected him. Perhaps he didn’t like the flavor of the meat, or maybe something had gotten stuck in his throat.
    “When is your next trip to Denison, Garrett?” Her mother pulled a biscuit in half and buttered both sides then handed one to Abby and the other to Emma.
    “I was thinking about headin’ that way in a day or two.” Garrett stabbed a bite of meat and shoved it in his mouth.