Read Online Shameful Celia (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 3) by Carré White - Free Book Online Page A

up on all the world news. I haven’t read the paper in a good long while, not since Lloyd died.”
    He strode into the room, eyeing the stove. “That smells good.”
    “Chicken dumplings. My ma used to make it. It’s a miracle I remembered the recipe.” Scratching his chin, he approached the table, seemingly unsure of what to do. “Sit down, if you like. It’s all ready. I’ve been waiting for you.”
    He hesitated a moment, his hand on the chair, but then he pulled it out, sitting. “All right. How … I didn’t have chicken. How did you buy the things you needed?”
    “I have money.” Lifting the pot on the bubbling concoction, I ladled out a heaping portion. “I’m not entirely helpless, Nick. I have enough to get me through for a while.” I left the bowl before him. “Here you go. I hope you like it. I had a taste earlier, and it’s lovely. I confess, I might’ve had a bowl already, but I’d be happy to have another.”
    He grinned. “I wouldn’t expect any less of you.”
    Sliding onto the seat next to him, I gazed happily at his pleasing countenance. “I’ll wait.”
    Bowing his head, he said, “Lord, thank you for this delicious meal I’m about to eat and for Mrs. Wellington’s resourcefulness. As always, I ask humbly for your blessings, that I may strive to do your will in all things. Please help Celia to settle well in Boot Creek, and watch over her, because she’s about to have a baby. Amen.”
    “Amen,” I said, smiling.
    He took a bite, chewing and moaning. “Good.”
    “I thought so.”
    “You didn’t have to do this, Celia.”
    “Yes, I did. I don't have a cook stove. You’ve plenty of provisions. I left everything I bought with you. Your sink has running water. I’m in awe of it. It’s convenient not to have to dash out to the well every time I need water.”
    “It saves time.” He continued to eat, until the bowl was empty.
    “More?”
    “Yes, please.”
    Sliding from the seat, I waddled over to the stove, feeling heavier than ever. Eating well these past two days had added weight, as I felt the pull in my lower back.
    “You should rest. You look tired.”
    “I’ll go to my room shortly.” I poured the broth into his bowl. “There you are.”
    “Thank you.”
    I sat again, resting my chin in my palms, while the elbows remained on the table. “I plan a trip to the water closet after this. I’m going to have another bath.”
    “Sounds like a fine idea.”
    “Then I’m going to start that book you gave me. I’m quite eager to read it.”
    “I hope you enjoy it.”
    “What did you do today?”
    “Church business.”
    “What sort of preacher are you?”
    “Baptist.”
    “I’m Catholic, but I’ll take whatever religion I can get. I haven’t gone all that often. We lived so far out that traveling ten miles for a service was too much. Lloyd and I went once a month.”
    “What’s your background?”
    “I’m from Irish stock, like I said. My family came from Cork, which is near the sea. They left during the potato famine. They came to escape the corruption from greedy landlords and find a better life.”
    He chewed, while nodding.
    “They lived in Manhattan for decades, having ten children. My ma married a butcher, and they decided to head west, and that’s how I ended up in Texas. It’s all I’ve ever known.”
    “I like your accent.” He grinned.
    “It’s god-awful, I know. I’m sorry.”
    “No, it’s fine. I’ve heard worse.”
    “What made you want to be a preacher?”
    “My brothers were outlaws.” His grin grew.
    “Is that true, or are you pulling my leg?”
    “Well, my older brother, Todd, did end up in prison for a while. He was always rubbing one sheriff or another the wrong way. Last I heard, he settled with a divorcee and had a few kids. My sisters are all married. Whenever I get to Missouri, I stop by for a visit. It’s a rather large family, Celia. With fourteen siblings, including me, it’s a mad house.”
    “I can