A Mail Order Bride for the Miner (Love by Mail #2)(8)

Sarah immediately took in a huge gasp of breath. “I – I can manage without it.”

“Are – are you sure?”

Sarah nodded. “I’ve learned how.” And I’ve learned how to hide that from other people. But she did not say that out loud. Instead Sarah drew the curtains aside. “There, see. There’s plenty of moonlight.”

Hank smiled and took the lantern. “I’ll be in – in the next room.”

Sarah smiled back, as Hank closed the door behind him. She closed her eyes and a teardrop rolled down her cheeks. She went down on her knees beside the bed for a prayer of thanks. She was truly blessed not only to find a husband, but one so understanding as Hank.

*

She wiped the window… for the fourth time. The crystal clear glass let in the afternoon sun. The furniture shined, no sparkled, in the light and so did the floor.

She looked out the window taking in the view of farmlands down the hill. She should be cooking dinner, but so far she’d done everything except get near the stove. Betsy helped her the first few days while she was still around. Once she travelled back home the leftovers lasted another day. Sarah glanced at the matches taunting her on the kitchen counter.

Time to face my fear. She sighed and took a step closer when a knock on the door stopped her in her tracks. Must be a sign, she thought and went to greet whoever was knocking.

Sarah barely cracked the door open when Claire bolted in to give her a big hug. They have grown fond of each other quickly.

“How’re you doing?”

“Finally getting some peace and quiet,” Sarah joked. “Come in, come in. Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Oh, no, don’t worry about me,” Claire began, “I just wanted to see how you were settling in.”

Sarah couldn’t help the sigh that escaped her lips.

“Not so good, I take it, then?” Claire said with a raised brow.

Immediately, Sarah shook her head. “No, I mean, yes. I – I’m fine. I was just cleaning the house and getting ready to prepare dinner. Would you like something to eat? To drink?”

“Oh, a hot cocoa would be fine.”

Sarah nodded stiffly and turned on her heels, heart hammering in her chest. She dashed to the kitchen and stared long and hard at the stove. How was she going to do this? Just light the fire… Just light it…

“Everythin’ all right here?”

Sarah turned. Claire was behind her. “I, uh, I was just…”

Claire touched her shoulder. “You look worried. Is there something wrong?”

Sarah looked at her, then at the empty pot standing on dry wood. She touched her scars. “These scars… They’re from a fire. I almost died…”

“Oh, Lord almighty,” Claire gasped and hugged her.

Sarah’s face reddened. “Hank knows, but I don’t know how I can be a wife – cook for him and –”

“Then it must be God’s will that I’m here!” Claire declared.

Sarah’s face brightened. “Maybe you are right. I was praying just a moment ago for help with my fears!”

“Bless your heart, dear. Then it’s settled!” Claire said rolling up her sleeves. “I’ll help you get the fire started and we can pray together for you to get stronger. With God’s help you’ll surely be cooking yourself in no time!”

“Thank you, Claire.” Sarah was nearly in tears. Everyone in town was so nice to her. She couldn’t believe her luck.

Together they chopped the vegetables and seasoned the meat. Once all was ready Claire grabbed the matches. She looked at Sarah. “Ready?”

Sarah nodded and stepped back a little bit. “Lord, give me strength,” she whispered. She was determined to keep her eyes on the little stick.

The flames came alive and Sarah gasped. Despite her best intent she took several steps backward and struggled to keep a sob from erupting. She averted her gaze from the fire.

“It’s all right,” Claire said, and rubbed Sarah’s back once the fire was set under the pot. “We’ll get there eventually.”

Sarah nodded mutely, not daring to look over Claire’s shoulder at the fire. She walked swiftly to the living room and all but flung herself on a chair. Here she was, lady of the house, letting the pastor’s sister cook for them – without pay! Maybe she should offer Claire something in return for her help.

Sarah hid her face behind her hands. Hank might’ve been accepting, but how long will his patience last, when the rest of the town learns that his wife can’t even do her job? She gripped the front of her blouse and began, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear…” A moment later she heard footsteps coming from the kitchen and Claire joined in the prayer.





Chapter 6


Hank stopped just outside the door of his house and took in the warm, spicy scent lingering in the air. It left a slightly tangy taste in his mouth. Hank couldn’t guess what the devil was cooking in his house.

He thumped loudly on the door.

"Coming!" his wife called from inside. His wife. Hank smiled to himself; he still wasn’t quite used to the fact he was now married.

Sarah opened the door and greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. “Welcome home.” She wiped her hands on her apron and pulled him inside.