Free Judith: Bride of Wyoming (American Mail-Order Bride 44) by Hildie McQueen

continue to pay for her to remain at the hotel forever. Have you tried talking to her?”
    “Yes, she won’t budge. She demands to move in immediately. She’s given me until tonight to make a decision. Claims she’ll take Bethany if I don’t.”
    “Then let her.”
    “What?” The pain in his hand forgotten, he gawked at his friend. “Why would I do that?”
    Patrick looked at the fire for a long time. “I don’t believe she wishes to care for Bethany. I believe she is seeking shelter. Spoke to Luther. Angela is not well at all. May not make it ’til winter.”
    The news was like a punch to his gut. What else now? If Angela was dying, he couldn’t pretty much leave her to die alone. What if Bethany asked him about her mother when she grew older. How could he look his daughter in the eyes and not be honest.
    By winter, Judith would be gone and even if she remained, it was probable she’d not want to marry him.
    He wouldn’t blame her, of course. “What am I going to do? I can’t continue to let my child cry all night. I’m so tired I can’t think straight. Help me.”
    “Let me talk to Angela. I have an idea. Tell Eloise and her family to plan supper at your house tonight.”
    * * *
    Patrick was surprised when Angela opened the hotel room door. If anything, she looked worse than just a couple days earlier. He had an idea what ailed her, but it was not his place to ask. Instead, he entered the room leaving the door open enough so a passerby could look inside. It wasn’t proper for him to be in the room alone with her, but she’d refused to come to the church to speak to him.
    “You are very sick.” Patrick met her gaze. “Did the doctor give you something?”
    There was mistrust in the gaze that met his. “Yeah, it’s not working.” She gulped down what he suspected was cheap whisky and closed her eyes. “I’m tired of sitting in this room. If you came to ask me to leave town, I’ll give you the same answer I gave him. I will be moving into his house in the morning. Won’t change my mind.”
    “What about Bethany?”
    She narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”
    “If you’re heavy in your cups, you won’t be able to care for an infant.” Patrick followed the bottle as she brought it back to her lips. “Why did you really come here? It’s got nothing to do with either Sean or Bethany.”
    Her chuckle was bitter. “Tell me, Father. Why does Bethany deserve to have a better life than me? How do I know that woman won’t beat her? How about him? It ain’t natural for a man to raise a girl. Don’t you wonder what he could do to her when she gets older?”
    Patrick fought to keep his disgust hidden. “First off, Bethany deserves a better life because she is an innocent child. Judith would make a good mother. It’s apparent she loves Bethany. She’s very kind and gentle. As far as Sean, I’ve never met a more honorable man.”
    Angela laughed and then coughed. “Honorable? It wasn’t an honorable man in my bed a year and a half ago.”
    “How long since you’ve prayed?” Patrick could see he’d caught her off guard by the rounding of her eyes.
    “What should I pray for, preacher? That this rot inside me go away? That I die sooner than later so it won’t hurt so bad? I have no use for God. He forgot about me a long time ago.”
    “I’m going to pray with you anyway. Can’t hurt.” He bent his head and began a short prayer while Angela remained quiet. He finally looked up to her. “We’ll go see about this situation today. I came to fetch you.”

    Everyone sat around the table. Even Eloise’s youngest child was quieted by the anxious energy of the adults. Bethany’s eyes closed then opened as she fought to stay awake while Sean rocked her in his arms. Every time noise sounded, everyone looked to the door.
    “Did Father O’Reilly say whether we should eat or wait?” Eloise asked for the third time. Her gaze moved from Sean to the kitchen near where she stood. She’d fed