Free An Unexpected Widow (The Colorado Brides Series) by Carré White Page A

which was fine by me, but Frank hated it. Nathan and Jerry had carried him outside, after Dr. Caldwell gave permission for such activities. He enjoyed being able to be outdoors to look at his fields, but someone had to push him, and the going was difficult, as the wheels stuck in the soil and ceased rotating. But I persisted in taking him out, wanting him to feel the sun upon his face, although he complained about the chair not being comfortable.
    The first Sunday Frank joined me in church; I felt a measure of peace then that our lives might actually return to some form of order, although a new pastor now preached. Nathan and Jerry helped Frank into the wheelchair, pushing him to the church, but he had to be carried in. We arrived early enough to not draw attention, but people still stopped to stare.
    Rhoda had made a beeline for us, her bonnet bouncing with each step. “Well, look at you! It’s so good to see you up and about, Mr. Clark.”
    “Thank you, Mrs. Caldwell. If it wasn’t for your husband’s skill at healing, I wouldn’t even be here today.”
    “Oh, bosh! You were doing just fine on your own.” She glanced at me. “How are you, Hannah? We missed you at tea last week.”
    “I’m sorry. I plain forgot about that.”
    “I understand. Perhaps you can come today?” She looked hopeful.
    “I’m not sure.”
    “You should go, darling. You needn’t fuss over me anymore than you already do.”
    “I suppose, or Nathan can bring you home and come get me.”
    “We’ll figure something out.”
    Rhoda took a seat next to her husband, who nodded at me. I shouldn’t have, but I craned my neck, glimpsing rows filled with people, among them were miners and several of the parlour house ladies, who sat in the back. Sally Higgins and Adaline Ross were behind me. After the service, I waited for the congregation to file out, wondering how I would remove Frank from the church. To my horror, he had soiled himself, although he couldn’t feel it. I would not be able to attend the tea after all, as we needed to hurry home.
    Pastor Bailey approached. “Mrs. Clark, Mr. Clark.” He shook Frank’s hand. “How are you today? Do you need help out?”
    “I have someone coming.” Knowing that Frank had wet himself, I prayed this would go unnoticed. I glanced over my shoulder, curious about where Nathan was.
    “You did a fine job,” said Frank. “Especially the sermon alluding to the Corinthians. I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
    “Why, that’s high praise. I know how much people miss you, Pastor Clark. I’m still so green behind the ears, I find I repeat myself too often.”
    “Excuse me for a moment.” I rushed down the aisle and out the door, scanning the dusty street. Several wagons ambled by, followed by shouting. The miners were rowdy seven days a week, and Sunday was no exception. “Nathan!” Approaching the saloon, I waited, listening to laughter and music, while men drank and spent all their money. “Mr. Weaver!” It smelled of stale spirits, with a hint of wet wood. The doors suddenly swung outward.
    “Yes?” He appeared, smiling. “The service over so soon?”
    “It is. We have to go.”
    “What’s wrong?”
    He always seemed to know when I was stressed. “Um…there’s been a little accident, but…it’s fine.”
    “I’ll get Jerry. Hold up a second. Meet me at the church.”
    “I will.”
    Frank was in discussion with the preacher, oblivious to the fact that he had made a mess of himself. Once Nathan and Jerry arrived, I hurried down the aisle. “Well, we’re good to go now. I have the boys.”
    “Excellent. I’ve taken up enough of Pastor Bailey’s time.”
    Nathan and Jerry labored to lift Frank, whose arms were around the men’s necks. “It’ll be a relief once these legs start working again,” he said, smiling.
    “We say a prayer for your full recovery at every service,” said Pastor Bailey.
    “Thank you so much for that.”
    “It was good seeing you, Mrs.