Free An Unexpected Mother (The Colorado Brides Series Book 4) by Carré White Page B

obligated to see to their care and maintenance. With the exception of homelessness, of course, but that’s not the case here. I’ve collected the names of several families who are willing to take them, but none will have all five at once.”
    That was the last thing I had wanted to hear. “I see.” My shoulders were back, as I fumed with irritation. “You won’t lift a finger to share in the responsibility, because you feel it’s a hardship for them to go back and forth between our houses, but you have no qualms about splitting them up. YOU WOULD RATHER HAVE THEM SEPARATED!”
    “Please lower your voice.”
    “Coming here has been an enormous waste of time. I should’ve known you’d be completely unreliable. You—how old are you, if I may ask?”
    “I’m not twenty-five yet.” The question seemed to perplex him.
    “I assume you’re unmarried.”
    “I am.”
    “Well, I can see why.”
    A hint of pink appeared on his cheeks. “I beg your pardon?”
    “You might be capable of delivering a rather tepid sermon, but you lack in other essentials.”
    “Before you continue on this path,” his voice held a hint of warning, “I’ll politely ask you not to judge my character by what little you’ve seen.”
    “Oh, I’ve seen more than enough. I thought we’d reached an agreement the other day, but you’ve gone back on your word, which means your word is worth nothing.”
    Knowing that I would now have to deal with the children on my own brought the reality of the situation into sobering focus. Whatever hopes and dreams I had for my future would have to either be abandoned or postponed.
    He must have sensed my distress, because his features softened slightly, as he stared steadily. “I’m sorry for the situation you find yourself in, Mrs. Hatch. I know the children are a shock. I’m appalled that Jason lied to you. Such behavior was beneath him; it really was. I wish I could help you, but, although you find my sermons less than inspiring, others count on me to deliver them. You may not think much of me in that regard,” his brows had drawn together, “but hopefully you’ll see things with greater clarity in the future.” He looked concerned. “Are you all right?”
    “No, I’m not, but you’ve made it abundantly clear that it’s not your problem. I was stupid to think that anyone would help me. I’ll…just do…whatever,” I finished lamely, feeling utterly worn-down in that long, awful moment. “I won’t trouble you again, sir. I’m sorry I’ve disturbed your peace. Good day.” He looked like he would say something else, but I wouldn't give him the chance, as I turned away. With as much dignity as I could muster, I approached the children. “Well, there’s been a change of plans.” Expectant eyes gazed at me. Jane had pursed her lips.
    “No,” said a male voice. I hadn’t realized Pastor Bailey had followed me. “It’s fine. Leave them here.”
    It was an effort to face him. I struggled to hide the tears that wanted to pour from me in a never-ending stream of grief. “We’ve bothered you long enough, sir.”
    “It’s no trouble. I’ll take them until Sunday. My housekeeper will help me.”
    “But you’re right. They’re not yours. I was wrong to even ask you for help. It’s my disaster.” I shrugged; feeling a swell of emotion I wished would go away.
    He took my arm. “Excuse us for a moment.” We headed for the front of the church.
    “W-what are you doing?”
    “You have to hold it together, Mrs. Hatch. You’re dangerously close to losing your composure.”
    “How can you tell?”
    We were just inside the doorway of the office, no more than two feet apart. “You’ve five souls who depend on you. It’s important not to fall apart in front of the children.”
    “When can I fall apart then? I’m in a room with three girls. I would dearly love to have a good cry, but I can’t do it there either.” Just the thought of having a moment of privacy brought a rush of