Free Shameful Celia (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 3) by Carré White

upset at me for naming her Noah.”
    “It’s a fine name.”
    “Not for a girl,” I giggled.
    “Noleen then.”
    “Or Nora.”
    “Yes, those are all acceptable, but I hope you have a boy. I’m fond of the name Noah.”
    “So am I.” I stood in the hallway, hearing a baby crying. “Someone’s upset.”
    “That’s little Hamish. He belongs to the John’s Family.”
    “Oh. I haven’t met them yet.”
    “I’m sure you will, in time.”
    “I’m sorry about the mess. I can clean the dishes tomorrow. Just leave them in the sink.”
    “That’s not necessary. I can manage.”
    “Well, good night, Nick. It’s been an enjoyable supper. You sure are easy company.”
    “So are you.”
    I reached into my pocket. “Here’s your key back. You can leave it above the door again.”
    “Why don’t you keep it? That way you can come whenever you like.”
    “That would be marvelous. I’d love that.”
    His smile fell marginally, transforming into something thoughtful. “I would too.”
    “See you later then, preacher. Have a good night.”
    “And you, Celia.”
    He waited, standing in the hallway with his hands in pockets, until I had reached my room. I closed the door, leaning against it, while an enormous smile split my face. Good gracious, but I was fond of that man!

Chapter 9
    D etermined to be helpful , I awoke early the next morning, happily swinging my legs over the side of the bed. With my belly being as large as it was, sleeping had become a challenge and finding comfortable positions even more so. If I lay on my back, the baby pressed into my bowels, so laying on my side seemed the best option, but I needed a pillow between my legs. Then there wasn’t a pillow available for my head. I would have to ask Nick for another one.
    These were the thoughts that jumbled around in my mind, as I dressed and readied myself, determined to make breakfast. Using the key, I let myself into the pastor’s abode, finding his bedroom door closed. Knowing he remained asleep, I puttered around the small kitchen, making coffee and flapjacks, while reading one of his older newspapers at the table.
    Nicolas appeared a short while later, dressed in a gray nightshirt and striped drawers, with a little string tied in front. Startled to see me, he quickly combed fingers through his hair.
    “Good morning,” he said in a slightly gravelly voice.
    “Morning.” I smiled brightly. “Everything’s ready.”
    “You didn’t have to make breakfast, Celia. We could’ve gone to the restaurant.”
    “It was nothing. I made eggs too.”
    He poured a cup of coffee from the percolator. “Thank you.”
    “There’s sugar and milk.”
    “No, that’s fine.”
    “I tried to wait for you, but I’ve already eaten. You slept so long. Are you well?”
    He sat across from me. “Yes, I’m well. It’s only eight. I’m typically not at church until nine.” His eyes looked bleary. “I’ve a late night tonight. It’s Bible study and then coffee.”
    “That sounds lovely. Can anyone come?”
    “Of course.”
    “When is it?”
    “At seven.”
    “Are there many people?”
    “Quite a few.”
    “Mostly married folks, right?”
    “Some unmarried.” He took a sip. “Are you planning on meeting your future husband tonight?” A chuckle escaped him.
    “You never can tell. I’m certainly in need of one.”
    “I think you have plenty of time to make up your mind. You don’t want to marry poorly, or you’ll be stuck forever in something rotten.”
    “Well, I can’t have that.”
    “Fate intervened the last time. It doesn’t sound like you were all that fond of your first choice.”
    “No, I really wasn’t. I married Lloyd outta sheer necessity, which is what most women of my station are forced to do. It would be a dream to marry someone I loved.”
    “And wanted to kiss,” he supplied, smiling over the rim of the mug.
    “That too. Especially that.”
    “And someone who smells nice.”
    He had woken in a fine, teasing