Free Sarah: Bride of Minnesota (American Mail-Order Bride 32) by Katie Crabapple Page B

his head to pray for them. When he lifted it, he took another sip of his coffee studying her over the rim of his cup. "I dreamed about you."
    She wasn't certain how to respond to that. "Good dreams, I hope?"
    He shook his head. "Not exactly. I dreamed that we went to church today, and everyone talked to you about how hideous they'd heard you would be. So you went to the pastor and said you refused to be married to me for another minute, and you demanded he introduce you to all of the unmarried men in the congregation."
    Sarah laughed softly. "Oh, Karl. I'm almost used to you. Do you really think I'd do that?"
    He made a face. "Almost used to me? Is that supposed to be a compliment?" He took a bite of his bacon, his face sad.
    She grinned. "Really, I think we're going to suit very well. I can't imagine starting over with a new man now. You're too special to me."
    His eyes met hers, startled. "I am?"
    She nodded. "You are. You're a good provider, and you treat me very well. I couldn't ask for more in a husband."
    "Except maybe a romantic Irishman who doesn't tell everyone he knows that you're ugly?" He looked embarrassed as he talked about what he'd done.
    She laughed. "I forgave you for that, remember?" She wasn't sure how she'd feel in a few hours when she was reminded of it again, but she had forgiven him, so she wouldn't bring it up regardless.
    He took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it softly. "Thank you for that. You really don't want to go find another man to marry?"
    She shook her head. "I really don't. I like you, Karl. I — I think you're the kind of man I could fall in love with." The last words were spoken softly, as if she was embarrassed to say them.
    Karl smiled. "I'm happy to hear that." He took a bite of his French toast, a silly grin plastered to his face. "Do you still want to go for a drive after church? It's not freezing outside yet, but it could turn colder any minute."
    She nodded. "I really would like to see the area before the snow starts. We'll take a couple of quilts and bundle up well."
    "And we can cuddle close under the quilts and keep each other warm."
    She blushed at his words. "We're married, so we can."
    On their way to church, Sarah fought to calm her nerves. Karl sat beside her wearing his Sunday best. His suit fit him perfectly, and he actually looked like a gentleman in it. She was so used to seeing him in his work clothes that it startled her to see him looking so distinguished.
    Sarah had chosen to wear a light blue dress that was better for summer temperatures, but it was her prettiest dress, and she wanted to look her best on her first day of church in Minnesota. It was always best to make a good first impression.
    She sat close beside him, holding his arm as he drove. She enjoyed feeling his muscles bunch under her fingertips, but felt she was doing something wicked by liking it so.
    When he pulled up in front of the church, he smiled at her. "Remember, you can't go to the pastor and find another husband when I make you mad."
    She laughed. "I wouldn't. Marriage is forever."
    He hurried to help her down, and she clung tightly to his arm as they walked inside together. He helped her remove her coat, and hung it in the coat room before removing his own. "Are you nervous?"
    She nodded. "Petrified. Believe it or not, when I'm not angry as soon as I meet someone, I'm a bit shy."
    He laughed. "I don't believe it at all."
    She spotted Mrs. Norman as soon as she walked in. The older woman was talking to two women who weren't much older than Sarah. She waved to Sarah to join them. "I think Mrs. Norman wants to talk to me," she said to Karl.
    He looked around until he spotted their neighbor before walking in that direction. "Hello, Mrs. Norman," he said with a smile.
    "Hello, Karl. Why don't you go talk to the men? I'll see to introducing Sarah around."
    Karl frowned. He'd looked forward to introducing Sarah to all of the people of the congregation. It made him feel special to have