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The Preacher's Surprise

By Joi Copeland

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Chapter One

“I thought a train ride would be smoother,” Prudence Adams whined. “This is awful.”
Patience Adams bit her lip to keep from responding. Her sister complained about most things. At the beginning of their trip, Prudence complained about the cold, then the heat. Once the temperature turned toward her liking, Prudence griped about the crying baby across the aisle.
Her twin sister tried Patience’s, well her patience, almost daily. It was ironic her parents named her Patience, but she had very little when it came to her sister
“Ugh. I wish Cord had sent us first class.”
Patience held in her sigh. “He’s the preacher and sheriff of a small town, Pru. I doubt he can afford such luxuries.”
Prudence rolled her eyes. “You would think he’d spare no expense for his intended.”
“Why in the world did you choose someone to marry who didn’t fit your lifestyle? It seems all you’ve done since we got on the train is complain.” Patience lowered her voice, not wanting to draw attention to their arguing. “I thought it rather odd you chose Cord instead of the other suitors from whom you received letters.”
Prudence bit her lower lip and glanced out the window. Patience narrowed her eyes. “Prudence Hillary Adams, what aren’t you telling me?”
Her twin sniffed and dabbed at her eyes with her warn handkerchief. “I’m sorry, Patience.”
“For what?”
Prudence opened the window. “It’s rather stuffy in here, isn’t it?”
Her sister's damp chocolate brown hair blew in the breeze. Her almond shaped eyes matched the color of her hair. With olive skin, her peach lips stood out. Many in their hometown could only tell the twins apart by the color of their eyes. While Prudence had rich chocolate brown eyes, Patience's eyes held a tint of green. Other than that, they were identical. How could Patience and Prudence be so different yet look almost exactly the same?
“Don’t change the subject, sister. Tell me what you’re sorry about.”
Prudence twisted the napkin in her hands. “I can’t do it.”
“You can tell me anything, Pru. You know that.” Patience reached across the space separating them and patted her sister’s leg.
Prudence shook her head. “That’s not what I meant.” She licked her lips. Prudence’s eyes darted out the window before refocusing her attention on Patience. “I can’t marry Cord.”
Relief swept through Patience. “Oh, I see now. You’re getting cold feet. Isn’t that the phrase Mama used when new brides were nervous?”
“You don’t understand.” Prudence huffed. “I can’t get married. Not because I have cold feet. But because of you.”
Heart slamming against her chest, Patience gasped. “Because of me? What have I done to keep you from getting married?”
“It’s not what you’ve done. It’s what I’ve done.” Prudence had the decency to look ashamed.
“What have you done? Pru, please tell me.” Patience straightened her spine, her shoulders square. Whatever her little sister, albeit only by three minutes, had to tell her, she’d meet the challenge head on. She always had, especially when it came to her impetuous sibling.
“I’m not the one who’s marrying Cord.” Prudence fiddled with the napkin once again. “You are.”

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