Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel

by Brendan, Maggie

She watched him wearily dismount, and she took the reins. “Did you find him?”

  “I’ll tell you everything once we’re inside.”

  He looked tired, and she couldn’t read his expression. Had he given up chasing Calvin? “Why don’t you let me put Cloud in the barn and feed him for you. Go get cleaned up. I’ve kept your supper warming in the oven.”

  “No, I—”

  But Anna wouldn’t hear his protests, giving him a shove toward the house. “I won’t be long.”

  He shrugged but didn’t argue.

  In the barn, Anna removed Cloud’s saddle and blanket and lifted the saddlebags from his back. Funny, she hadn’t noticed them this morning. They felt heavy, and as she slung them onto the straw barn floor, the buckle on one bag snapped open. To her surprise, money flew across the stall like drifting leaves.

  What in the world? Where had he gotten that money? He certainly hadn’t found Calvin or they would’ve been together. Had he really robbed the bank then went to retrieve the money from where he’d hidden it? Her heart sank. It really was Edward’s word against Calvin’s. There was no proof that Calvin was the thief, other than the fact that he’d left Denver. But this explained why Edward had the money to order the phone for her and rent the building for the animals. She just didn’t want to believe it to be true.

  With an aching heart, she gave Cloud his oats and a brief brushing, then decided she would ask Edward. She scooped up a handful of bills and marched to the kitchen.

  He was eating, though his plate was almost empty now. Anna waved the bills in the air as she entered the kitchen. “Edward, where have you been hiding the money? Was this whole thing about going after Calvin just a plot to take the focus off yourself?” Her bottom lip trembled.

  “What the devil—where did you get that?” Edward shoved his chair back.

  “In your saddlebags! When were you going to tell me that you took the money?”

  His face flamed, and his eyes narrowed in disbelief. “Have you lost your mind, Anna?”

  “I may have, by trusting in what you wanted me to believe.” She dropped the money on the table. “That’s why you didn’t bring Calvin back—because he didn’t do it and you have the money,” she said through tight lips.

  “And here I was feeling bad that I hadn’t kissed you goodbye!” he said. “How could you begin to believe that about me? I thought this was settled.”

  “But is this the bank’s money?”

  The look on his face sliced her heart. “Yes, it is. But I don’t have to stand here and listen to your accusations!” He strode to the back door, then paused. “Either you believe me, Anna, or one of us needs to leave.”

  Anna’s heart pinched. She knew he meant it. She’d made another rash assumption and blunder. Why hadn’t she asked him to tell her what happened first? It wasn’t like her to be so impulsive—or was it?

  She rushed over to his side and took his arm. “Edward, please forgive me. I tend to overreact before I ask questions. Impulsiveness is a bad habit of mine. Will you ever forgive me?”

  ———

  Edward sighed heavily, taking her hand. “Anna, if we are to have a committed marriage, we have to believe in each other and support one another. I hoped you knew me better by now, and it really pains me to hear you still harbor these doubts about my honesty.”

  “I am sorry, truly. Please, can we sit down? Then you can tell me what happened.”

  “Are you going to listen to me this time?” He stared down at her.

  “Cross my heart.”

  Edward told her what transpired with Calvin and how he’d convinced him to give Edward the money. “That’s why I have the saddlebags of money, because I promised him a head start. My plan is to turn the money in tomorrow afternoon, and tell the sheriff that Calvin hightailed it and I lost his trail. That’s more than what he was able to do himself.”

  “I was so worried, Edward. But I’m proud of how you handled this—giving him and his wife a chance to start over. From what I’ve heard around town, he wasn’t a bad man. I think that’s why everyone was so shocked.”

  “I don’t believe he was. Truth is, good men make bad mistakes sometimes.” He squeezed her hand. “I accept your apology, Anna. But we were both wrong. Let’s make a promise to each other that we will try to communicate better instead of second-guessing what the other one is thinking. Is that a fair deal?”

  Anna moved closer, and he encircled her waist with his arm. “It’s a fair deal. Let’s never go to bed angry. I think we need to seal the deal with a kiss.”

  He pulled her onto his lap. Her kiss was long and sweet. Strange how he craved her kisses and her presence each day. She was his sunshine, and he did not want to live without her. “Anna, you do know I love you, don’t you?” he asked hoarsely.

  She flashed him a bright smile. “I suspected it, but it sounds good to hear you say it because I love you too! I’d go so far as to say we’re perfectly matched.” She closed her eyes, pressing her lips to his again.

  “Then you shall hear it more often if I get that response every time.” Edward felt contented to have her in his arms and leaned closer, kissing her throat and nibbling at her ear. She giggled with abandon while receiving every kiss and touch that he happily bestowed on her.

  Fierce winds blew across the Front Range, with brisk temperatures prevailing. Anna and Sarah sat in the living room with a pot of hot chocolate, planning the bake sale at church to raise funds for the shelter. Anna was having her hot chocolate from the Blue Willow cup and saucer that her brother-in-law Peter had given her one special day in Wyoming.

  She ran her finger around the rim of the china cup, fondly remembering eating all their meals off Blue Willow china. One day she hoped to own a set like her mother’s and Catharine’s.

  “That’s such a pretty china cup,” Sarah commented.

  “Yes, it is. One day I’ll have to tell you the reason I have only this piece.”

  “I’d like to hear it.” Sarah blew on her hot chocolate. “I’m so glad that you pushed me into agreeing to chair the fund-raiser for you. This is going to be a fun event. What are you planning on bringing, Anna?”

  “Apple dumplings, of course! What about you?”

  Sarah tapped a pencil to her chin. “I’ll bring a lemon pie.” She wrote their items on the list. “I’m sure Aunt Patty and Aunt Polly will bake a cake and maybe a pie or two.”

  “Trouble is, we won’t know what others are bringing until Saturday when we have the fund-raiser.” Anna took a sip of her hot chocolate and stared at her friend over the cup’s rim.

  “Ah, I’m a step ahead of you. I posted a sign-up sheet right after church. I’ll check it this afternoon to see if anyone volunteered. Maybe then we can sort of estimate what we might take in.”

  Anna shook her head. “My, but you’re the best chairperson I could have! Right after work today, Chris is going to bring the wagon around. He painted the sides with ‘ASPCA’ in red. We’ll take our first ride after supper to see if we can round up any strays. Want to come?”

  “Not this time. I’ll leave that up to you. My true forte is organizational skills.”

  “As well I can see, my friend. You’re an answer to prayer, I tell you!”

  The wind howled down through the chimney, but Anna felt cozy inside her home—warm and safe, unlike the dogs that roamed the streets of Denver. With winter coming on, the animals would need shelter. She hoped that they could raise enough money to afford the rental Edward was able to secure through Waldo’s client.

  “How’s the new space coming along?” Sarah inquired. “Chris told me he was working with Edward and Daniel to change the inside of the building to accommodate animals.”

  “Chris, huh?” Anna teased. Sarah’s pale skin turned bright pink, but Anna continued. “Yes, they’re working on it every evening and coming home late. I try to have supper for all of them before they go over there. Say, why don’t you come back about supper time and help out—you could be around C
hris. And don’t tell me that doesn’t appeal to you.”

  Sarah pursed her lips. “I won’t lie . . . Yes, I’ll come over. Anything I can do to help.”

  The telephone rang, and Anna walked over to the desk to answer it. “Hello,” she said. She was still not used to having it and marveled how she could talk to someone by a piece of wire and cables. It was all too much for her to grasp. Still, she enjoyed the novelty of having it, even if she had to share the line with several other people.

  The operator connected her. “Anna, hi. It’s Mary Buchtel here. I wanted to tell you that the sign-up list is growing larger every hour, so I have an idea. Why don’t you bring a dog or cat or two to the fund-raiser, to generate interest in adoption of the abandoned animals? What do you think?”

  “Excellent idea. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it myself. I’ve concluded that God has abundantly blessed me with smart, caring volunteers!”

  “Great! One or two should suffice, I think. I must go now, but just had to share my idea with you.”

  After Anna hung up, she said a silent prayer for her volunteers and for the input they were having. It may have started off as her chapter, but she could see how quickly it was becoming the people’s cause. What a blessing this was turning out to be!

  “I’m beginning to get used to having a telephone now,” Anna said to Sarah.

  “As we get busier, I think it’s going to be worth having it. I wonder what they’ll invent next?” Sarah giggled. “Something to send a man to the moon?”

  Anna laughed heartily. “You’re too funny. How outrageous. That will never happen.”

  Sarah smiled. “That’s for sure. Look, I’d better get back home, but I’ll try to return to help you feed the men. I’ll even clean up so that you and Chris can go ahead and leave.”

  “Oh, would you? That would help me out so much, Sarah. And I think I’ll ask Callie if I can invite you to our literary circle.”

  Sarah’s eyes brightened. “Oh, would you? I’d love to come. I read a lot, especially in the winter.”

  “Then I’ll ask. I’m sure it will be fine. Chris is a member, if you didn’t know.”

  “Are you playing matchmaker?” Sarah wagged her finger at Anna.

  “Could be. But I’m not so sure that I need to.” Anna raised an eyebrow at her friend.

  Sarah shrugged and smiled, then put her coat on, promising to return around five or so.

  As Anna set the table, the telephone’s constant ringing kept interrupting her, but that turned out to be a good thing. Several people had called to pledge their donations for the animal shelter. Someone asked where she could drop off a housecat, and another person had found a small dog running loose in his grandma’s yard. She kept a list of the names and told them where to mail their donations.

  Excitement filled her as she stirred the thick stew on the stove and poured the batter for corn bread into a skillet. Things were beginning to happen and donations were coming in! She wondered how people had heard that she had a telephone. Then she laughed. Callie had told her that Eloise, the local operator, knew everybody’s business.

  It wasn’t long before all the men showed up for supper, just as she took the corn bread out of the oven. She wondered if Sarah was still going to come over.

  ———

  “My goodness! It sure smells good in here.” Daniel strode in with Edward. Chris was right behind him.

  “Do we have time to let you stop and take a peek at the newly painted wagon?” Chris asked Anna. “I’m not the best artist, but I’m cheap.”

  “And free, I might add.” Edward grinned then threw a look her way.

  “I’d love to see it. Lead the way!” Anna said.

  They all followed Chris down the hallway and out to the front sidewalk where he’d parked the enclosed wagon. In bold, bright red letters across the side was painted “American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.” Anna was so impressed that she jumped up and down—just like a child, Edward thought.

  “It’s perfect, Chris! Thank you!” Anna flung her arms around Chris’s waist.

  “You’re mighty welcome.” He seemed somewhat surprised at her reaction. “Tonight we’ll take her out and see what we can rescue.”

  “You did a really fine job, Chris. Thank you,” Edward said, wishing his wife would let go of Chris’s waist. Now why was that getting under his skin after their talk? Because you’re jealous.

  Daniel gave the wagon a closer look. “The wagon’s in good shape. The wood’s not too worn, but if you need any of it replaced, let me know. I’d be glad to work on it for you.”

  “I’ll take you up on that. Ernie was the generous one. All I did was paint the signage.” Chris directed his gaze from Daniel to Sarah coming across the street. “Hello there, Sarah. Come to admire my handiwork?”

  “Indeed, it’s very nice, Chris. I actually came to help Anna so the two of you could leave right after supper.”

  “Sure you don’t want to come along?” He gazed at her while she looked over the wagon.

  Sarah blushed. “I’m sure. I’m only here to help out in the kitchen. Maybe another time?”

  “I’m gonna hold you to that, my fair lady.” Chris followed her inside.

  “Let’s go eat before the food gets cold. Come on!” Anna started up the steps.

  Edward noticed that Chris couldn’t take his eyes off Sarah. She was comely and had a graceful way of walking and speaking. He knew all of that wasn’t lost on Chris, and if he had to guess, he thought his friend was already lovesick for her. Was that the way he looked to people when he was around Anna? Could be.

  ———

  “I’ve eaten already, but I’ll serve everyone, then clean up afterward.” Sarah donned an apron as soon as they got to the kitchen and began to ladle generous portions of stew into bowls.

  Anna sliced the corn bread and slathered it with butter. She kept noticing how Chris’s eyes stayed on Sarah every time she was near, but she thought Sarah put on a good act of pretending not to be aware of his lingering looks. He’s a man who’s set his sights on Sarah for sure, she thought. Anna sighed. She was glad her new friend was finding a beau, and it appeared as though her other good friend Callie was happily courting Daniel. They were seen together everywhere.

  “Are you sure you won’t eat with us, Sarah?” Anna asked as she took a seat at the table.

  “There’s an empty chair right next to me.” Chris grinned, patting the chair.

  “At least have a slice of Anna’s corn bread. It’s the best!” Edward clapped eyes on Anna. His compliment surprised her.

  She murmured her thanks, then looked away. His compliment made her skin tingle. Catharine and Peter loved each other, and Catharine had been a mail-order bride, but they’d corresponded more than Anna and Edward had. She and Edward exchanged only a few letters, so Edward’s admission now filled her with renewed hope for a wonderful life with him.

  “Oh, all right. Just one tiny piece,” Sarah said. Chris pulled out the chair next to him, and Sarah took a seat.

  Daniel looked over at Anna. “Had any more donations lately?”

  “As a matter of fact, two dear benefactors this morning. I’m so tickled that people are willing to help my cause. The telephone is turning out to be a great way for me to talk to people about it, otherwise I might not ever hear from them.”

  “Telephone? How lucky you are.” Chris finished off his second helping of stew.

  “Yes, thanks to my sweet husband, who’s given me his support.” Anna shot Edward a shy look.

  “And I’m happy to do so.” Edward stood. “If you’re ready to leave, Daniel, I am. I’ve got lots to paint while you finish the cages.”

  Daniel popped up, giving a bow to Anna. “I must say, supper was delicious. Edward’s been holding out on me.” He chuckled.

  “Thank you, Daniel.”

  Edward bent to give her a kiss on the cheek as he passed by on his way out.

  “See you later, Chris. Y
ou and Anna be careful now.”

  Chris nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of your pretty little wife.”

  The streets of Denver were less crowded now as Anna and Chris drove slowly down Colfax Avenue with the soft glow of the streetlights creating eerie patterns on the street. Since it was dusk, Chris drove slowly, and they both kept their eyes peeled for a stray or wounded dog or cat. Anna also made note of the cabs drawn by horses to see if the horses looked well cared for. So far, the ones they’d passed looked okay.

  They made small talk as they went along, noticing the stares of curious passersby when they saw the writing on the wagon’s cover. “I wonder if we shouldn’t turn down one of the side streets, Chris,” Anna said. “I’m not sure at this time of the day if we’ll see anything on the main street.”

  “Good idea,” he answered, and with a light touch to the horse’s reins, he guided him down a side street. It wasn’t long before they saw a limping dog on the sidewalk, but when he heard the wagon wheels rumbling toward him, he ran for cover. Chris stopped the wagon. “I’ll try to go after him. He looks injured.”

  “No, let me, Chris. I sometimes have a way that seems to soothe an animal’s spirit.” Before he could answer, Anna climbed down quietly and moved toward the large planter that the dog hid behind.

  “Come now, I’m your friend. I’m here to help you.” She took a couple of slow, cautious steps toward the shivering dog. She wanted to make sure that he wasn’t rabid and didn’t have any white foam coming from his mouth. But from what she could see, there was none. She stretched out her hand as she drew closer. “See, I’m not here to harm you.”

  The small dog made whimpering sounds, which encouraged her to step closer. “Poor baby. You’re hurt. I want to help you.” The dog sniffed her hand timidly but stayed down. Carefully she stretched her hand out farther and touched the top of his head.

  The hollow look in his eyes made Anna’s heart melt. That look was one of pain. Taking her time as the dog lay on the sidewalk behind the planter, she examined a wound on his leg. The bleeding on his front leg was from some sort of injury, but the wound wasn’t too deep. She couldn’t tell if anything was broken or not. She would have to carry him in her apron to the wagon—if he’d let her.