Anna heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Chris. “I thought you might need some help,” he said.
“He’s hurt all right. We need to get him to the wagon. I think I can lift him. I’ll check the wound better once I’m home. It doesn’t appear to be too serious, though.” Anna continued to stroke the dog’s back, and his whimpering ceased.
“Let me carry him. He seems docile enough.” Chris knelt down beside the dog, petting him to let him take in his scent. “There now, fella.” He spoke softly, then in a quick movement scooped up the dog and carried him to the waiting wagon. “Anna, will you open the door for me?”
Anna quickly stepped to the back of the wagon and opened the door. Chris had placed some straw and old, raggedy blankets on top of the floor of the wagon. Gently he laid the dog on a blanket, then turned to her. “I think he’ll be okay while we drive through a couple other streets, don’t you?”
She gave the dog a scratch behind the ears. “Yes, we must get moving. I promised Edward I wouldn’t be out too late.”
36
Daniel dropped Edward off at home, where he found Anna in the kitchen, tending to another dog with Cricket curiously looking on.
“You’re home.” Anna looked up but stayed seated on the floor with the dog’s leg in her lap. A bowl of water and peroxide was next to her. “We found this poor fella limping down the street. I’m cleaning his wound.”
Edward knelt down for a closer look. “He must’ve gotten hit by a speeding stage or wagon, but it doesn’t look too bad. Want me to help?” He was really tired from painting the walls and sweeping up the floor of the shelter, but he’d help if she needed him.
“I think I can manage.” She continued dipping the cloth into the warm water.
“Once you clean his wound with peroxide, I have some ointment that you could put on it. But I believe you should cover it. Was he the only stray you found tonight?”
“Ja. And he had no collar. I’ll introduce this new boarder to the others and get them settled for the night.” She squeezed the water out of the rag then swabbed the wound with peroxide.
“So what are you going to call this dog?”
“Hmm . . . What do you think of Scruffy? He looks a little rough around the edges.”
Edward laughed. “I think it’s a good name for him.”
“How did it go at the shelter tonight?”
“It went well. Daniel finished the cages while I finished painting. Tomorrow I’ll take you over there and you can see for yourself how it’s shaping up.” He stood. “But to tell you the truth, I’m pretty tired. I’m going to go wash up. Oh, and thanks for feeding everyone with your stew and corn bread. It was really good.”
Her eyes traveled up until they met his. How could any woman have such beautiful blue eyes? The smile she gave him made his heart lurch. She titled her head to one side, staring up at him.
“What?” he asked when she continued to stare. Cricket began sniffing him and rubbing against his pant leg.
“You do look a little worse for wear, Edward.” She snickered. “You’re doing so much for me, and if I forgot to tell you, I truly appreciate all your hard work to help with the shelter, especially after you’ve worked all day. Maybe I can give your shoulders a rub later.” Her enticing look was full of promise.
“Sounds wonderful.” He resisted the urge to sweep her into his arms and apologize again, and instead left to get cleaned up. He wouldn’t want to have her subjected to his smelly and dirty clothes, but later he would make things right. While he was painting he’d spent some time praying for guidance for his marriage and his strict habits. It was crystal clear that he needed to tell her he was sorry.
As he stripped off his clothes, stained with paint and perspiration, he regarded his body with approval. The efforts of exercising with Daniel were beginning to become apparent. He had more muscle tone, and he figured that was the reason he was able to work the long hours that he and Daniel had been putting in lately. Would Anna even notice? Probably not—there wasn’t that much difference.
He hurriedly washed and donned clean long handles because he wanted to be wide awake when she came to bed. He didn’t have long to wait.
He lay in bed watching her as she took her time to wash her face then her slender arms. The scent of the lavender soap she used tickled his nose. The moonlight outlined her curvy silhouette—ample breasts and long legs that ignited a fire in his veins, threatening to undo him. Stay steady, Edward.
“Anna?” He spoke just above a whisper.
“Mmm?” she answered as she untied her chemise, kicked it to the side, and slipped on her nightgown. She picked up her brush and ran it through her long hair while the moonbeams shone through the window, illuminating her with an angelic appearance. Only one light burned next to the bedside, and the embers in the fireplace had almost all burned out. She couldn’t be more appealing than she was at this moment, sitting in front of the dressing table.
“Before I tell you how beautiful and desirable you are, I want to repeat that I did not mean what I said before. You remember—that you were the cause of my troubles. I know that’s not the truth, and even if it was, it’s worth it all to have you in my life. I mean that, and I’m trying to change.”
Anna stopped her brushing and laid the brush aside. She didn’t walk, he was sure, but glided like the angel he knew her to be to his side of the bed. Kneeling with her arms propped up on the mattress, she gazed lovingly into his eyes.
“I knew that, Edward, but I must admit, I wanted to hear you say it. You have changed! Think about it. When I first arrived, you didn’t even want me to have Baby, and now you’ve come to not only accept the dogs but also help me with them. I’d say that’s a huge improvement. And let’s face it, I’m not perfect.”
He took her hands in his, holding them to his lips. “Near to perfect, though. I don’t deserve you.”
She laughed. “I’m not sure you deserve all the anxiety that I seem to cause you, but we’ll iron out our differences one piece at a time. That’s what married folks do. Just focus on the promise we made about always communicating.” She stroked his face tenderly. “I understand you much better now that Ella told me about your father. I’m so sorry your childhood was marred by alcoholism. How terrible that must have been,” she said softly.
His heart filled with the knowledge that she could so easily overlook his inadequacies and flaws. That was one of the lovely things about her personality. Another woman would have packed her bags the first time he produced his list. Edward knew he was a lucky man to have found not only a wife full of compassion for people and animals, but one with spontaneity—a desirable trait—and one so understanding.
“It was terrible, but I’m learning to put some of it behind me now, and you’ve taken my mind off that.” He wasn’t surprised that Ella had revealed their past and was glad that she did. But he wasn’t ready to talk about it. Not yet.
“Come to bed, Anna,” he whispered huskily, then gently pulled her to lie across him. “I’m ready for my shoulder rub.” He touched his lips to hers with a lingering kiss full of desire.
She gave him a lopsided grin and said, “And I’m ready to give it, kind sir.”
Anna’s dinner party had taken place instead of the literary circle meeting, and tonight the discussion was lively. Edward was teased that he and Anna had been too busy being lovebirds to read the required chapters—which was true. They’d both fallen into bed every night exhausted from the work of getting the shelter in operation. But Edward took their teasing good-naturedly.
“You know we’re not the only two lovebirds in this room,” he said, shooting a glance over to Daniel, who sat close to Callie. “Are you two courting or what?”
Callie’s face flushed bright pink, and Anna tried to shush her husband. Daniel took Callie’s hand in his and gave it a squeeze obvious to everyone.
“We are for a fact courting, and I have to say I’m enjoying getting to know one of the kindest ladies in Denv
er.” There was guffawing from the men and clapping from the ladies around the room.
“Oh, Daniel,” Callie murmured. “You’re sweet to say that.”
Chris let out a whistle. “For goodness’ sake, you two.” He smiled at them.
Waldo walked over to Edward and Anna. “I just want to thank you again for finding that money, Edward. We’re all very proud that you did what you could to apprehend Calvin. Who knows where he is now, but he still has to face the law when he’s found. The sheriffs in other counties have been notified to be on alert for him. But the main thing is that people’s money was restored—well, all but five hundred dollars.” He paused, giving Edward an intense look, then glanced at the group. “In case you hadn’t heard, Edward donated his own five hundred dollars that wasn’t accounted for so the books would balance. I’m very grateful, Edward.”
Edward nodded. “I’m sorry that I was part of the problem, but I’m glad to be a part of the solution.”
Waldo clapped him on the back. “All of us make mistakes at one time or another, but we aren’t always privy to what those mistakes are.”
“Still, I’m much obliged for the second chance. Not many would do that after their bank was robbed.” Edward was aware of Anna’s eyes resting on him. He wanted her to be proud that he was her husband, and if looks said anything at all, hers said she was. There was applause from everyone, which made Edward grateful for his friends.
“We’re happy to have Waldo join our group tonight, and I wanted to ask you all about allowing Sarah Holbrook to join us as well,” Anna said.
Callie looked around the group. “Any nays?” There were none. “Any yeas?” All spoke or nodded their agreement, with Chris being the loudest of the group.
“Sarah will bring much to our group. She’s very well read,” Chris declared.
“Then, please, Anna, go ahead and invite her. I believe that ends our lively discussion of Tom Sawyer for the evening.” Callie rose, indicating that it was time to break up the meeting.
With the discussion over for the night, everyone retrieved their coats. Waldo stepped next to Edward, who was helping Anna into her coat. “Edward, would you consider another part-time job? Say, maybe once a week—an hour of your time?”
Edward was surprised by the question. “You know that I’d be no good at working as a teller at your bank.”
“No, no. That’s not at all what I meant. I have a friend at Union Station, and he mentioned they needed someone to keep the correct time for the station’s tower clock. Naturally, I thought of you.”
Anna’s face brightened when Edward glanced at her before answering. “I’d have to talk it over with Anna. You know I’m helping her out a lot in my spare time.”
“That’s true, but the shelter is ready for use, and I have Chris and other volunteers who will help me now. You don’t have to ask me. I think it’s a fine idea.” Anna grabbed his arm affectionately and gave it a squeeze.
He smiled down at her. “Then I guess I can say yes, Waldo, if you’re sure about this.”
“As sure as the sun rises! I’ll give you my friend’s name when you’re at the bank next. I believe he’s anxious for you to start.”
Edward held out his hand and shook Waldo’s. “Thanks for putting in a good word for me. I’ll make it up to you somehow, Waldo.”
Waldo gave him a genuine smile. “No need to, son. As I said, everyone needs a second chance. I’ll say good evening now.”
“Good night, Waldo,” Anna said, and Edward nodded.
They hurried home with the cold air nipping at their noses, eager to enjoy sitting by the fire.
37
Dazzling sunshine and crisp air made a perfect day that filled Anna with energy—and today she would need it. The bake sale started at two o’clock, and she was already wishing she had an extra set of hands. Still in her dressing gown, she pulled the living room curtains aside. Barren limbs, now stripped of their fall foliage, created a sharp contrast against the evergreens lining the distant hillsides. She was ready for that drive to the mountains outside of Denver. Hopefully Sunday would prove to be just as spectacular.
She finished her coffee, then donned a sage-green plaid dress with deep pleated cuffs and black trim lace at the hem. A deep rust ribbon held the pleated bustle at the top. A black feather adorned her plumed hat whose high brim was turned up. Very seasonal, she mused while looking at her reflection.
“You look wonderful, my sweet!” Edward said. He came up behind her, slipped his arms about her slender waist, and rocked side to side.
Anna loved the feel of his arms and stared at the reflection of the two of them—inseparable, they were. She couldn’t be happier. “You don’t look so bad yourself, dear husband of mine.” He was wearing a suede coat the color of wheat with dark brown trousers. “I think we’re going to enjoy the bake sale. I’m glad that I got up early to make the apple dumplings. I just hope someone wishes to buy them!”
Edward turned her to face him. “You must be kidding. Of course someone will buy them, and if they don’t, I will. You know they’re my favorite dessert.”
She looked up, smiling back at him. He lowered his head to kiss her, lingering a moment or two until she gave him a gentle shove. “No time for tomfoolery now. We must get going. I promised Mary that I’d be there early to set up the tables.”
Edward pursed his lips, making a pitiful pout. “I’m offended,” he teased. “I’m ready when you are. Did you put Cricket in the kitchen? You know I don’t like her to roam the house—all that cat hair . . .”
“Yes, I did.” Anna tweaked his nose. “I’ll go get Frankie and Scruffy while you get the platter of apple dumplings.” She scooted out to get the dogs, anticipating her very first fund-raiser.
Sarah and Mary, Pastor Buchtel’s wife, were already at the church when they arrived. It had been decided the bake sale would be held in the church’s courtyard. Some men were carrying tables onto the lawn where they would place the baked goods. Chris had parked the ASPCA wagon right next to the sidewalk for all to see, and Sarah had hung the banner she’d made across the wrought-iron gate to direct visitors to the fund-raiser.
“Hello,” Anna called out, her hand gripped firmly around Scruffy’s and Frankie’s leashes while Edward parked their buggy.
Mary and Sarah looked up as Anna entered the courtyard. “Hi there, Anna—the star of the fund-raiser!” Mary said.
“I’m no star, but these fellas might be.” She patted each dog on the head and they obediently sat back on their haunches. She rewarded them with a bit of jerky. “Good boys.”
“Is the plan for someone to adopt them today?” Sarah asked, unfolding a tablecloth.
“I hope so. If not, then they’ll just come back home with me.”
Mary gave the dogs a friendly pat. “Is the shelter finished?”
“Yes, and what a fine job Edward and Daniel did getting the place fixed up. Perfect timing for me to announce it today and beg for volunteers.”
Mary smiled. “Great! Why don’t you get the dogs settled, and then maybe you could help us tag the cakes and pastries as they’re brought in.”
“Absolutely,” Anna replied. She was just turning around when Mary Elitch came walking up with a huge and beautifully decorated chocolate cake. “Goodness! What a pretty cake, Mary.”
She beamed. “I had my chef make this especially for your fund-raiser.” She handed it to Sarah for the table.
“I have a feeling Edward is going to be your highest bidder.” Anna giggled.
Edward walked up at that moment. “Hello, Mary. Anna’s told me about you. And she may be right—I love chocolate.”
Mary nodded to him. “Edward, so nice to meet you. Your wife is really working hard to protect animals in our city.”
He nodded. “She certainly is,” he answered, flashing a grin at Anna. She was suddenly struck by her intense love for him.
“Mary, I could not have accomplished all of this unless Edward had been supportive of my plan
s. He’s not only been supportive, but he’s worked hard to get the shelter in shape with our friend Daniel’s help.”
“I see,” she said, giving Edward a look of appraisal. “You’re much like my husband—my partner in the Elitch Gardens. We’re working hard to open soon. Surely you’ve heard about it?”
“Who hasn’t? We’ll be one of your first customers to visit the gardens,” Edward said.
“That would be grand. Well, it was lovely to speak with you, but let me move aside now. You have a line of people coming in with their donations.” Turning to Anna, she said, “I hope the fund-raiser is a huge success.”
“You’re not leaving, are you?” Anna frowned. She enjoyed Mary’s effervescent personality and energy.
“Oh no. I’ll be circulating around and about to put in a good word for you.” She winked, then strolled away.
Sarah and Mary Buchtel were soon very busy receiving the baked goods. Anna wrote down every person’s name and what they brought. When she had a moment, she walked over to where the dogs lay under a tree with seeming disinterest in all the comings and goings, and glanced over her prepared speech. Why did speaking always make her so nervous? A sudden gust of wind nearly tore her hat off, and her speech went flying away. She sighed, realizing she’d have to speak from her heart instead.
She looked up to see children running through the courtyard, the boys sometimes chasing the girls, who pretended not to care until the boys pulled their pigtails. She couldn’t help but laugh as she watched their carefree ways. Secretly she hoped to have her own children soon to enjoy. She wanted a son who looked like Edward but wasn’t nearly as restrained.
Watching him talking to Callie and Daniel and Pearl, she felt amazed at how far they’d come in a few short weeks. She felt sure God’s blessing was as much upon their marriage as her endeavors to protect His creatures.
Chris stood by the now-laden tables—which bore every kind of dessert one could imagine—and flirted with Sarah. Anna was glad they’d started courting, but even happier that Sarah had turned out to be such a jewel. She wasn’t sure how she could have accomplished everything without Sarah’s help. She smiled at them and thought they made a good match.
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