Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel (8 page)

Anna awoke feeling refreshed, stretching until she saw that the other side of the bed was empty. The coolness of the sheet told her Edward had been gone awhile. She bolted straight up, wincing from the pain on her hip, as she remembered last night. It was to have been their special night. She was angry with herself for falling asleep while Edward was reading, but she hadn’t been able to keep her eyes open. She had devoted extra attention to her toilette and brushed her hair loose until it shone, hoping to look desirable for him. She wished he’d awakened her.

If only the company hadn’t stayed so late! Somehow she’d try to make it right. The fresh laundry was still piled in a basket to be put away, and the sheets needed changing. She stripped the bed and decided to put fresh sheets on after she prepared a light breakfast. Hurriedly she threw her robe on and made a beeline to the kitchen. She was sure Edward would already be in his shop, and she was right. Finding the kitchen empty and no evidence that he’d eaten, she swiftly made coffee, toast, and fruit.

Carrying the tray, she hurried down the adjoining hallway and shoved open the shop door with her foot, but he barely lifted his head from his work, a blank look on his face.

“Morning! I must’ve overslept.
Het spijt me.
You should have awakened me, Edward.” She set the tray on the counter. “I’ve brought you something to eat.” She smiled timidly at him, but he did not smile back. Anna thought the air was thick enough to cut with a knife.

“I said I’m sorry.” She moved stiffly to the other side of the counter to face him like his customers would. The pain in her hip was bearable, but she made a mental note to find some liniment for her bruise. She hadn’t had a chance to look at it in her haste this morning.

“It’s no matter,” he answered. He continued working on some mechanism he was adjusting on an old mantel clock, using a slender steel tool. “I wasn’t hungry anyway, and I have plenty to do if we’re going to the rodeo Saturday.”

Could it be that he was sulking? She almost laughed. But he was serious. It wasn’t her fault that she’d had mountains of laundry to do yesterday, then was tackled by a tramp and had guests who didn’t know when it was time to leave. Did his ego bruise that easily?
Oh, please
, she thought, but dared not say anything. She was reminded of the times her sister Catharine’s husband, Peter, would have a spat. She handed Edward a napkin, not taking no for an answer. She would just ignore his attitude and act like everything was all right.

“What shall I wear to the rodeo? What time do we leave?”

“Around three. Just wear something comfortable and be sure to wear a hat.” He picked up the toast and took a bite. “I’ll close up shop early.”

“Mmm,” Anna answered. She walked slowly around the room, admiring the beautiful clocks and jewelry that lay behind glass cases. “You do fine workmanship, Edward.” When he didn’t comment, she continued. “What I would like to know is how in the world you can stand to hear all this ticking
all day long.” She was trying to start a conversation, but the endless ticking of the clocks drove her insane.

“I find it to be very comforting background noise. Noise that keeps perfect time. Sort of like sand sifting through an hourglass. Peaceful and constant.”

She sighed. “Interesting. I suppose one could get used to it.” She stared down at the piece of metal and springs on the counter. “I think I prefer the sounds of nature.”

Still he said nothing. The air was heavy with silence.

“I’m sorry I fell asleep last night. I was exhausted and lulled to sleep by the gentle sound of your voice. I’m not used to so much work.” Out of the corner of her eye, she watched him take a swig of coffee. She fingered a spring lying next to the screws and pendulum, wondering how all the pieces worked, but she knew now wasn’t the time to ask. She poked her finger inside the spring and began to turn it tightly around inside itself.

“
Don’t
do that!” Edward jumped up from his stool.

Anna dropped the spring on the glass clock face, smashing it. Both pieces fell to the floor. She looked up at him, holding her breath, and the look of horror on his face said it all. She dropped to the floor, scrambling around and scooping up some of the scattered pieces into a corner of her robe. “I’m sorry—”

“Oh, Anna. What were you doing fiddling with the clock pieces I was about to put together? You act like an inquisitive child!” he said, his voice rising as he bent to help pick up the rest of the shattered glass. She saw him glance at her exposed leg underneath her robe, then quickly look away.

That did it! Anna rose and dumped the contents of her robe onto the work surface. Stifling a sob with her hand, she ran from the shop and upstairs into the bedroom. Flinging
herself facedown on the unmade bed, she let hot tears fall until her pillow was wet. Everything was going wrong. Maybe they were just too opposite. Didn’t he know she hadn’t meant to break the glass? She would never touch another piece in his precious shop again! Here she’d been thinking of asking if she could help out in the shop with customers sometime.

She knew she was feeling sorry for herself, and to make matters worse, her hip throbbed.

———

Edward sighed heavily as he examined the spring Anna had wound tight. He knew he shouldn’t have shouted at her. She hadn’t meant to drop the spring. Sometimes he held his breath when things were picked up by curious customers or when they picked up one of the smaller clocks to examine it. He just knew that one day someone would either break or drop one of the imported clocks he’d ordered.

He shoved all the pieces of glass to one side. He needed to go see if she was all right and apologize. He had to admit his ego had been deflated last night, but it wasn’t Anna’s fault. Perhaps he should’ve never written that list for her, but he had to admit that she had followed through with most of it—at least this week, after a bad start the first week. After all, he had let her keep the dog for now.

He turned the lock on the front door and flipped the sign over to read C
LOSED
. He’d reopen after he talked to Anna. It was still early and not many were clamoring to order clocks or jewelry this time of day. As he walked down the hall, he thought he heard crying. Now he really felt terrible. He hated to see a woman cry.

Anna was lying on her side on the bed, but when she heard him come into the room, she sniffed into her handkerchief, limped to the laundry basket, and picked up the sheets. She
ignored the fact that he stood looking at her as she snapped the sheet open to make the bed. She was lovely to look at even in her anger, with her hair a mess and her face tearstained.

“Anna . . .” He moved toward her. When she didn’t look at him, he grabbed her hand still holding the sheet. “Anna, listen to me. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to shout at you.” He touched her face, forcing her to look at him. His heart ached when he saw that her eyes were red from crying at something he’d thoughtlessly said.

She blinked. “Truly, I didn’t mean to mess up the round spring thing or drop it onto the glass face of the clock.” Her glittering eyes held his.

“It’s called a mainspring. And I . . . I shouldn’t have said you were a child. If I could take it back . . .” he said.

“In truth, Edward, I feel like a child when I’m with you. But I accept your apology. I was only trying to make conversation.”

“You’re not a child to me. Here, let me help you make the bed. I’m good at this job.” He took the sheet from her and popped it over the mattress, and she ran her hand over it, helping to smooth it down. He hadn’t said much about the way she’d made the bed last week. He almost had but thought better of it.

Edward watched her struggle to tuck the corner in. It was obvious that she was all thumbs and grew quickly frustrated.

“I’m not very good at this, and you are so particular!” she fumed, yanking on the sheet.

“I’m only particular because if it’s done properly, then the ends stay tucked in.” He bent down to show her how to corner the ends. Just then she popped up with an aggravated look and smacked his chin with the top of her head.

“Ouch!” He winced. She stood eye level to his chest, rubbing
her head, then looked up at him. Suddenly they burst out laughing. She turned back to the bed, but her satin house shoe caused her to slip on the top sheet left lying on the floor. Still laughing, he reached out to steady her, but then they both fell in a heap on the bed, his arm under her. Anna’s robe fell open, and he glimpsed her pretty nightgown beneath and her lustrous, pale skin.

Anna didn’t move but stared back at him, all laughter dissolved. She was soft against him, and so lovely with her dreamy eyes and her dewy fresh skin that smelled of lavender, that he caught his breath. Her lips parted, and he admired her small, even teeth. She was irresistible.
How did I ever get so lucky?
he thought. He would have to learn how to treat her like the thing of beauty she was. He felt so inadequate. He knew more about the mechanisms of a clock than a woman.
Heaven help me.

“You are exquisite, Anna,” he whispered softly. He drew her closer, kissing the lips he’d longed for during the night while she slept against him, and hot fire shot through him. She returned his kiss with one of her own. “My sweet wife . . . I don’t deserve you.”

Anna lifted her head, now in the crook of his arm, and reached up to push a lock of hair from his forehead. “I’m ready to become your wife in truth, Edward. Hold me close,” she murmured.

In the living room, the grandfather clock chimed seven thirty, but the couple bound together in God’s covenant neither heard it nor cared that the sun cast its morning light across a cloudless sky while the streets of Denver bustled with activity.

There was no mistaking the air of excitement among the block-long line of people buying tickets for the rodeo. Anna marveled that people from every walk of life were represented today, laughing and talking until their turn at the ticket window.

“I can tell you’re surprised at the turnout,” Edward said to her. “Just wait until you’re in the arena and you see ’em all in one place. Why, the crowd alone is worth seeing. It’s always a great show between broncos, steers, and cowboys. The cowboys do their best trying to wrestle the bulls with their rope in the shortest time, and the bucking broncos and longhorn steers do their best to get away.” He chuckled. “The lucky ones walk away with a nice purse if they win, so they take it seriously.”

“I can hardly wait,” Anna said. He slipped his arm about her waist and gave her a quick squeeze just as Ella and Ernie walked up to wait in line with them.

Edward’s sister was stylishly dressed. She wore a shade hat of straw that sported a wide embroidered velvet band encircling the crown, from which hung an array of flowers and foliage that fell toward the front of the brim. Anna’s
simple hat of leghorn straw with a narrow crown of black-eyed Susans paled in comparison to her sister-in-law’s.

Ernie stood with his thumbs in his pants pocket, coat open and hat pushed back, greeting half the people around him. Anna smiled. He must know everyone in Denver, and she could see why. Both he and Ella were good-natured, and she was glad they were her in-laws, though she hadn’t been around them for any length of time yet. She was looking forward to a fun day in her favorite place—the outdoors. And she had the added bonus of Edward and his family. Her list of chores for next week was the furthest thing from her mind.

“Line seems to be moving now. We’ll be able to get our seats soon before the show starts,” Edward said. He gave Anna’s hand a squeeze, and she gazed up at her husband—she could really say that now—and saw the love reflected in his eyes. His look made her blush, and she remembered how they’d spent that first wonderful time, skipping lunch until Edward reluctantly said he must go open the shop. After the evening meal, Edward had hurried her through doing the dishes, clearly anxious to turn out the lights and gently point her in the direction of the bedroom. He was tender and sweet with her and made her feel like the woman she had longed to be. There was no hiding the smile on her face this morning.

“Is a rodeo always so well attended? I haven’t seen this many people since I came through Union Station in Denver,” she commented.

“Once a year, cowboys come from all over the West to compete,” Edward said proudly. “Denver is making quite a name in the rodeo circuit.”

Ernie nodded in agreement. “It’s the best entertainment you can get in these parts, separate from the theater, which Ella really doesn’t enjoy attending.”

Ella poked her lip out in a cute pout and Ernie winked at his wife.

“Now, darling, you know I go with you at least once a year,” she reminded him. “Whether I want to or not.” She shook her head, then just rolled her eyes at Anna. The flowers hanging down from her hat seemed to nod in agreement. “Come on, Anna. Let’s walk over to the arena and wait for the men there since they’re next in line for tickets. We can walk past the exhibits.”

Anna pulled her hand from Edward’s and followed her sister-in-law through the throng of people. Everyone was in high spirits in anticipation of the events, and their enthusiasm was contagious. There were booths with items for sale, from cowboy hats, leather vests, bridles, and saddles to every bit of rodeo paraphernalia one could imagine. Ella bought them both a colorful paper fan, telling Anna that the crowded stands could get warm in the sun.

A few minutes later, the men joined the women, and they moved into the area that was laid out in a semicircle equal in diameter to the length of the grandstand. Anna marveled at the number of the spectators crowding the grandstands and the parade grounds, and laughed at the children who ran up and down the steps of the stands, waiting for the show to start.

Once they were seated, it wasn’t long before the show began with much pomp and circumstance. A small eight-piece band struck up “The Star-Spangled Banner” as a cowboy on a white horse, carrying a large American flag, waved proudly when he flew past the spectators. Right behind him were cowgirls and cowboys who comprised the contestants for the various events, wearing brightly colored outfits. Anna rose to her feet, along with Edward and his family, to cheer and yell
as the riders all circled the corral then formed a long line in the center with the flag in the middle.

She smiled up at Edward and knew he was enjoying watching her. “This is quite a show, Edward.”

Edward swiped the tip of her nose with his finger. “This is only the beginning. There’s so much more to come.”

“Is that Daniel in the lineup?” She squinted in the bright sunshine at the row of riders.

He laughed. “Yes, my dear, it is. Daniel loves cowboying when he’s not woodworking. He grew up on a ranch, and his pa still runs the Crow’s Nest. I’m sure he’s in the stands today somewhere to watch.”

Anna was surprised. Daniel was like a gentle giant whose hands caressed the wood he worked with. This side of him seemed strangely out of character.
This indeed will be fun
, she thought. She watched as the line of contestants rode their horses single file out of the arena.

Over the loudspeaker, the announcer introduced himself as Billy McKinley of Cheyenne, along with judges H. H. Metcalf, Carey Culver, J. H. Gorman, and P. G. Webster, who occupied the stand facing where the events would take place.

“Ladies and gentlemen. We’re here for a good time, and today you won’t be disappointed. We have some of the best participants this side of the Mississippi.” The announcer paused and the crowd roared their enthusiasm. “Without further ado, our first event of the day is bronc roping, so hold on to your hats!” he said in a booming voice. “Remember, folks, these ponies have never felt a rope before. The pretty little sorrel here will be roped by Bill Smith. Good luck, Bill!”

Edward leaned close to Anna’s ear when she frowned. “He’s right. These ponies are taken right off the range and can be fiery and mean.”

“Oh . . . really.” She was concerned now for Edward’s friend. It had never occurred to her that there might be danger at this huge event. She had much to learn, she realized.

“Yes, it takes a practiced hand and a willing fool to mess around with wild horses or bulls.”

Anna watched Bill wave his hat at the admiring crowd then plunk it back on his head, readying himself for the release of the horse from the chute. The wooden gate of the chute was let loose, and Bill pressed forward into a fierce battle, the horse’s hooves sending dust flying in every direction. He made three brave attempts to rope the wild horse’s neck but missed every single one. The crowd cheered him on, but he never came close to putting a saddle on the pony’s back. The buzzer sounded and Bill gave up, shrugging his shoulders as he headed out of the corral.

Anna was caught up in the excitement. She wondered how in the world one rode that hard and fast and roped a moving wild horse.

“Our next cowboy is Pinto Jim,” the announcer called out. Pinto Jim was a raw-boned cowpoke anxious for his chance the moment the gate swung open. The bronco burst into the corral, and Pinto Jim made several quick attempts before time was up. The wild horse went this way and that as the crowd roared in the background, but finally it wore down from all the plunging about. Pinto Jim snagged a jaquima on the horse, threw a saddle on him, and was astride the sorrel’s back just as the buzzer sounded.

The crowd yelled their approval, and Anna added her voice to the cheers. It was exciting to watch as cowboy after cowboy tried their expertise to rope and saddle a wild horse. She laughed out loud and Edward smiled down at her.

“What’s so funny?”

“I was just thinking that we’re mostly standing rather than sitting every time another rider takes the ring,” she said, looking around at the crowd.

He cocked an eyebrow. “Are you tired, Anna?”

“No. Not a bit. I was merely commenting on everyone’s enthusiasm. It’s very exciting and I’m glad you brought me.”

Edward stroked her arm. “And I’m happy to see you enjoying yourself.”

Anna blushed, noticing Ella watching them with satisfaction on her face. She was glad that she and Ella were friends. She had so few—

Her thoughts were interrupted by the next event beginning.

“This is the steer roping,” Edward said. “I think Daniel is doing this event. He’s had plenty of firsthand experience.”

“What’s he supposed to do?”

“Rope a steer with his lariat, then hop off the horse and tie the steer’s hind legs up.” She shuddered and Edward chuckled. “Don’t worry. No animals are harmed in the events, my dear.”

“I’d say he’s strong enough to do that, but I know he’d never harm an animal. He’s much too kind.”

She opened her fan and waved it over her face to get relief from the pounding sun, glad that Edward insisted she wear a hat. Surely her brain was baking.

She turned her focus back to the arena. It wasn’t long before one rider was disqualified and another had a bad throw with his lariat, missing the steer. What she found most interesting was how fast the horse and rider and the steer shot out of their stalls simultaneously, with the steer running full speed ahead as if he knew what was coming.

Daniel rode a beautiful horse and dressed in a cowboy hat and leather vest stretching tight across his broad shoulders. He seemed to fit the part of a cowboy instead of a furniture
maker, Anna thought. She was impressed with the way he rode, self-assured and tall in the saddle. His muscular forearms stretched out the reins once the buzzer signaled, and he pressed his horse forward. In a flash, he was out of the stall and drawing close just behind the steer. He skillfully swung his lariat, which slid around the steer’s head with seemingly no effort on Daniel’s part. The spectators cheered, coming to their feet as they watched him slide down from his mount, tie the steer’s hind legs with a leather strap, and raise his hands in the air to signal he was done—all in under a minute and a half.

Anna was fascinated at his skill and apparent ease around the horse and steer, not to mention his natural good looks and brawn. Daniel tipped his hat to the audience and with a sweep gave them a deep bow. Surely he’d win.

———

Edward whistled for his friend, then turned and followed Anna’s gaze clearly directed at Daniel. Her face softened and her mouth slightly parted, but her fanning halted. His beautiful wife seemed mesmerized by Daniel’s performance, but there was something else that he saw in her face . . . Was it more than admiration?

Don’t be ridiculous! She’s just never seen a rodeo before and is impressed, that’s all.

Suddenly he compared himself to Daniel, something he’d never done before. But then, he’d never been married before either. Daniel had a rugged handsomeness to his features and was always a bit unkempt, which Edward couldn’t understand, but women were drawn to his quiet charm and soft-spoken voice. But outward appearances never seemed to matter to Daniel as far as Edward could tell.

Daniel had told Edward to lighten up about everything
being so scheduled and his clothes being perfectly pressed and fresh. That’s the way Daniel ran his life, though—doing what he wanted to do when he wanted to do it. Yet now Edward was seeing his longtime friend through different eyes . . . through Anna’s eyes. Daniel’s body, though lean, was muscular and firm, whereas Edward’s was not. How could it be? All he ever did was stay inside at the shop without doing a lot of physical labor.

Maybe Anna thought Daniel was more handsome and more skillful. She’d mentioned his woodworking more than once since she’d arrived and commented on how easy Daniel was to talk to.

Suddenly Edward had a sour taste in his mouth, when only moments before he’d thought things were moving in the right direction with Anna. Especially after last night’s lovemaking. Finally being able to hold her and share the warmth of their new relationship gave him a fire in his belly that shot straight down to his toes. But now he felt adrift in the huge arena, despite the hundreds of folks and his sister at his side. Today he felt somewhat pale and boring in comparison to the virile, dashing Daniel.