Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel (9 page)

Ernie had fetched lemonade for everyone during the fancy riding event. Anna sipped the refreshing drink, admiring colorful dyed shirts and fancy boots and hats. She held her breath as several different contestants, including two women, showed off their incredible horse-riding skills. They stood on the horse as it ran around in the semicircle, or they hung from the stirrups of their saddle. Finally they dismounted their horse, which bowed with one foreleg bent low to the ground.

As the day wore on, Anna slipped her free hand into Edward’s. He gave her a mild look of surprise and squeezed her fingers in return. This was the most fun she’d had in a long time, and spending it with her handsome husband made today even better. As she remembered last night and how tender Edward had been with her, her heart felt full and satisfied. She wondered what he was thinking. Was he remembering the sighs, their luscious kisses, and the magic they’d created? What if she was pregnant? She felt her face burn at all these intimate thoughts.

Ella gave her a poke on the arm. “I think it’s safe to say that you’re having a good time.”

“
Ja.
It’s a wonderful show. Is it over now?” Anna stretched her neck to see around the man in front of her.

“Just one more event, and that’s the bronco busting,” Ernie answered. “Don’t know how those cowboys stay on, much less have the nerve. They have to rope and saddle ’em, then mount them without being thrown. The man with the lowest time wins the purse.”

“Looks like Daniel won his event,” Edward surmised.

“Yup, he’s real smooth-like when it comes to horses. He has a natural knack for handling them. Guess that’s why he’s been spending the weekends at his father’s ranch.”

Their attention was directed to stalls where the last event of the day was about to take place. A horse was pawing the ground in its stall and lunging at the side walls.

“That one looks mean as a wild bull! I wouldn’t want to get near him,” Ella said.

The rider was announced as Dull Knife from Meeker, and he rode a white pony. Anna couldn’t help but notice that he wore a large white sombrero and leather-fringed chaps. He sported a big red kerchief around his neck and a fancy belt that held an ivory-handled gun and knife. He sat perched on the back of his horse atop a hand-tooled Mexican saddle.

Anna watched as a bay was pointed out to him and the catch released on its chute. Then off he went. It wasn’t long before the bay bronco, nostrils flaring and tail and mane streaming, was cunning enough to figure out what the horse and rider wanted. Using the natural ability of his breed, the bay dodged Dull Knife, giving him a run for his money and a show for the crowd. For all his flashy and debonair appearance, Dull Knife skillfully caught the horse about the legs with his rope. The bay gave in and the rest was in Dull Knife’s hands.

The audience clapped and whistled as the entire group of
contestants again rode in, waving their hats at the cheering crowd. Ribbons and cash were given to the respective winners of each event, and Anna was pleased to see that Daniel was among them.

As they made their way down from the stands, Ella suggested they all go for coffee at her house before going home.

“That’s a great idea, sis.” Edward nodded. “Is that okay with you, Anna?”

“
Ja
, it would be a pleasure.”

Lengthening afternoon shadows fell across the sidewalk that led to Ella and Ernie’s house, making for a pleasant walk. Anna had forgotten how homey their house was from the first time she’d been there, on her wedding day. Edward plopped down on the settee as soon as they entered the living room, and Ernie took their hats and hung them up.

“I’ll come help you, Ella,” she said, following Ella’s slender form toward the kitchen.

“Okay, it’ll give us time to catch up since you married my brother,” she whispered, looping her arm through Anna’s and leading her down the narrow hallway to the kitchen.

Smells from a morning breakfast of fried bacon still lingered, and Anna spied a large bowl of apples in the center of the breakfast table. “Do you have apple trees in your backyard?”

“Heavens, no.” Ella laughed. “I get those from the local market. I want to make applesauce next week. Maybe you’d like to join me if you have time. I know Edward runs a tight ship.”

“You know about his strict rules?”

Anna watched Ella light a match to the stove to start water boiling for the coffee. She turned around with her hands on her slender hips, giving Anna a thoughtful look. “I am his
sister, you know. Of course I know how difficult he can be, but he has a heart of gold. It’s just a little harder to figure him out.”

Anna giggled. “You can say that again. We got off to a strange start with a long list of things he expects of me.”

“What? Oh my goodness! Do you want me to speak to him for you?” Ella looked shocked.

“No. I appreciate your concern, but I don’t take the list too seriously, though I’m afraid it’s getting under his collar, if you know what I mean. I insisted on bringing my dog with me from Cheyenne and have since adopted an old dog that probably saved my life.” Ella was all ears, and Anna proceeded to tell her about the tramp.

Ella shook her head of dark curls as she reached for a tray to hold the cups. The coffee began to boil, so she turned the fire down a notch and looked back to Anna. “
Two
dogs? Ha! Never thought I’d see the day that’d happen. Our father would never let us own a dog. But I think you’ll be able to stand your ground with Edward. I caught him looking at you with adoring eyes today during the rodeo, so things must be improving.”

“They are, especially in the last few days.”

“What’s happened in the last few days?” Ella cocked an eyebrow.

Anna’s face flamed. “I shouldn’t have said anything. I . . . we, uh . . .”

“What? Had a fight and made up? We all do that. It’s what most married couples do. Makes the loving all the better.” Ella paused, looking straight into Anna’s eyes. “What?”

“We fully became man and wife—finally.”

Ella took Anna’s hand and pulled her to a chair to sit. “
What?
You’ve been married two weeks!”

Anna sighed. “It’s because of the notion Edward got into his head that I should have time to feel comfortable here and with him, but it was truly a part of his strict rules—wanting things his way. I had no choice. I thought if I disagreed, he’d have thought I was being loose.” Anna stared down at her hands, noticing how bad her nails looked.

Ella’s frank, open gaze told Anna she had a friend in Edward’s sister. “Edward did that more for himself than he did it for you, Anna. Trust me in this. He was probably more afraid of rejection than anything.”

“Rejection? I don’t understand. I wouldn’t reject him.” Anna couldn’t believe that the self-assured and competent Edward would have those ideas in his head.

“Edward always feels like he has to prove himself. I think it really began with our father.” She sighed. “Our father was an alcoholic. Why my mother put up with him, I’ll never understand. There were times when he would be gone for a month or more and then just show up, only to be taken in by my mother. Edward and I both had our ways of coping as children. He liked to tinker with things that took total concentration and perfectionism. I think that was his way of controlling what he could around him, and he became compulsive about certain things.” She stared down at the tea tray.

“Ohh . . . I didn’t know. I’m sorry . . . for both of you.” Anna’s heart squeezed. She wondered what Ella’s crutch had been, but she didn’t think she should ask now.

Ella lifted her head with a trembling smile. “Somehow when you go through tough events you become stronger for it. It made us who we are.”

The coffeepot was boiling again, and Ella jumped up just as Ernie called out from the living room.

“Honey, where’s that coffee you promised?”

“Coming,” she called over her shoulder. “Anna, we’ll talk again when I make applesauce. Would you put some cookies on a plate for me? The cookie canister is sitting on the first shelf where the canned goods are.”

“Certainly,” Anna said, quickly moving to the pantry. She was just beginning to understand this sensitive husband of hers.

Anna snuggled close to Edward that night, tenderness for him in her heart. Somehow she must get him to talk about his relationship with his father, but tonight was not the time.

Was he feigning sleep? She touched his foot, feeling its coldness, but he didn’t express interest in anything but sleep, which surprised her after last night. But Anna was not deterred. She stroked his arm and felt the quiver of forearm muscles through his nightshirt, then allowed her fingers to trail down to his hand and laced her fingers into his. She heard him take a deep breath.

“Edward, thank you for the lovely day. I’ll have to write my sisters about it,” she murmured softly.

Without turning, he answered, “I’m glad that you had a good day. But we need to go to sleep. We don’t want to miss the preacher’s sermon, now do we?”

She gave a soft giggle. “There’s no chance of that. You’re so used to rising early.”

She waited. Still no movement to take her into his arms. Had he been disappointed in her last night? No, he hadn’t seemed to be. Maybe he was just tired.
But too tired to hold me in his arms?

“Edward?”

“What?” he mumbled.

“Would you hold me for a little while? I’m feeling a little lonely and it’s colder tonight,” she murmured. As soon as the sun went down, the night became very chilly, but it had been too late to have a fire by the time they’d left Ella’s and fed the dogs. Tomorrow she would dig some heavy woolen socks out of her trunk, she promised herself.

He yawned, then twisted under the sheet until he faced her. Placing his arm under her head and shoulders, he drew her closer until she could feel the beating of his heart. His manly smell, mingled with his aftershave and body soap, was pleasant to her senses. She turned her head until she could see his profile.

“What are you looking at?”

“You, Edward . . . my handsome husband.”

“You don’t have to flatter me, Anna. I know I don’t hold a candle to those cowboys we watched today, especially Daniel.”

She drew back to see him better. “Whatever are you talking about? Who’s comparing? Certainly not me.” She watched as he slowly turned to face her with a solemn look.

“I am. That’s who. You could’ve had any one of those dashing cowboys out there today.” His eyes held hers. “I saw the way you were admiring them. I can’t compete with them,” he choked out.

She playfully swatted his arm. “Really, Edward, I’m
married
to you! Remember?”

“A friend of mine had a mail-order bride who left after she found something that suited her fancy better.”

She couldn’t believe he was thinking like this. “Edward, for goodness’ sake. Do you think I’m so shallow after the time we’ve had together?” She propped up on one elbow, laid her other arm across his broad chest, and locked eyes with him.

He rubbed his eyes. “It’s just that you’re so beautiful. I feel blessed that you even answered my ad at all.”

She tweaked his nose. “Well, I fancy you. So there!”

He lifted her chin with his long fingers, stroking her cheek. “Anna, I think I’m falling in love with you . . . I don’t want to lose you,” he whispered in a ragged voice.

Anna felt a catch in her throat. “You won’t, Edward . . . You won’t,” she breathed. She leaned in to receive his waiting kiss as his arm tightened about her.

When Edward looked out the bedroom window Sunday morning, a light dusting of snow resembling sifted confectioner’s sugar layered the shrubs and clung to tree limbs, announcing summer’s close. He combed his hair in place, smoothed down his tweed vest, and moved away from the window, then stared at his reflection in the dresser mirror while he adjusted his tie. He wasn’t sure what Anna saw in him, but his blood had quickened when she called him handsome, since he didn’t view himself that way.

Anna was finally dressed for church, after they’d lingered long over breakfast. He smiled to himself as the vision and events of last night filled his mind. She couldn’t have been any sweeter to him than she’d been last night as she’d soothed his bruised ego.

They were as different as day and night, he thought as he glanced over at the mess she’d left in their bedroom. She’d gone through several dresses, flinging them on the unmade bed, before deciding on the perfect one for today’s cold weather. Her indecision and clutter were hard for someone like him who thrived best on continuity and routine. Yes, she was a little scatterbrained, but he had to admit that made life interesting. He never knew what to expect from her.

Anna walked to the cheval mirror and asked over her shoulder, “Edward, will this do?”

She wore a navy dress that bustled at the back with a matching velvet-trimmed bodice—the dress she’d worn the first day he laid eyes on her. The dress’s dark color contrasted with her eyes, making them stand out against her sweeping thick lashes.

“I thought the first outfit you were wearing was equally nice, but that one is probably warmer. I don’t want you to catch cold, since it snowed while we . . . uh . . . slept.” He coughed slightly, watching her pretty delicate skin turn pink.

“Thank you. I want to look my best. Now, if I can just get my coat, we can be on our way,” she said as her lips tipped upward in a smile.

“If you’re ready, I’ll go bring the carriage around, okay?”

She nodded, and he noted that she’d spent thirty minutes creating blonde curls only to sweep them up to the back of her head in a stylish fashion. Anna turned this way and that as she adjusted her peacock-blue satin hat, which was trimmed in cut velvet with black jet triangles and sat jauntily just above her curls. He almost chuckled, watching her finally tie a satin ribbon underneath her small chin. She looked very different, and he’d never seen her with her hair this way. Very adult and womanly—or should he say wifely? Either way, twenty minutes later he would be happy to escort her to church and see all the admiring looks of men and women.

The Trinity United Methodist Episcopal stone church was a magnificent structure of sandstone, with a beautiful Gothic design, a triple archway entrance, and the tallest steeple that Anna had ever seen stretching toward heaven. She appreciated
the church’s fine stonework and intricate architectural detailing. She supposed it would still be around after she was dead and gone. The adjacent courtyard begged to be explored, and she intended to do that as soon as she had a chance. Painting this impressive church might be something to put on her list of things to do sometime.

Inside, the church was cold, making Anna grateful that she’d carried a muff to slide her hands into. Edward said hello to folks he saw in passing, and Anna nodded to them. The building was packed with townsfolk of every type today, and they had to take a seat on the last row in the back.

As it had on her wedding day, the beautiful sanctuary with its rich wooden beams and magnificent stained glass and pipe organ impressed her. The church was newly built after the congregation decided to relocate to downtown Denver, and Anna knew it would be a joy to worship here.

Reverend Henry Augustus Buchtel began by apologizing for the cold, saying they were taken by surprise at the drop in temperature overnight. “Our good man Isaac Blake, our music director, will lead the congregation now, and later I’ll speak to you about the care of our fellow man and all of God’s creation.” He stepped back as Mr. Blake walked over to the podium and the organist began to play “Holy, Holy, Holy.”

When the song ended, Anna leaned over and whispered to Edward, “What are the boxes of seating near the front for? There’s a curtain drawn over them.” She’d wondered about that when she’d first seen them.

“Those,” he whispered back, “are for the . . . um, ladies who are . . . expecting.” He choked on the word.

Anna gave a soft giggle at his embarrassment and said, “I see.”

“Shh.” Edward put his finger to his lips.

Anna leaned against the pew while the music director led them in two more songs before the sermon began.

It wasn’t long before Anna gave the reverend her rapt attention. His topic was caring for not only our fellow man but also the animals that God entrusted us with. He spoke of things she’d never considered before—how God had used animals in Scripture to carry out His purposes. God ordered ravens to feed Elijah. He provided a large fish to swallow Jonah and caused Balaam’s donkey to speak. Anna read her Bible, but somehow she hadn’t thought about allowing animals a special place in the world, even though she instinctively had a soft spot in her heart for all animals—especially ones that suffered.

She listened intently to the reverend’s sermon and thought it related quite well to her way of thinking lately when it came to her focus on animals. As he talked, it inspired her to close her eyes and pray that God would show her any opportunity to help her neighbor and use her affection for animals in whatever way He chose.

Several latecomers arrived, and Anna shivered with every blast of cold air from the open door. During the time of prayers she asked God to bless her marriage, to help her define her role in her marriage and in life, and to be able to accept that role with a grateful heart.

Before communion began, Anna felt something bump against her leg. She bent down to move the folds of her skirt aside and heard purring. Despite Edward’s protest at her movements, which knocked her hat askew, she felt around between the kneeling bench and her skirt. Her hat, which at this point was cockeyed, slid off and rolled underneath the pew in front of her just as she came in contact with a soft ball of fur.

A kitten! For goodness’ sake! It was a tiny little thing and
thin enough that she could feel each rib. A very neglected kitty indeed. Her heart filled with pity as she sat back up. It must be cold and hungry, and it must have slipped in somehow when the door opened. She’d have to remove it before they stood to take communion or she’d step on the little creature. Edward could retrieve her hat for her later.

Edward gave her a sharp look, one brow cocked upward in disapproval, and muttered something under his breath. Anna put her finger to her lips to silence him. Bending down again, she lifted her petticoats and pulled the frail kitty from beneath them. The kitty gave a weak
meow
, but it echoed loudly enough to be heard in the stillness of the sanctuary.

She looked around sheepishly, and Edward threw her an irritated look, clearly shocked at what she held in her hands. She could only shrug her shoulders at him, mindful of the people in the rows in front of them turning around to see what the commotion was about. Tucking the scrawny kitty against her chest, she motioned with her finger that she was going outside. Quickly she picked up her muff and hurried out the back door, being careful to close the door quietly.

In her haste Anna slipped on the slick front steps and fell on her behind, but she managed to keep her clutch on the kitten. A passerby walked over and assisted her up, asking her if she was all right. She nodded and thanked him as he scurried on inside, very late for service. She brushed the light snow from the back of her coat and the kitten meowed loudly, so she hurried past the large wrought-iron gates and down the street to find the place where Edward had parked their carriage. She climbed up, thankful for the top cover, and spread the warm robe across her lap and legs before taking the kitten out from under her arm.

Taking a good look at the pitiful creature gave Anna a pang.
Its tiny eyes were nearly matted shut and its fur was dull and sparse. But nonetheless, she could tell it was a pretty little thing.

She stroked its head and it purred loudly. “I promise to serve you some warm milk as soon as we get home, little kitty, and take good care of you until you feel better.” A louder purring was the kitten’s response. She tucked it underneath the blanket in her lap, and soon it was fast asleep.

Not many people were out on the streets. Horse-drawn carriages plodded to and fro, slowly making their way down the street. The powdery snow skimmed the rooftops and dusted the elm tree limbs to give the street an enchanting storybook look. One that said all was well.

It wasn’t long before the cold penetrated her coat and she could see her breath in the air. Hopefully Edward would hurry out as soon as church was over. It was hard to believe that some people discarded animals as though they were rubbish. It angered her, and she thought of Moose. “We’re supposed to care for God’s dumb animals,” she grumbled out loud.

“Who are you talking to?” Edward climbed up, a scowl across his brows as he tossed her hat on her lap.

Anna gave a short laugh. “The kitten, of course.” It was obvious that he wasn’t happy with her. She’d have to choose her words carefully.

He cast her a dark look, warning her. “What do you think you’re going to do with the cat?”

“It’s not a cat. See?” She pulled the robe back. “It’s just a baby kitten that someone discarded.”

“For heaven’s sake, Anna. Cats roam the city just like dogs. You can’t be sure someone tried to get rid of it just because it slipped into the church sanctuary.”

“Well, it sure seems that way, else its little ribs wouldn’t be sticking out so.”

“Doesn’t matter!” He reached for the kitten. “I’m taking it right back to church to let the caretaker deal with it. It looks sick to me.”

“No, Edward! Please let me nurse the little thing back to health,” Anna pleaded, keeping a tight hold on the little ball of fur in her lap. “I’ll find a home for it. I promise.”

“When have I heard that before? Anna, we cannot bring home every stray animal you find.”

“Why?”

“Well, because . . . I don’t know . . . because I said so.”

“Well, you’ll have to do better than that. How could you possibly leave this sweet, fragile thing on the streets?” She couldn’t help but wonder if he was afraid of animals.

Edward rolled his eyes and slapped his hands on his thighs in exasperation. “I never said I would. I’ll take her back to the church—”

“Edward.” Anna reached to touch his hand. “Please reconsider. The kitten won’t take up much space and the dogs will enjoy the company for a little while.”

“Oh, sure they will. Dogs and cats just
naturally
like each other.”

“
Please
. . . I’ll make you apple dumplings.” Anna would not give up. She hugged the kitten against her face lovingly.

She caught the look of kindness in his eyes, but for some reason he pretended to feel otherwise. He reached for the horse’s reins, turning his head from her. “You win for now . . . but soon as the kitten is better, out it goes, understand?”

“’Course, dear.” Anna knew she had no plans to find a home other than theirs for the kitten, but Edward might come to actually like having a cat.
Now wouldn’t that be something
, she thought.

“Okay. But I’ll be looking for my apple dumplings . . . if
you know how to cook them.” He clicked the reins with a “giddyup” and headed the carriage homeward.

Anna was already planning how she would clean up the tiny kitten and make a nice warm bed in the kitchen for it as soon as she got home—right after they had lunch.