Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel (19 page)

It was apparent that word had gotten out about Anna’s chapter of the ASPCA, whether from her flyers, her ad in the newspaper, or word of mouth. A number of people stopped by with small donations to support the cause or brought another stray or wounded animal. It was also obvious that she and Sarah alone would soon not be able to handle all immediate requests or rescues. They would need help, especially in transporting and taking care of the number of stray dogs. Anna hadn’t stopped all morning long, what with visitors appearing at her doorstep and keeping track of the animals’ care.

She’d walked across the street to see if Sarah had any free time to lend a hand, and in a matter of hours she was thankful Sarah had become her assistant. Another dog had been found by Alan, and he’d dropped it by on his way to school. Too bad he wasn’t already out of school or she would’ve claimed him as the official dogcatcher. She would have to see about hiring someone for the job, and that would mean they needed another wagon—one that was enclosed. Anna decided to talk to Edward for suggestions.

One thing both Anna and Edward were concerned about
was the noise from the dogs barking. If she had more strays, the neighbors would soon be complaining—and rightly so. To date they had five dogs and a goat to feed, and that didn’t include Baby.

Sarah had a list to keep track of each dog or other animal by its color, since neither of them were knowledgeable about the different breeds. Anna made a mental note to order a book on dog breeds. Or she could see if there were any in the library.

“Anna, how about I check with some of the local restaurants and cafés and see if they’re willing to let us have their scraps to feed the dogs and cats and anything else that comes our way? At least until we can order something to feed them from the general store.”

“Sarah, that’s a brilliant idea. But how are we going to be able to pick up the scraps?”

“Well . . . couldn’t Alan after school?”

“I don’t know with his schoolwork, but his mother might be able to lend us a hand. We need to check on that.”

Sarah made notes in her tablet as Anna talked. “Suddenly I have so many things to figure out, but these donations will certainly help. Tomorrow we need to go to the church to plan the bake sale and find out where we can meet in the building. I don’t think I have time to wait until the reverend lets us know—there’s so much work to be done. I also need to write up a newsletter for our chapter. I believe Edward has a typewriter.” She laughed. “Trouble is, I’m a slow typist. One finger at a time.”

“You’re so funny! You’ll manage, and I can help if need be. We’ll have to work fast to get a lot done, since winter is right on our heels. It’d be good if we can find a space or building to rent soon for the animals.” Sarah got up from the desk.
“I’ll leave now. I believe I can persuade a few people to allow us to collect their leftovers for our shelter.”

“Shelter? Hmm . . . Sarah, I never thought of that, but you’re exactly right—that’s what it really is, isn’t it? A shelter.” Anna admired how Sarah’s brain worked.

“Yes. We’ll have to think up a name for it.”

Anna giggled. “Hold on—we don’t even have the building yet.” She rose as well, stretching her back. “I’ve got so much to do, and I have the dinner party tonight as well.”

“I’ll be right here to help. It should be fun. Perhaps we can generate more ideas, since almost everyone who attended the meeting is coming to dinner.”

“You’re right.”

Sarah grabbed her coat, then slipped on her gloves. “I’ll be back in no time.”

Anna gave her arm a squeeze. “Sarah, thank you for stepping right in to help me today. I think I suddenly realized what a huge undertaking this could become. I can’t do it alone.”

Sarah’s hazel eyes were warm and crinkled at the corners when she smiled. “You won’t have to, Anna.”

“That means a lot. Now I’m going to see if I can interrupt Edward long enough to find out if he knows of anyone I could approach who would be willing to drive a wagon to pick up stray dogs or cats. It will be me in the beginning, I’m afraid, but somehow I don’t think that will set well with him,” Anna admitted.

Sarah frowned. “Mmm . . . I can hardly see Edward letting you become the town dogcatcher.” She tied her bonnet and scurried on her way.

Edward had several customers he was busy with, so Anna decided to wait until he was free, although she was mentally
going over things to be done and plans for tonight’s dinner party. Perhaps she should’ve waited. Too late now.

She walked over to assist a young lady at the jewelry case, and it wasn’t long before Edward was finished.

“Thanks for your help, Anna,” he said when they were finally alone. “You look like you have something on your mind.”

Anna took a deep breath and told him everything she and Sarah had discussed. Edward folded his arms and leaned against the jewelry counter, listening.

“I think I’m going to need your help,” Anna said.

“That’s an awful lot of wants. What do you think you need first?”

“An enclosed wagon for picking up strays.”

“Who’s going to be doing the driving?”

Anna chewed her bottom lip. “Me,” she whispered.

“No, that’s not going to work. I won’t have my wife driving through the streets of Denver looking for animals, and that’s that!” He spread his hands in exasperation.

Anna had expected this reaction, but she’d have to convince him that without the means to hire someone, she would have to be the one.

“Edward, I must be the driver for the time being, until my chapter has the funds to hire someone. Don’t forget this was all my idea. I can’t push it off on someone else. Sarah is already helping as much as she can.” She paused. “Very soon, I can see us needing a larger space, since the barn is filling up fast.”

“So I’ve noticed. I’ve seen all the activity from my work area. May I remind you that someone will have to be out in the yard to dispose of the animal excrement?”

“I did that right before Sarah came over. I must admit, I
need another set of legs and arms, and if I could grow them I certainly would.”

Edward rubbed his chin. “Let me think on it. I have to run into town and check on the bank vault timer later this afternoon. Maybe I can think of something. For a shelter, you’ll either have to have a benefactor or lease an old building that’s not being used. Waldo might have some notions about that since he knows just about everyone in town.”

She threw her arms around him, and he received her embrace. “I knew you would help me! Now don’t be too long. Our dinner guests are coming at six o’clock sharp!” She pulled away as he tried to plant a kiss on her lips. “No time for that now. I’ve got a million things to do!”

———

He shook his head, laughing, as she spun around and flew from the shop just as another customer arrived. Sometimes she resembled a little waif—apron half-tied, hair escaping its pins, her mind going a mile a minute. As soon as he finished up for the day, he’d head on over to the bank. Maybe even stop to pick up some flowers for her table for the dinner guests tonight. Nothing made him happier than pleasing Anna. He just hoped dogs didn’t take over their life. But one thing was clear to him—if a woman wasn’t happy, then no one was happy!

Downtown Denver was the hub on Friday evenings for many folks dining out or going to the theater, and the busy streets were no exception when Edward hopped on the streetcar into town. That would be quicker than taking time to saddle up Cloud, and it was too far to walk there and get back in time for their guests. From the looks of things, the parlor wasn’t as tidy as he’d like it, and Anna would need some help getting last-minute things done before everyone
arrived. His father would’ve laughed at him, but Edward didn’t care. He was learning that when two divided the chores they went faster, leaving him and Anna more time to spend together.

“’Bout time you showed up. We like to close the bank at five o’clock sharp, especially on Fridays,” Leonard said, leading him past the only teller still there closing up his window for the day. Edward nodded at him and noticed the teller looked nervous when Leonard spoke to him in passing. Leonard fancied himself as the next president of the bank when Waldo retired, and in Edward’s estimation, he liked being in charge. As long as Edward had this job, he would be cordial and get along with him.

Waldo was chewing on his usual cigar and greeted him heartily. “Howdy, Edward. Good to see you again so soon. I have to say I’m glad I attended Anna’s meeting, even if my wife had to twist my arm. Very informative.”

“Thanks for saying that, Waldo. She was tickled that you and Leola came. She’s already working hard at getting this whole thing started. Matter of fact, I’d like to ask if you know anyone who might have an old building to lease. The number of animals has started to rise and soon my barn won’t be able to hold them. Sort of a shelter for them. Nothing fancy.”

“Can’t say right off for sure, but I can inquire for you. I do know of a customer of mine who’s closing his account to move to Wyoming. He owns a warehouse on Broadway. If he doesn’t already have it leased, I’ll ask.”

Edward thought for a moment. “It depends if we can afford the rent. It may be a stretch for us until we get funding under way.”

“I can always float you a short loan to help you get started.
Matter of fact, my customer is leaving because a fire destroyed part of the building and merchandise, but the damage could be easily repaired . . . at least I think so.”

“Hmm . . . maybe Daniel and I can do the work, which would save us a lot. I’ll tell you what—you find out what you can, and we’ll see if we can swing it.”

Waldo clapped him on the back. “You’ve got it. And just for the record, I’m proud of you for standing by Anna’s endeavors. Now go on and check that timer so we can all call it a day, son.”

Edward nodded, feeling proud from Waldo’s compliment. He walked toward the safe, where Leonard was putting the last stack of money and bonds inside.

He turned to Edward. “All done for the day, Edward. I’ll leave you to set the timer. See you next Friday.”

“Good night, Leonard.” Edward could hear him telling Waldo goodbye before walking down the hallway and out the front door.

Edward spun the dial around, checking the mechanism on the combination, and then made sure the timer was working properly. Behind him, he heard a movement as he closed the vault door.

“Excuse me, Mr. Parker?” It was the teller he’d seen when he’d arrived earlier. He was a swarthy-looking man—hardly the look of a teller—but then it wasn’t his business if the man looked more like a rough-edged miner than a businessman.

“That’s me,” Edward answered as he stood.

“My name’s Calvin. I overheard you mention to Mr. Krunk something about needing an empty building?”

“I did for a fact. Why? Do you know of one?” Edward thought it unlikely that he owned anything, but maybe he knew of someone who did.

“I might. Friend of mine on Colfax can’t come up with his rent, and he’s fallen on hard times with his business. His lease is about up, so I could ask for you.”

Edward was curious as to why Calvin wanted to help him. “What’s in it for you, Calvin? You don’t know me at all.”

Calvin scratched his beard. “To tell you the truth, my friend told me he’d give me half the money for the rest of the lease if he could find a buyer for the remaining months.”

“I see. Well, find out what the remaining balance is and when his lease is up, and we’ll go from there. You know where to find me,” he said. They walked to the front of the bank, where Waldo was putting on his coat and hat. “I’m kinda pressed for time tonight.” He thought it was a stroke of luck that he might have not one but two places to tell Anna about.

“All right. I best be hurrying home, don’t like to keep the missus holding supper too long for me.” Calvin lifted his coat off the coatrack and said good night to Waldo before hurrying down the steps.

“Have a great weekend, Waldo. See you next week,” Edward said, tipping his hat. Since he’d never taken his coat off, he headed out right behind Calvin with rapid strides toward 17th and York. He hoped Park Floral was still open. He had his heart set on surprising Anna with flowers.

Sure enough, he made it just before his friend John Valentine was about to flip the sign to C
LOSED
. “Wait, John! Please!”

John smiled through the glass showcase and swung the door open. “We’re just about to close up shop, Edward. You almost missed me. What can I do for you?” John stared at Edward through his round spectacles.

“I know you don’t work in the floral shop usually.” Edward struggled to catch his breath.

“Ha! I’m here and there. I have to stay on top of everything, you know, and make sure my helpers here are getting the job done. So what can I help you with, son?”

“I just want to get Anna some flowers for a dinner party that she’s having tonight. You know, a bouquet for the table, maybe?”

John twirled his mustache between two fingers. “Step on in. Everyone else has left, but I’m sure I can put something together for you right quick. I have some pink and white chrysanthemums. How would that work?”

“Perfectly!”

“Okay, I’ll just wrap them up for you.”

The fragrant smell of flowers and greenery pervaded the room. There were boxes, paper wrappings, leaves, flower stems, and crushed rose petals scattered on the floor and counter.

Edward glanced at his watch. It was 5:45! He’d have to hurry. He watched while John took his time laying the flowers neatly onto stiff paper, jawing about something with the city ordinances. Edward was really in no mood to talk and only grunted in agreement.

John tied the paper with bright red ribbon and handed the bundle to him. Edward grabbed it, slapping some bills into John’s hand. Waving to his surprised friend, Edward took off running for the next streetcar at the corner and reached it just before it took off again.

It was colder now as dusk descended on the city, and the streetlight cast a warm glow on what little snow still lay on the sidewalk, making it sparkle like diamonds on a woman’s necklace. He should’ve been home to light the
fires for their guests before now. He hoped the exercises he’d started doing would eventually be beneficial for helping him run from the bank to the florist and then to catch a streetcar.