Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel (6 page)

Edward glanced up from his work at one of the many clocks on the wall, wondering how the morning could have flown past so quickly. The last time he’d seen Anna, she was knee-deep in soapsuds, creating an image in his mind that he couldn’t dismiss. With each swipe of her brush, her backside moved gently beneath her serviceable housedress. Her hips tapered upward to her small waist, and he allowed his eyes to travel to her slender back and shoulders. He stared as if he’d never noticed a female before, then finally dragged his eyes away to retreat back to his work counter. He hadn’t interrupted her. Besides, lunch wasn’t until later.

After spending time adjusting the delicate ratchet motion of the pallet mechanism for a grandfather clock he’d been putting together, he flipped up the magnifying glass secured around his head with a leather band. Many times, after bending over the parts of a clock or watch pieces, his neck would cramp—and today it was hurting. He rubbed it to loosen the knots and sighed, thinking about Anna. Soon the ten-day waiting period would be over. Then what? Had she adjusted to being a wife? Would she be happy? It would, of course, take time to begin to feel comfortable with each
other, though he hoped she was beginning to ease into life here in Denver.

He slid open a drawer under the wooden counter and pulled out the sheet of paper with his list. He smiled. He was continually adding items to it. The list he’d given Anna might have been a little too long, but it was, after all, things that had to be done to run a household.

Baby’s barking from the front porch broke into his ruminating. Blast it all! Why didn’t Anna shut her up?

The barking continued. He wasn’t expecting any customers, so the dog couldn’t be barking at that. Finally, he shoved his list back inside the drawer and walked to the front of the house. Through the beveled glass he could see Anna coming up the walk with her market basket. Ah, so that’s where she’d gone. As he reached to open the door, he saw the reason for Baby’s barking. A huge, ugly dog was trailing right behind his wife.
What in the world?
Baby leapt up and scampered toward Anna, then stood barking at the mongrel hiding behind her skirts.

“Hi, Edward. I’ve got some fresh vegetables for soup tonight, and I picked up cinnamon rolls from the bakeshop to go with our coffee.” Her voice was light and her smile contagious like the crisp fall air.

“Stop, Baby, or I’ll tie you up again!” Anna snapped, and the dog quieted.

“I’m glad you did the shopping . . . but whose dog is
that
?”

Anna looked away from him, licking her lips. “Well . . . he’s a sweet, hungry dog that—”

Edward held his hand up. “Stop right there. I don’t care and I don’t want to know anything else about him. He’s not coming into this house. One dog is quite enough, Anna!” He spoke loud enough for the neighbors to hear as a muscle in his jaw twitched.

Anna stopped at the porch steps and set her basket down. The huge dog stayed close beside her, cowering at Edward’s loud voice. “Oh, I won’t bring him inside. He needs a bath first.”

“You could say that again,” Edward muttered, his nose twitching in disgust. “I don’t care how many baths he has, he’s
not
coming inside. He’s almost the size of a small pony, for heaven’s sake. And you are completely ignoring our disagreement about animals in the house.”

Anna patted the dog while Baby sniffed and came closer. Anna lifted her head to meet Edward’s gaze and smiled. “Edward, he was starving, and the president of the bank, Waldo Krunk, was kicking him in the ribs. I couldn’t just stand aside and watch. I had to do something! I’ll find him a home, but right now he needs a little tender care, and I’m just the one to give it to him.
Please
,” she begged, her large blue eyes wet with emotion.

What was he to do with Anna? He didn’t hate dogs, he’d just never had any chance to be around them. He would admit that Baby was beginning to grow on him, but this . . . this . . . odious-looking creature? This would be the last time for certain.

“He looks like he’s ready to cave in, Anna . . . I don’t know. Just look at him. You shouldn’t have gotten in the middle of this with Waldo.” The dog’s coat was dull, and his ribs stood out against his hide. Edward could feel his resolve beginning to crumble.

“The dog will be fine if you’ll just let me get some food and water into him.” She continued to gaze at him until he thought his heart would melt from her look of compassion.

Edward tightened his jaw. This was becoming a test of two wills. “I insist you put the word out tomorrow that he needs a home. Got it?”

“Ja!”
Anna ran up the steps, threw her arms around Edward’s neck, and kissed his cheek. “I knew there was a soft spot in there just waiting to be tapped,” she said. She poked him on the chest with one finger, and the corners of his mouth tilted into a smile despite his trying to be stern with her.

Anna stepped back and adjusted her bonnet. “Oh, by the way, I named him Moose because he’s so huge. I saw one in Wyoming once. Such magnificent animals!”

“At least you’re not bringing home a
real
moose. And he doesn’t need a name if you’re going to find him a home, remember?” He shook his head and turned to go back inside. “Next thing I know, you’ll be asking me to fill a tub with water so you can bathe him!”

“Oh, would you?” Anna clapped her hands.

He rolled his eyes and hurried inside, leaving her to her own devices.

Knowing full well that Edward did not like tardiness, Anna hurriedly ladled the thick soup into bowls, then placed them on the table. She was running late because she’d taken an hour to scrub Moose. She was already tired, and tomorrow was wash day. She was not looking forward to it. But at least he hadn’t forbidden the dog from staying—not totally. A small victory for her. She’d noticed Edward giving Baby a scratch or two behind the ears or gently patting her on the head a few times when he thought Anna wasn’t looking. Seeing him befriend her dog made her heart sing. Maybe she could change his mind about Moose, whom she was falling in love with. He was a sweet, gentle dog despite his size.

“Soup smells wonderful, Anna,” Edward said as he took his place at the table. “Perfect for a chilly fall day. I could
smell it all the way down the hallway out to my shop, so I just followed my nose.” He smiled at her across the table, his eyes lingering on her.

Anna flushed. “Then I hope it tastes as good as it smells. Would you say the blessing?” she asked as she placed her napkin in her lap.

Edward’s blessing was brief but heartfelt. He dove right into his soup, smacking his lips and declaring it the best he’d ever had. “About the dog . . . I think tomorrow you should put some signs up in a few shops and I’ll put one up in the window of mine. Maybe he could be a good companion to an elderly person since he seems old himself.”

Anna laid her spoon down, swallowed her soup, and answered, “I think he has a bit of rheumatism. I’ll try to see what I can get to help him with the stiffness, and I promise to post some signs.”

“I think I know how Moose feels.”

“You do? What do you mean?”

“Sometimes at the end of the day, I get a stiff neck from bending over the jewelry and clocks all day.” He absently rubbed the back of his neck.

Anna scooted her chair back and walked up behind him. “I’ll rub it for you. You just sit still.” She grinned as a surprised look crossed his face. This was one thing she was good at. She’d had lots of practice when her sister Catharine was pregnant. Rolling down his collar, she went to work massaging his neck and shoulders until he groaned with pleasure.

“Ahh . . . I believe I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

She giggled. “Well, don’t do that.” She was close enough to smell his aftershave, and she liked how his hair curled at the nape of his neck. When she finished kneading, she let her fingers stroke his neck gently up and down, then trail down
to the broad expanse of his shoulders. She wanted to press herself against him to enjoy what it had felt like when he’d showered her with kisses in his study, but instead she sucked in her breath and then expelled it with a sigh.

Edward turned in his chair, latched on to her hands, and pulled her into his lap. “That was relaxing, which makes me wonder what
other
talents you may be hiding from me,” he teased.

“I’ll have to think about that.” She gazed back at him.

He stroked her cheek gently, and her heart stilled. He was going to kiss her and forget all about waiting! She held her breath and closed her eyes, but instead he folded her hands in his and kissed her fingertips. He must have thought her foolish, so she opened her eyes but avoided eye contact.

“How would you like to go to the rodeo? It’s a really big deal here and lots of fun.”

“Rodeo? I’m not sure what that means.” She pulled back from him, thinking it must be a strange party or get-together that she had no intention of attending.

“It’s where cowboys compete for prizes. They rope steers, ride broncos, and there’s a lot of food and fanfare. The winners of the events take home a nice prize. Most of the people from all around Colorado and Wyoming attend.”

“Oh yes! It sounds like a lot of fun and a great distraction from our daily chores.” She pulled herself from his lap, and he dropped her hands. “I’d better get the supper dishes cleaned up. Why don’t you go relax so your neck and back feel better for tomorrow, instead of going back to your shop?”

“Yes, I think I will, if you don’t mind. I can feed the dogs scraps first if you want me to.” He stood up and straightened his collar.

“That would be a big help, and you can get to know Moose
a little better,” she answered, although she knew that was the furthest thing from his mind. He was just being nice. “I put the dogs in the backyard.” She turned to lift the plates off the table, nearly dropping Edward’s plate, her hands shaking as she tried to still the rapid beating of her heart.

“I’ll get their bowls,” he said, moving to the doorway.

She paused and turned around. “
Dank U wel
, Edward.”

He grinned. “I love it when you speak Dutch. Your accent is quite charming.” He wandered outside to retrieve the dogs’ bowls while she stood watching him go in the twilight.

Anna braided her hair, twisted it up, and covered it with a wide-brimmed bonnet to shield her face from the sun’s rays, which she’d learned could quickly become very warm. Then she donned her apron and brogans since she would be in the backyard. Edward had carried one washtub of water for washing as well as another one for rinsing and then left her to do the laundry. She was glad that it was only two of them to wash for. At least his nice Sunday shirts were sent to the laundry in town. She wasn’t sure she could iron them as nicely as he liked anyway. She took the large bar of soap and lathered it, rubbed items against the rub board, then rinsed them thoroughly.

“Ack!” Anna jerked her hands back and wiped them on her apron. The water was hot!

Doing laundry brought back fond memories of Cheyenne and her sisters, Greta and Catharine. Somehow it was more fun when you had someone to work with and help pass the time more quickly. She was not looking forward to this weekly chore, especially on cold days, but for now she was grateful for the fall weather they were blessed with. Baby ran around in the grass, sniffing and frolicking, trying to get Moose’s
attention, until finally Moose lumbered over to nudge her playfully. Anna giggled while watching Baby and Moose playing, but Moose appeared only slightly interested. Still, the dogs were becoming fast friends. She’d hate to give the old dog away, but she must try to obey her husband, who’d been kind enough to let her keep her own dog.

A train’s whistle sounded in the distance while Anna struggled to hang the sheets across the clothesline. The wind, sweeping down the foothills with a blast, caused the sheets to snap sharply against her face. Baby yapped at her heels and she started laughing, but she couldn’t see her for the tangle of sheets.

Suddenly a deep growl erupted from Moose. Whatever was wrong with him? That was the first loud sound she’d ever heard him make. She yanked the sheet from her face, lapping it over the wire line to see what was wrong, and out of nowhere a grimy hand clamped over her mouth.

“Don’t make a sound, lady,” the intruder hissed.

Anna twisted around enough to see a dirty-looking tramp, who yanked one of her arms behind her back in a vice grip. She could smell his unwashed body and see his tobacco-stained teeth. She shuddered.

“Nothing’s going to happen if you do as I say.” He licked his lips, then squinted at her. He had bushy eyebrows and a thick beard, and his hair looked as though it hadn’t come into contact with soap the entire summer. “I’ll bet you’ve got some cash in that fancy house of yours and your husband’s off to work this fine morning.”

Anna’s heart beat wildly as she remembered that Edward was going to the bank before he started work this morning. Her eyes frantically roamed beyond the man in search of a weapon in the yard, but seeing nothing, she wondered how she was going to get out of his filthy clutches.

“I see you have a little fight in you. That’ll make this all the more fun.” He leaned in close, jeering at her. “Let’s see that hair you have pushed under that there bonnet. I have a fancy for blondes.”

Anna swiftly kicked him hard in the shin with her heavy brogan, but it didn’t seem to faze him in the least. He only yanked her arm harder and grabbed her around the waist. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a woman,” he said, lifting his hand to crush his lips to hers. Anna gagged from the taste and smell of him and gasped for breath. Finally he pulled back, slapping his hand over her lips again before she could call for help.

Baby was barking sharply, and Moose, seeing his mistress was in danger, snarled then lunged at the man. Standing on his hind legs, which made him nearly six feet in height, he clamped down on the man’s arm, refusing to let go even after the man gave him a hard thump on the nose. The tramp walloped the dog again and caught Moose’s eyebrow, splitting it wide open. But still Moose held on as Baby chewed on the man’s pant leg.

The tramp uncovered Anna’s mouth but still held her arm. “Call that blasted dog off my arm, or so help me I’ll kill him!”

“Never!” Anna spat, twisting and turning to try to wrench herself free. “Hold on to him, Moose!” she screamed.

The tramp’s face was full of fury, and he lashed out against the big dog again, his fist to Moose’s side. Moose howled, letting go, and dropped down in pain. Baby let go too and ran to his side. Anna, thoroughly terrified, didn’t have time to react or run before she saw Edward storm through the side gate, yelling at the man to stop.

The tramp froze momentarily. He shoved Anna to the ground, then took off running down the alley with Baby right behind him. Moose struggled to his feet, a bit wobbly, with
blood dripping from his brow. Edward sprinted after the man once he saw that Anna was all right.

Anna sat up, rubbing her elbow and hip. The wind had been knocked out of her. She wasn’t sure why Edward had come back early, but she thanked God for His intervention. Moose hobbled over to her and licked her face.

“Moose, I think you saved me from a worse fate than I could imagine. I’ll have to stitch up your eyebrow.” She knelt on her knees and wiped the blood around his eye with the bottom of her apron.

After what seemed like an eternity to Anna, Edward finally appeared from the alleyway with Baby running alongside him. “Are you really all right, my sweet Anna?” he asked, pulling her upright to fold her against his chest. His long fingers stroked her head and back as he murmured over her, crushing her tightly to him.

Anna could have stayed there indefinitely with the feel and smell of his strong arms about her, but her nose was pressed into his chest, making it hard to breathe. “I think I will be if you’d let go long enough for me to breathe!” Her laughter rang out in the stillness of the morning.

When he let go, he lifted her chin, gazing at her with tenderness and concern, and her heart swelled. “I’m fine, Edward,” she said. “Just a little bruised and scared.”

“The man slipped away from me. I think he must’ve gotten off the train that just passed through and wandered here looking for a handout—and trouble. I’m sorry he got close enough to lay a hand on you,” he said, reaching for her hands. He nodded over at Moose. “If it hadn’t been for that ol’ bag of bones, I’m afraid it could’ve been worse before I got here.” He smiled, his handsome face softening with a gentle expression. “Maybe he’s worth keeping after all.”

Anna’s heart fluttered at his gaze. “
Uff da!
That’s wonderful, Edward, but you’re really the one who saved me when that man saw you and ran. Why did you come back in the first place? I thought you were going to the bank.”

“I forgot my list for watch repairs that I needed. I’m so glad now that I forgot it, or I’d hate to think what that louse would have done. Come on, let’s get you cleaned up and clean Moose’s eyebrow,” he said, lifting her in his arms. “The wash can wait.”