Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel (7 page)

Edward’s fingers trembled as he unbuttoned the sleeve of Anna’s blouse and pushed it up to check her arm. It appeared that she had received only a bruised elbow. Her skin felt soft under his touch, and he marveled at her delicateness as her penetrating blue eyes looked into his. It could’ve been much worse, and he was so glad that he’d forgotten his list, or . . . well, he didn’t want to think about that now. He glanced over at Moose and Baby, who’d followed them inside and were lying nearby. He’d have to attend to Moose, but Anna was first.

Tonight the imposed ten-day waiting period was over, and he could barely think straight. He couldn’t wait to hold Anna in his arms and taste her lips . . . feel the delicate skin on her shoulders and back . . . He mentally shook himself. Where was his focus?

“I’m so glad nothing’s broken. How’s your hip feel?” he asked, taking over the wandering of his mind.

Never taking her eyes off his, she answered, her voice shaking, “It aches, but I’m none the worse for wear, only a bit rattled. I’m so glad you came back, Edward. I—” Her voice cracked. “I’m not sure what that man might have done.” She
looked away from his gaze. “I need to get back to hanging out the laundry.”

He pulled her sleeve down and buttoned it. “It can wait a few minutes—the sun will be out all day.” Edward guided her to the settee, fluffed a pillow under her head for her to lean back into, and lifted her feet onto the settee.

“No, Edward.” She struggled against him. “My brogans are too dirty to put on your beautiful couch.”

“Then I’ll slip them off. And it’s not
my
couch,” he said. “It’s
our
couch.” He set about unlacing the brogans, and when she attempted to help he moved her hand away. “I’m going to brew you a cup of tea to calm your nerves. I’ll be right back.”

Quickly he lit the fire and set the water on to boil. He went to the butler’s pantry and fished out his grandmother’s Blue Willow teapot and two teacups. He wanted to treat her in a special way.

The sweet smile on her face when she saw the teapot let him know that he’d done just the right thing. “Here we go,” he said, setting the tray down next to the settee. “We’ll have a quick cup, and I’ll help you hang the laundry.”

“Oh, how sweet of you. Thank you.”

Edward couldn’t help but notice the tears at the corner of her eyes.

“
Het spijt me
—I’m sorry I’ve been such a bother this morning and kept you from your work.”

“You have not been a bother. I’m thankful to God that I came back when I did.”

She sighed and sipped her tea, then set the cup down. “The Blue Willow reminds me of my mother and sisters.”

“The tea set was my grandmother’s,” he said fondly,
circling the rim of his cup with his thumb. “I use it on special occasions.”

“Am I to believe that this is a special occasion?”

Her tearstained face was flirtatious and her upturned lips seemed to say “kiss me,” but he dragged his eyes away. His heart thumped hard against his chest. This week he’d felt they’d become better acquainted, though at times still shy.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, answering softly, “Yes, it is, Anna, because you are very special to me.”

She lifted her hand and stroked his jaw. “And you are to me, Edward.”

He straightened and sat back to sip his tea, wondering if she were thinking about tonight.

“I thought you had to get back to the bank. I don’t want to hold you any longer. I can finish up the laundry.”

Edward was more concerned about her being alone than his errand. “It’s still early, and I had no set appointment.”

She shook her blonde curls. “I’ll be fine, Edward. He’s not likely to return, not after what Moose did to him.” Still, her laugh sounded apprehensive. “But I could use some help doctoring Moose, if you don’t mind.” She implored him with a sparkle in her eyes.

“Not at all. It’s the least I can do for him protecting you the way he did.” Edward glanced over at Moose, who made a noise at the mention of his name.

“Did you really mean it when you said he could stay, Edward?”

He reached over and pushed a loose curl from her face. “I did say that, didn’t I? Well, I’m a man of my word, so I guess the answer is yes.” Somehow he knew he was going to
regret that promise, but one look at her charming face and pleading eyes and he knew he couldn’t refuse.

Anna threw her arms about his neck and kissed his cheek. “Oh, thank you, Edward!” As she moved away, his lips brushed her temple, and he sucked in his breath at the delicate smell of her.

“Drink your tea while I go fetch some antiseptic and a clean cloth for Moose’s—”

Her hand stayed him. “Edward, are you anxious about tonight?” she asked boldly. “You know the ten-day waiting period will be over.”

Edward felt his neck grow red and his mouth went slack. His thoughts slammed back to the bedroom scene he’d just been envisioning. He couldn’t believe she would ask him such a question! My, but she was bold. “Anxious? That would be the word. And excited!”

“Oh . . .” Her voice trailed off and she stared into her teacup.

“And you? Nervous?” He watched her face for a sign that she wasn’t ready to consummate the marriage.

“Maybe a little . . . but not scared—”

The sudden ring of Edward’s shop bell sounded, signaling he had a customer. “Excuse me. I must see to that. Do you think you can handle Moose’s cleanup?”

“I’ll be just fine, thank you. Go see to your customer,” she said softly with a wave of her hand. “I’ll doctor Moose, and if you’re free you can help—but truly I’m okay.”

He rose, hesitating. “Okay. You’ll find ointment in the pantry labeled First Aid, and don’t forget to wash your hands,” he called over his shoulder. He hurried down the hallway to unlock the door to his shop.

By afternoon, Anna had most of the laundry completed and had convinced Edward to go on to the bank. She wasn’t afraid, but she could tell that he was hesitant to leave her alone. The space between her shoulders was aching as she leaned over the washboard, and her hip and side became more sore from the fall with every passing minute. After lunch, she’d hoisted her skirts up and found a large bruise on her side beginning to swell and turn purple. It hurt so badly that she couldn’t stand to touch it, and now she was stiff as she tried to rise from the washtub. She hurried to get the last piece hung, then realized that the first part of the wash was dry and needed to be taken down and folded . . . and there was dinner to be started. She was looking forward to the free time on Saturday that Edward’s list allowed her. Ha! She had to laugh. She would have to talk to him about his list.

She loved the smell of sun-dried laundry, especially when she crawled into bed with fresh, clean sheets. She’d make the bed right after supper, and it would be so inviting for both of them. Ahh . . . to feel his tender kisses while he taught her the ways of love . . .

She would slip on the beautiful hand-embroidered nightgown of fine lawn linen that Catharine had made for her wedding night. A tingle went down her spine. Would he think she was beautiful? Edward was a man of few words, and it was hard to tell what he thought. She wanted the kind of love her sisters had been lucky enough to find. After his kisses earlier, she sensed that Edward was beginning to relent a little. But maybe she was just a dreamy-eyed girl.

Catharine would tell her that finding love had nothing to do with luck but divine intervention. Anna hoped she was right. She
had
prayed before she’d answered Edward’s ad.
But she couldn’t help wondering now why God had brought the two of them together. They were opposite in so many ways. Yet she was very attracted to him and enjoyed his intelligence. She would need to trust God. And she could hardly wait until tonight when she would become his wife completely.

Supper dishes were washed and put away, and the dogs were fed and asleep on the back porch. It would have been better if Edward had suggested they let the dishes wait, considering that tonight was
the night
! Anna sighed. How foolish of her to think he would stray from his routine! She hadn’t even had time to put fresh sheets on the bed. That would have to wait until tomorrow.

Pausing in the hallway, she caught her reflection in the mirror on the hall tree. She looked tired and older. How was that possible? She removed her apron and slung it over a hook on the hall tree, patted her hair, and pinched her cheeks to make them pink, then hurried to the living room, where Edward sat reading the newspaper. He looked up when she entered the room, flashing her a quick smile.
My, but he is handsome.

“Come sit next to me. Dishes all done?” He patted the settee.

“Ja.”
Anna sat down, making sure she put most of her weight on her good hip by leaning to one side, then adjusted her skirt. She was close to Edward but not touching. It was hard not to think of anything but sharing his bed. Suddenly she became petrified that she wouldn’t be all that he expected.
After all, he was so particular about his home, his meals, his clocks—literally everything around him.

Edward folded the newspaper and set it aside, turning to face her. “Anna, I’m so proud of all the work you’ve been trying to accomplish from my list. I think we’ve grown closer, and you are adapting well to life with me.”

“I would agree, or at least I’m trying, Edward.” She looked down at her hands, unable to meet his penetrating gaze, and noted that her fingernails were in bad need of attention. She lifted her head. “And what about you? Are you adapting to having a wife?”

Edward lifted one of her hands, rubbing the top back and forth with his thumb. “I am indeed. How could I not with someone as lovely as you?” He leaned over to put his arm around her and pulled her close to his chest. She could hear his heart beating. A few minutes passed and they sat in comfortable silence, then he lifted her head, bracketing her face with both hands, his eyes searching hers with a smoldering look. His kiss was tender and oh so delicious as he pressed his lips into hers—at first lightly, then with more pressure until she returned his kiss with her own and slipped her arms around his neck.

Anna could feel his warm, ragged breathing against her face as he kissed her brow. Finding her mouth again, he nipped at her bottom lip playfully. Her pulse quickened and she felt warm in places that were new to her as he lifted her onto his lap and held her in a tight embrace. No words were needed, just the exploring touch and feel of each other—until the sharp sound of the doorbell and the dogs barking from the backyard interrupted them. Reluctantly they pulled apart, Anna trying to control her pounding heart.

Edward nearly dumped her off his lap in his haste to answer
the door, his breathing shallow and his face flushed. “It appears we have guests—don’t worry, we’ll continue as soon as I can get rid of them.”

Mercy! Anna hoped the visitors, whoever they were, hadn’t seen their embrace through the living room window. She hadn’t had a chance to pull the curtains against the dusk, and the lamp on the table illuminated their silhouettes through the large window behind them.

“Were you expecting someone?” Anna uncurled her feet and dropped them to the floor, smoothing down her skirt. She must look a mess with her hair falling about her face and her cheeks flushed. Of course, Edward looked much the same. She watched him comb his fingers through his hair.

“No, I certainly didn’t want the night to be interrupted,” he whispered, his lips in a grim line as he strode to the front door.

Anna heard him swing open the door and greet someone, and then she caught the sound of several women’s voices. She stood up, her hip causing her to move rather stiffly, when he returned with two older ladies and a younger woman chattering behind him.

“Anna, I want you to meet a few of our neighbors. This is Patty and Polly Holbrook and their niece Sarah Holbrook. Ladies, this is my wife, Anna.”

Anna could tell the older ladies must be sisters from their brown eyes and the identical widow’s peak above their brows. She extended her hand and Patty, then Polly, gripped it in a firm handshake. Sarah nodded to her and looked as though she’d rather be anywhere than standing here with her aunts. Her hair was the color of ripened wheat and she had large hazel eyes framed with thick lashes. Anna thought she was stunning, to say the least, in the pretty lavender gown that flattered her youthful figure. She looked to be near Anna’s age.

“It’s so nice to meet all of you. Please, have a seat. I’ll make us some more tea. We were just having some ourselves, weren’t we, Edward?”

“Yes, dear,” he said as the three ladies took a seat on the settee and he sat opposite them.

“We promise not to stay long. We brought a big chocolate cake to welcome you, Anna. It’s one of Edward’s favorites.” Polly motioned to Sarah, who held a covered dish in her lap.

Sarah extended the plate. “Welcome to Denver, Anna.”

Anna peeked underneath the cloth. “This looks wonderful. I’ll bring a knife and some plates and slice some to go with our tea.” She turned and picked up the teapot to head toward the kitchen.

“I’d be glad to help,” Sarah said with an eager look on her face.

“I’d enjoy that.” Anna smiled at her husband, who looked less than pleased. But what else was she to do? They’d have their dessert and a little chat and be off before the hour was late. He’d have to wait to finish what he’d started, she thought as a pleasant thrill washed over her.

Two hours later, after they’d heard the sisters’ stories of growing up in Kansas and all their trials of moving to Denver, Anna’s eyes grew heavy and her hip had a dull throb. Sarah spoke very little, but none of them could get a word in edgewise, and Edward fidgeted in his chair. Once the cake was eaten and the tea drained from the pot, neither of the sisters made any move to leave until the clock chimed the lateness of the hour and Sarah calmly suggested that they ought to be going. Thank goodness! Anna wasn’t sure she could listen to one more story about widowed life! But she would like to
know more about Sarah, who seemed to be restraining herself as well as a little anxious to leave. Of course, they couldn’t know tonight was really Anna’s wedding night . . .

With a reluctant sigh, Polly nudged her sister. “I hope we didn’t wear out our welcome. It’s been so good to catch up with you, Edward, and get acquainted with your new bride.”

That’s all it took for Edward to hop up, ready to escort them to the door. Anna followed behind.

“Don’t forget about the rodeo this weekend, you two. It’s a big sport here and plenty of fun,” Patty reminded them.

“We’ll be there,” Edward said rather crisply.

“
Dank u wel
for the cake,” Anna said. “We’ll enjoy the rest tomorrow.”

“Oh, I just love your Dutch accent! Next time we want to hear all about your family, Anna,” Patty chirped.

“Yes, again, welcome to our city,” Sarah added. “If you need anything at all, we’re at the end of the block just across the street. It’s the only house painted bright yellow.” She smiled at Anna, a twinkle in her eyes.

“I’ll be sure to stop in sometime. See you soon.”

———

Edward closed the door on the chattering widows making their way down the sidewalk to their house, and leaned against the door. “Finally! I thought they’d never leave!” he said, loosening the top buttons on his shirt. “They’ve known me for years, and they mean well, but sometimes they don’t know when to quit jabbering.” He placed his arm about Anna’s waist. “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to douse the lights and go to bed. How about I read some of the Song of Solomon?”

“
Goed!
That would be perfect.” The shy smile she gave him caused his heart to beat faster in anticipation.

“Why don’t you get changed, and I’ll take these dishes to the kitchen.”

“Let me help you.” She moved to stack the dessert plates onto the tray, but he stayed her hand.

“Not this time. You do whatever you women do before bed. I’ll see about these.”

“If you insist,” she said with a knowing look.

“I do.” He touched her back gently, nudging her toward the door, and watched her go, her small hips swaying like a pendulum in one of his grandfather clocks.
So young and sweet, and she’s mine!
Was she nervous? Excited? His hands shook as he carried the dishes to the kitchen. He tried to keep his mind from wandering to the lovely vision that, God willing, would forever share his bed.

When he came into the bedroom, Anna was leaning against the pillows propped up against the headboard, looking lovelier than ever, wearing a filmy white gown trimmed in blue ribbons that tucked the material across her bosom. She was holding her Bible and her skin glistened—from a quick bath, he assumed. The vision took his breath away. Edward climbed into bed wearing only his underwear, and she fluffed his pillow so they could read.

“Edward,” she said in a low voice, “we both read up to chapter four last night. Why don’t we read together? I’ll listen to you. I enjoy your reading voice.” She held the Bible out to him, and at the light brush of her fingers, every nerve in his arm jolted.

He tweaked her shiny nose and answered, “Only if you cuddle against me like you did in the living room before we were so rudely interrupted.”

Her answer came in movement against him—leg to leg, shoulder to shoulder. He swallowed hard, opened the marked passage, and began to read.

“‘Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves’ eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead. Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them.’”

“Mmm . . .” Anna snuggled closer, laying her hand across his chest, the sweet smell of her hair teasing his senses.

Edward continued. “‘Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks.’” He paused. “I’m not sure this should be read aloud in our group, Anna,” he rasped.

“Continue, Edward.” Her fingers trailed his collarbone, gently circling to where his heart thudded. He was beginning to feel very warm and wanted to throw back the blanket, but he didn’t. Was it the warm night or his feelings building from the mere touch of her hand against his chest?

He licked his lips. “‘Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men. Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.’”

He stopped. Goodness! He blinked at the words on the page. “I don’t believe I’ve ever read this before, Anna. Is this what you read for entertainment on the farm?” he teased. He was beginning to think that the chosen selection by Jane Austen was preferable to this.

There was no answer from her, so he continued. “‘Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.’”

Edward was beginning to understand the passage, and his desire grew to hold his sweet bride and show her his passion, but a soft snuffle escaped Anna, and her deep, even breathing
told him that it would not be tonight. He had his neighbors to thank for that.

He spoke the last line in a hushed tone, feeling sorry for himself. “‘Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.’”

He especially liked verse 3 in chapter 6. “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” Edward closed the heavy Bible and set it on the nightstand, contemplating what he’d read.
No spot in thee . . .
The words resonated in his head. He believed in things being perfect.

He lay still without moving until his arm went numb, then he slowly shifted down far enough in the bed so they both would be comfortable. Looking at Anna now, the thought occurred to him that only God was perfect. After much contemplation, he finally fell asleep.