Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel Read Online Free PDF Page A

’Course, I’ve seen it snow one day and melt the next. That’s the beauty of living here.”
    “ Dank U wel . I’ll remember that.”
    They chatted pleasantly until the lady told her the next stop was where Anna needed to get off.
    “Bless you. It has been so nice chatting with you,” Anna said as she stepped down, waving goodbye. If everyone was as friendly as that nice lady, then she would enjoy living here.
    Bright sun warmed the morning to a comfortable temperature, allowing Anna to unbutton her coat as she walked to the park. It was easy to spot the park, with mothers pushing their babies’ prams, couples strolling the winding pathways, and small children chasing a ball. Scattered about were benches in the sprawling grassy meadows. A posted sign said pets were not allowed in the park.
    From where she stood, Anna had the perfect view in any direction of the Rocky Mountains. Many trees had been planted, some old enough to lend plenty of shade in the hot summer months. Now they created an impressive splash of gold, orange, and red against deciduous firs. Leaves drifted slowly to the ground, and she enjoyed the crackling sound when she walked on them. Anna could already envision herself painting the autumn scene on canvas.
    After strolling down the winding path along the perimeter of the park, she finally took a seat on a bench. She hadn’t realized how far she’d walked and soon shed her coat, placing it on the bench next to her. She watched as a squirrel dug furiously beneath the fallen leaves, hiding his food for winter.
    Leaning back and closing her eyes, she was mindful of nature’s song all around—the birds tweeting, the wind rustling the leaves, the distant sound of children’s voices. Whetherfrom the long walk or the sleepless night, she felt drowsy and fell asleep from the sun’s warmth caressing her face.
    A nudge against her shoulder startled her, and she jerked awake.
    “I’m sorry, Anna. I thought it was you and I didn’t want to disturb you, but I felt like I must. We met yesterday. I’m Callie, a friend of Edward’s,” Callie said softly, peeking out from her frilly umbrella. Her blonde curls were pulled up into ringlets, and fringed bangs framed her pretty oval face. Her dress was cream silk with accents of peacock-blue along the bodice and shoulders, gathered with fullness with a tuck of blue bows at a point. The back of the dress was slightly bustled. Suddenly Anna felt awkward and plain in comparison, with her Dutch braids and plain Woolsey dress. Perhaps I should take more time with my appearance. Then I might look as lovely as Callie.
    Anna blinked at her new friend. “Hello. I must’ve fallen asleep.”
    Callie took a seat next to her. “You must’ve been very tired. You were only married yesterday! I must confess I’m surprised to see you at all today.” Callie had a worried look shadowing her face, and Anna blushed.
    “Edward is working, and I thought I’d take a look around . . . kind of get my bearings,” she answered. Anna was not about to tell Callie about last night or the list since she hardly knew her, but something about Callie’s sweet countenance made Anna think she could be a trusted friend once she got to know her. “What are you doing out this morning?”
    Callie put aside her umbrella. “Well, I like going for an outing or a drive for fresh air. Most of the time, I get out of the carriage and walk for the pure enjoyment of it.” She paused. “But it’s hardly morning now. It’s already one o’clock.Would you care to ride back home with me for some tea and sandwiches? I haven’t eaten yet.”
    “ Ack! It’s that late already?” Anna quickly hopped up and reached for her coat. “Oh no. I must catch the streetcar and get back home. Edward will be waiting.”
    Callie rose as well. “Oh? Then why don’t you let me take you home. I’ll tell my driver.”
    “You have a carriage here?”
    “Yes. That’s my carriage parked by the roses over