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

there. I don’t mind at all, and you won’t have to take the long way home. It’s no trouble at all.” Callie motioned for Anna to follow, and after a few seconds’ hesitation, Anna fell into step with her, grateful for the ride home and wondering how in the world she could’ve allowed herself to fall asleep. She blamed it on the warm sun.

    The grandfather clock chimed one o’clock. The morning had flown by. It was time for lunch now, and Edward’s back was aching from leaning over Mrs. Kinkle’s string of pearls. At least Mr. Hadley’s watch was ready when he dropped by first thing to pick it up. Edward was sort of expecting Anna to at least be interested enough that she would pop in, and he was disappointed when she didn’t. He smiled. She was probably just preparing lunch now. He shoved his chair back and left his suit jacket behind, considering whether he should roll his shirtsleeves back down, but it was warm in the shop today, so he didn’t.
    He whistled as he walked down the hallway, more to alert Anna that he was coming than anything else, but the house was quiet. Pushing the kitchen door open, he glanced around and things were just as he’d left them this morning. Therewas no sign of food for lunch or of Anna. To make matters worse, the dog, yapping, danced around from her place by the pantry door, which unfortunately had been left ajar. Baby had pulled out a sack of flour and the white powder was all over the place. When he walked over to see the damage, he stepped in a puddle on the floor. Edward clenched his fists at his side, then looked at Baby.
    “Shut up!”
    Baby cocked her head at him, whimpered, and lay down in front of him with her front paws crossed and her head down.
    This was not going to work. He knew this dog was going to be trouble. That’s why he liked horses—you could keep them in the barn!
    “Anna!” he called as he took the stairs two at a time, but she didn’t answer. He checked their bedroom just in case. Where could she have gone? Edward had intended on a quick lunch, then a trip to the bank. He paused, scratching his chin. Should he be worried? She knew nothing about the streets of Denver. He decided he’d give a little time for her to return before he started to look for her. Maybe she’d taken a short walk, but if so, he wished she’d at least informed him first.
    He headed back down to the kitchen to clean up the flour and make a sandwich, and by the time he started working on making his lunch, he heard the sound of a horse and buggy beside his front gate. He looked out the kitchen window but could only see the back of a carriage. He frowned. It must be Mrs. Kinkle, and she was hours early. With a groan, he stopped slicing meat and set his knife aside.

5
    Anna called out to Edward as she entered the house, Callie following close behind. She wasn’t sure what frame of mind she would find him in. Would he be furious with her?
    “I’m here,” Edward answered as he wiped his hands on the kitchen towel. Moving toward them, he smiled brightly at Callie. “Oh, hello, Callie. I didn’t know you two were out together.”
    “Hello, Edward. We weren’t, but I thought Anna could use a lift home.” She gave him a warm smile.
    Anna felt her face burn. “I was out doing a bit of exploring. I’m sorry I’m late. I lost track of time.” Her excuse was flimsy at best, especially for a new bride whose husband decided what her every move would entail.
    Edward turned back to Callie. “Thank you for bringing Anna home. What do you think of the book we’re reading now? Or maybe I shouldn’t ask until we have our next literary meeting.”
    Callie’s laughter was gentle and ladylike when she answered him. “Edward, I must confess, I’m rather enjoying it . . .”
    Their voices faded into the background while they chattedand exchanged ideas about books, and Anna withdrew into herself. She couldn’t help but notice how Edward’s demeanor was relaxed and happy as he