Wedding Belles Read Online Free PDF Page A

figured out a way to keep them here through the winter.”
    “I don’t see it that way. We might be doing them a favor, especially if a few of them actually fall for Phineas and Jeb and the other men.”
    “That’s not the plan, Gil, and you know it.”
    “Still, you know how those poor fellas are, always hankerin’ for a honeymoon. Maybe they’ll finally get it if any of these women show an interest in them.”
    “Hankerin’ for a honeymoon.” She laughed. “Sounds like something Jeb would come up with.”
    Gilbert snapped his fingers. “That’s it, Lottie! That’s our new melodrama title: Hankerin’ fer a Honeymoon . It’s perfect!”
    “I don’t know, Gil.” She paused to think about it. “Sounds a little hokey.”
    “Isn’t that the idea? Most theatricals are over the top. Villains and vixens. Rescues and mayhem.” He paused and slid his arm through hers. “Aw, c’mon, Lottie. It’s gonna be great.”
    “If only we knew what we were doing. Then I’d feel a little better about things.”
    “Augie could help us. He’s got a great head for business. Why don’t we walk down to his office at the Mountaineer and see if he’ll write up a piece for us to send out over the wire. We’ll figure out how to word it to draw in single women. Watch and see.”
    “I suppose.” In that moment, Lottie felt hope as she never had before. Maybe—just maybe—Gilbert and the other men were right. Maybe they could pull off a show and the lodge could be saved. And maybe the Lord would move heaven and earth to help her accomplish it. Not that the Almighty necessarily needed her help in saving anything, but she was always of a mind to help when she could. If the situation called for it. And if Gil kept looking at her with those beautiful puppy-dog eyes of his.
    Before she could think twice about it, Gilbert slipped on his boots then took her by the hand and ran up the bank, tugging her along behind him. “C’mon. Let’s get this show on the road.” He laughed then added, “Literally.”
    She paused to grab her boots, but he didn’t give her time to put them on. Instead, he kept on running toward the lodge, now sounding breathless as he called out instructions. “Better check in with my mother to make sure she’s okay holding down the fort while we’re gone.”
    Minutes later, Lottie found herself approaching the lodge carrying her boots and socks in her hands and leaving wet footprints on the freshly mopped floor.
    Gil’s mother met them just inside the door, looking more than a little concerned. “What are you two up to?” She glanced at the wet footprints. “Or should I ask?”
    “Up to?” Gilbert flashed her a boyish smile and leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek. “What makes you think we’re up to something?”
    “I’d know that look anywhere, son. Now what are you hiding from me? You two are on some sort of mission.” Mrs. Parker looked back and forth between the two of them, which only proved to make Lottie feel more nervous than ever. Not that she found Mrs. Parker intimidating. On the contrary, the woman—in spite of her tall, sturdy build—was as soft as the filling in her chocolate pie. Still, Lottie decided she’d let Gilbert be the one to share the idea with his mother.
    “We need an hour or so to go into town, Mama,” he said.
    “Into town? Why?” Mrs. Parker asked. Her gaze narrowed and crinkles appeared between her eyes. “And you might as well come clean, Gilbert. I’m going to figure this out, with or without your help. You were never very good at hiding things from me, you know. I’m very discerning.”
    Lottie couldn’t help but laugh as Mrs. Parker turned her way. “We’re on a mission, as you said. But it’s one we can’t divulge.”
    Mrs. Parker clasped her hands together. “Very intriguing. Well then, I’ll just post the C LOSED sign and come with you.”
    So much for keeping the news from her. Minutes later the three of them were headed to town,