Wedding Belles Read Online Free PDF Page B

ways, why don’t you fellas lay down your quarreling for a few minutes and join us? We’re headed into town.” Mrs. Parker crossed her arms, her brow wrinkling.
    “Wonderful idea.” Jeb nodded, turned to Phineas, and extended his hand. Phineas shook it, albeit hesitantly.
    Before long, the five of them were headed into town together. Well, six if they counted Katie Sue, who followed beside Jeb, her tail swatting at flies as she lumbered along.
    As they approached town, Lottie caught a glimpse of Chauncy sweeping the front porch of his woodworking shop. The happy-golucky fella paused to stare at their little group.
    “What in the world are you folks up to?” He rested the broom against the side of the building.
    “On a mission,” Mrs. Parker said. “Why not close up shop for a few minutes and find out for yourself?”
    He looked to the right and the left. “Been kind of a slow mornin’. Folks ain’t in a shoppin’ mood, I guess.” His gaze settled on Katie Sue. “Besides, you got me curious.”
    He joined their merry little party, and they continued up Main Street toward the office of the Mountaineer. As they passed the Civic Center, the door swung open—and who should step out but Lottie’s mother, dressed in her finest and sporting a new feather-happy hat. Lottie’s heart sank. Truly, there was only one person in all the world who could put a damper on things—and that person was now standing directly in front of her with a mortified expression on her face.
    * * * * *
    G ILBERT RELEASED A SLOW BREATH as he watched Lottie’s mother approach.
    “Stiff upper lip, son,” his mother whispered in his ear. “How much damage can one woman do, after all?”
    Plenty. But he didn’t say the word aloud. Instead, he ushered up a silent prayer for the Lord to intervene in a miraculous way. This whole plan could come unraveled quickly if Mrs. Sanders got involved. He couldn’t afford to take that risk right now.
    Gilbert glanced at Jeb, Phineas, and Chauncy, who all looked nervous. No doubt. They knew the power behind the females in the Women’s League. Those feisty gals could squelch a fella’s dreams in a hurry, should they be of a mind to. And judging from the expression on Mrs. Sanders’s face…she was of a mind to.

FOUR
    H ANKERIN ’ FER A H ONEYMOON
    Come one, come all, to the Fall River Theater at Parker Lodge, where the Wild, Wild West comes alive in our latest stage production. Filled with villains, vixens, and a host of other characters you’ll love to hate, this action-packed drama is sure to please both locals and tourists alike. Enjoy catchy musical numbers and exceptional acting. What a show! Hankerin’ fer a Honeymoon will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Will Jenna Rossity sweep in and save the town from impending doom? Will Justin Credible turn out to be the hero she’s always longed for? To learn the answers to these and many other questions, purchase your tickets for the upcoming show! And while you’re at it, why not bring along your sweetheart? This dazzling drama is sure to tickle the fancy of both the menfolk and the ladies. — Your friends at Parker Lodge
    L OTTIE SWALLOWED HARD as she looked her mother’s way. “Hello, Mama.”
    “Lottie.” Her mother’s eyes narrowed to slits. “What brings you into town in the middle of the day?”
    “Oh, well, I…” She struggled to come up with an answer, one that might pacify her mother and cause her to forget that her daughter had—once again—shown up in town wearing overalls and an old, worn shirt.
    From behind her, Katie Sue mooed, causing an unexpected distraction.
    “Whoa now, girl.” Jeb’s quiet voice soothed the animal.
    “What in heaven’s name have we here?” Althea Baker appeared behind Lottie’s mother, also dressed in her go-to-town attire and wearing a funny little hat with a silk bird perched atop it. If Lottie didn’t know any better, she would swear the little yellow canary might