Free Twice Promised (The Blue Willow Brides Book #2): A Novel by Maggie Brendan

clapped her hands together. “These dishes are so pretty—and I have an idea that just might work to help you boys decide. I’ll offer the young ladies some tea when they arrive. Zach, you will court the one who picks the Blue Willow, and Jess, you’ll court the one who picks the rose pattern.”
    Jess scratched his unshaven beard. “Well now, Granny, what if they both pick the same pattern? What then?”
    “Hardly likely, but if that happens we’ll move to plan two.”
    Zach laughed. “Which is?”
    Granny tapped her finger on her chin. “Hmm, I don’t know. But I don’t have time to stand here yammering with you if I’m to make tea before they get here.” She moved toward the stairs. “Jess, is that tray still in the cupboard where I left it last time?” she called over her shoulder.
    “Yes, ma’am. Want me to go get it for you?” Jess started after her.
    “No. I’ll set the hot water to boiling. You bring me up two cups from each of the china pieces. Oh, and Zach, look for that special tea you gave me. I think they’d like it,” she said, now at the top of the stairs. “And hurry up.”
    “Sure thing, Granny.” Zach knew once Granny set her mind to something, there was no way she’d change it. “What about you, Jess? Does this sound like something you could live with?”
    “Do I really have a choice?”
    “Not with Granny giving orders. I don’t want to cross her. No sirree.” Zach reached into a tin behind the counter for the special tea. “I’ll run this up to her and we’ll just act normal, minding our business, when they arrive.”
    Jess glanced down at his pocket watch. “It’s nearly eight o’clock now. Hope they didn’t wind up with bear trouble again. How long do you intend for them to stay out in that cabin away from town?”
    Zach paused on his way upstairs. “It won’t hurt them none. Maybe toughen them up a little. It’s really all we can afford now anyway.”
    “Hmm . . . don’t seem right to me. They seem like genteel ladies.”
    “Are you getting tenderhearted now, Jess?” Zach teased and continued on upstairs without waiting for a response.
    Jess’s tough exterior belied the kindness that Zach knew was in his heart—as well as the sorrow. “Time heals all wounds,” Granny always said, but Zach wasn’t sure about that.

8
    The Colorado sun was bright, hanging high in the sky, and puffy white clouds floated overhead as Greta and Cora walked down the busy streets of Central City.
    “Goodness! We’re late!” Cora grumbled. “Doesn’t the mercantile open at eight o’clock?” she asked as she and Greta scurried down the sidewalk to work. “We dawdled at breakfast too long.”
    “I believe you’re right. But I think we’re only a few minutes behind. The walk takes longer than we thought. At least I had a good night’s sleep. How about you?” Greta glanced sideways at Cora. There were dark circles under her eyes this morning. Was she worried about something? Like who Jess would pick as his bride?
    Greta’s own pulse had beat hard last night as she’d drifted off to sleep. She’d found Jess very attractive with his deep-set brown eyes and thick, dark brows. He had a pleasant-sounding voice that seemed to resonate from somewhere deep within his chest. Better not get too attracted , she chided herself. Cora was very cultured and pretty. What if he picked her? How would she feel? And they were fast becoming friends. Greta would step aside and be happy for her, but then what would be left for her to do?
    Cora’s heels rang out on the sidewalk. “To tell the truth, I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow, but I kept waking up all night.” She nodded at passersby.
    “This wonderful morning air will get us going. It’s going to be a great day! I can feel it,” Greta exclaimed, and Cora eyed her. Greta felt invigorated with the dry mountain air, enjoying its crispness. Whatever the outcome, she would make the best of it.
    “I can’t wait