Read the first chapter!
Chapter One
Emmie Mueller wore her favorite floral dress to the July wedding. She hoped the skirt wouldn’t wilt in the humidity. Two old bachelors down and two to go, and then she and Granny would be on their way to Kansas to be with their family.
Orville Tinze, the first bachelor she made a match for, had bluebonnet eyes and soft manners, which made him attractive to several older widows. In less than a month, he said his vows.
Getting today’s happy couple together had been the most difficult task. A nigh impossible endeavor. But with God’s help, she’d found a wife for George Henderson. One Sunday, she noticed the church organist, spinster Louise Wheeler, sending longing looks toward George. The surly old man would never have picked up on those subtle glances. But Emmie did, and she took action.
With a little coaxing, she managed to get George looking quite dapper before she put the two of them together at the church voters’ meeting. He took to Louise like rain on a parched garden.
Finding the other two boarders a spouse couldn’t be as tiresome. Her cheeks hurt from smiling.
“Do you take. . .”
She brought her attention back to the vows. This had to be the best part of the wedding, when two people in love promised to be together forever. And to think, God used her to bring this about. This must be God approving her plan to find matches for the other gentlemen boarders.
Hylda Mueller, Emmie’s grandmother, nudged her in the side and leaned close to her ear. “Someday that will be you.”
A rush of heat rose to her face. “Shh, Granny.” Sometimes her grandmother spoke too loud, and when Mrs. Thompson snickered behind them, Emmie feared this was one of those times.
Granny patted her leg and nodded.
The couple faced the congregation, and the pastor introduced the newlyweds. Both of them beamed through their wrinkles. Satisfied everyone had their attention on the couple, Emmie slipped out the side of the pew. The finishing touches for the reception being held in the side yard of the church needed to be readied.
***Landon Knipp left the building he was considering renting in Lebanon, Illinois, thankful his father had come along with him to inspect it. This one, unlike othersthey’dexplored, appeared to be the right size for his specialty market and in the right location on the corner of Main and Spruce.
Mr. Knipp brushed dust particles from his jacket sleeve. “You don’t need to move. Why not stay in St. Louis and work with the family? It’s a headache to start a new place where you aren’t known.”
“Father, whether you believe it or not, as the youngest, I’ll never have a chance to be the boss. I’ve spent my entire life being ordered around by my brothers. I’d like to try being the one in charge.” Landon stepped back to inspect the front overhang. “No light peeking through.”
“Where do you plan to live?”
“Maybe above the store. That would give me a bit more money to put into this place, maybe on better display cases.” Landon shaded his eyes and peered down the busy street crowded with farm wagons and buggies. Another good indication that his store would have customers.
Church bells jangled in an unordered tune, as if a few schoolboys had control of the rope.
“Is it the top of the hour already?” His father checked his pocket watch. “No, not even close. There must be something happening at the church.”
“Sounds like it’s around the corner. Let’s walk in that direction. This building is only one part of my life. I’ll need to find a church. Worshipping is important as well.”
And finding a wife.
All six of his married brothers had at least one child. When he’d returned from Europe, he’d been surrounded by infants and toddlers. Each one brought a distinct desire in him to have a family of his own. And to stay in one town. No more traveling for him.
If the bells didn’t lead them to church, the steeple would have. The redbrick building was simple in appearance except for the stained-glass, circular window above the double entry doors. Though it wasn’t as grand as those in Europe or back East. Even St. Louis had more impressive houses of worship.
The side yard contained tables decorated with many different cloths and flowers. “I’d say it’s a wedding.” Landon stopped at the bottom of the steps.
The door flew open. A blond-haired beauty hurried through it and down the steps.
“Do you suppose that’s the bride?” His father snickered.
***Emmie’s narrow-skirted dress hindered her movement. Now she regretted wearing it, instead of the wide skirt she wore at home. Goingslowdown the stairs wasted time. She needed to uncover the food.
On the last step, she stumbled.
Her ankle twinged.
She grasped for something to steady herself, but found air.
Someone grabbed her by the waist, and she fell into the arms of a man. One she’d never met. Emmie swallowed. Was her embarrassment from the fall? Before she could sort out her feelings, he righted her and then tipped his hat.
“Landon Knipp.”
“Thank you for saving me, Mr. Knipp. I’m afraid my mind was on getting the tables ready for the wedding guests.” She smoothed the skirt at her waist.
“Then you aren’t the bride?”
She hadn’t noticed the older man standing next to Mr. Knipp.
“Father. Excuse him, Miss. . . ?”
“Miss Mueller.” She turned to the older gentleman. “No, sir, I’m a helper today.”
“My father has an odd sense of humor.”
“I see. Well, if you don’t mind, I need to get busy.” She took a step and winced. “Ow.”
He grasped her by the arm. “Here, lean on me, and I’ll get you to the tables. You can sit and rest and direct Father and me on what needs to be done.”
“I couldn’t, shouldn’t. . .”
“She’s right, son. We aren’t guests at this wedding.”
“We won’t stay. With the two of us, we’ll get things shipshape in no time. Miss Mueller?”
If they hurried, there might be a chance. And she did want George and Alice to have a beautiful day. “Please, that would be kind of you, and then you can be on your way.” They would have to finish before Granny saw him, or there’d be wedding suggestions before they made it home. Having a new man in town would ignite the fire under Granny, and the pressure to marry would be upon her once again.
All the things!
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