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

their way to seek their fortunes. But he wasn’t complaining. Far from it. His mercantile business had increased dramatically. Maybe Greta and Cora had come at just the right time. He’d never been busier, and a helper of any sort could be useful to have around the store. He didn’t fool himself with entertaining ideas of romance. Life was about work for him, and any woman he married would have to understand that.
    His mind meandered just like the trail down to his grandmother’s house. The August sun’s warmth on his back felt good, but Jess knew it would be replaced by sharp canyon winds by the middle of September. He found himself smiling. Heavens above, he loved Colorado! Every day was like God’s gift of treats served just for him. The pristine, cloudless blue sky and pine-laden scent were downright intoxicating. Much like the gleam in Greta’s eyes.
    Now whatever in the world made him think of that comparison? Why, he’d only just met her this morning, and Cora was right pretty as well. He was still mystified as to why Zach would do such a thing without telling him. It made Jess sharply aware that Zach preferred making his own way. He wasn’t sure how that had escaped him.
    He gave a gentle tug on Stomper’s reins and paused at the crest of the bluff, gazing at the busy little town below. Even from this vantage point, he could see Granny’s small house with its picket fence and bright trailing flowers. His heart pinched when he remembered how she’d clung to him and cried when they buried his parents—so unlike her usual tough exterior. She told him a parent is never supposed to bury her children. Jess reckoned she was right about that. Only the good Lord knew the reasons why.
    Jess nudged Stomper further down the trail, suddenly anxious to see Granny and have a slice of her rhubarb pie.

    Greta listened intently to Zach, who was explaining to her and Cora the particulars of running the general store.
    “When we place orders, we have a checklist of supplies that we compare to the shipping paper we receive once they arrive, which is called a bill of lading.” He turned the paper around so they could get a look at the sheet. “Then I just make a check mark against the bill of lading when it reaches us. I keep a labeled file right here under the counter so everything is easy to find.”
    “My, you’re very organized,” Cora said.
    “I have to be because Jess isn’t.” He chuckled. He pointed at some crates. “There’s yesterday afternoon’s orders that I checked off, but both of you can start uncrating when we’re through here.” Zach punched some numbers into the huge cash register. “Just put the price in on this machine, and it will total the customers’ sales up for you. At the end of the day, I’ll total the receipts and make sure they match what’s in the drawer here. Any questions?”
    “Doesn’t look too complicated to me,” Greta commented. “Do you decide where supplies must go, or are you up to a bit of change around here?”
    Zach came over to stand next to the ladies. “You can see where sundry items go and farming implements are stored,” he said with a sweep of his hand. “I’d be tickled to death if you two decide the most appropriate way to handle the clothing area, and maybe come up with a better way to display some of our supplies to their best advantage, if you know what I mean. I’m not good in that department, and you can tell we need some suggestions.”
    “I believe we can handle that, don’t you, Cora?”
    Cora sighed, glancing around the store. “No offense, Zach, but anything has got to be a little better than this.”
    Zach tapped the counter. “Good! No offense taken. Have at it, ladies.”

    Greta stood with her hands on her hips, making a tsking noise while she and Cora stared at the crates of supplies yet to be opened. They were haphazardly stacked in front of a sagging wood table laden with fabric bolts in total disarray.
    “Whew! Where on earth