Iris (Suitors of Seattle Book 8) by Kirsten Osbourne

girls and I come over Saturday and pick up most of your things? That way you won't have to worry about it on Monday."
    "Are you going to invite your brothers and sisters to the wedding?"
    Francis nodded. "Even though it's short notice, they'll want to be there. Besides, we need Tracy to take the girls home with her." He walked her to the door. "I'll see you just before lunch on Saturday."
    "Why don't I plan on making lunch for everyone? I'd like to get to know the girls a little bit better before the wedding. Besides, they'll be good little chaperones."
    Francis let out a short bark of laughter.  "Judging by what happened on the way home, we need one."
    Iris stood on tiptoe and put her lips to his ear. "If you didn't set my body on fire, it would be much easier."
    He grinned. "Oh, I don't know about that. I'm looking forward to setting your body on fire a whole lot after the wedding." He stood watching as she opened the door and went inside. Getting into the wagon, he started the thirty minute drive home. He must've done something right for God to send Iris to him.
     
    *****
     
    Iris stepped into the tiny house she shared with Edna Petunia and immediately saw the older woman sitting at the table, a look of utter shock on her face.  Iris moved to her side, slipping into the seat beside her.  "Edna Petunia?  Are you all right?"  What could have happened to her?
    Edna nodded slowly.  "I...I think I am."  She turned to Iris, and there was a tear trickling down her withered old face.  "How soon do you think you can replace me?"
    Iris sat back in her chair, astonished by the question.  What would make Edna ask that?  "Are you unhappy with me?  I thought this was working out well for both of us."
    "Oh, it is.  I just...well, I've had a better offer.  One I just can't refuse."
    "A better offer?  What do you mean a better offer?"  Iris was flabbergasted.  What kind of offer did a woman Edna's age receive?
    Edna pulled herself up to her full height, her bosom sticking out as far as it could.  "I mean a better offer."  She said nothing else, and Iris studied her face for a moment before responding.
    "Are you happy?" 
    Edna nodded emphatically.  "Oh, Iris, I never dreamed I could be this happy again!"
    "But you don't want to talk about it?"  Iris didn't know what to say.  She'd never met anyone who didn't want to talk about it when they found something that made them happy. 
    Edna Petunia shook her head.  "I'm afraid if I talk about it, it will all just disappear.  I can't tell anyone."
    Iris nodded slowly.  "I don't think I understand, but I can find someone whenever you need me to.  I won't need a companion any longer anyway.  You see...well, I'm getting married.  On Monday."
    Edna's eyes grew wide and her hand covered her mouth.  Suddenly she let out such a loud cackle that Iris almost fell from her chair.  "Your mama is going to kill you!  You were her last hope!"  She looked positively gleeful at the idea that Mary's desire to plan a wedding would be thwarted after all.
    Iris hung her head.  "Oh, I know.  I'm going to send her a letter and tell her that I'm getting married now, but I want her to plan a huge reception for me in six months."  She looked at Edna Petunia through her eyelashes.  "Do you think she'll disown me?"
    Edna sighed.  "No, I don't think she will.  She loves you girls with everything inside her.  She's going to be disappointed, but not as disappointed as she'd be if you showed up for your wedding six months along."  She eyed Iris skeptically.  "You're not carrying a bastard baby, are you?  'Cuz you don't have to marry if that's it.  I'd help you!"
    Iris shook her head.  "No, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not having a bastard baby.  We're waiting until the wedding night to consummate. I don't want to, but he's insisting."  She shrugged.  "Leave it to me to pick a man who is going to be noble about things!"  She couldn't believe she was actually complaining