Iris (Suitors of Seattle Book 8) by Kirsten Osbourne Page B

her eyes searching the church.
    "You know, she asked me to find someone to replace her.  She's done working for me."  Iris frowned.  "I'm not sure what she's going to do, but I do know I need a new nurse."
    Tracy thought that over for a moment.  "I think Edith would enjoy the task if you don't have someone else in mind.  You'd have to train her, but she would be happy to do it."
    Iris thought that over for a moment.  Edith wouldn't be needed as much to help her uncle once Iris married him.  It was the perfect solution.  "I think that would be wonderful.  Have her come talk to me in the morning, would you?"
    Tracy nodded with a smile.  "I definitely will.  And don't worry, if you don't think she's right for the job, no one will be angry with you if you hire someone else."
    Iris looked around until she spotted Edith in the corner with Samuel.  They seemed to be deep in conversation.  "Do you think she'll be married soon?"
    Tracy followed Iris's gaze.  "I think they'll wait another year or two.  He wants to be able to buy his own spread before they settle.  If Edith is working, she can help him save for it, though."
    Iris had come from a wealthy family, and money had never mattered much to her as a result.  She'd never really had to work to save money for anything.  "Will he let her help pay?"  Samuel looked like the kind of man who would want to support his family with his own money.
    Tracy shrugged.  "I don't know, but there's only one way to find out.  Even if he won't let her help with buying the land or the house, he's not going to stop her from sewing curtains and a table cloth.  She can still use the money she earns for their future."
    "I hadn't thought of it that way." 
    "Are you coming to lunch at my place?  Francis and the girls will be there."
    Iris bit her lip as she contemplated.  "I'm not certain that's a good idea."
    "Do you have too much packing?" Tracy asked.
    "Not exactly.  I just—I don't think it's a good idea for me to spend more time with Francis before we marry."  Iris dropped her voice to a whisper, her words only for Tracy's ears.
    Tracy looked at Iris in confusion for a moment, before her eyes widened.  "Oh!  I see.  I could make sure you were constantly chaperoned."
    Iris shook her head.  "As much as I appreciate the offer and want to come, I think it's best if I stayed in town today.  I'll be there next week."  Francis still had her hand in his, and he squeezed it.  "Thank you for watching the girls for us.  It's appreciated."  Iris really liked the idea of her first week as a married woman being with just her and her husband.  As much as she loved the girls, she knew that she and Francis needed the time alone together.
    "I wish there had been someone to do the same for me when I first married Andy.  It's strange to be a newlywed with a house full of children."
    "I'm surprised sweet Mrs. Pinkston didn't offer to keep them for you for a while," Iris said, her smile betraying her joke.
    "Sweet Mrs. Pinkston?  You have met the woman, right?"
    "I have."  Iris looked up to find Francis looking down at her.  "What?" she asked, slightly embarrassed.
    Francis smiled.  "Just looking at the beautiful woman who will be my wife in a little over twenty-four hours.  I talked to the pastor, and he said to meet him here after school is out."
    Iris blushed.  Would Francis always say things that would make her blush instead of others?  She quickly changed the subject.  "Edna Petunia is coming to the wedding.  Is that all right?"  They hadn't really talked about what they wanted from a wedding, so she was just planning on wearing her best dress, and coming with Edna Petunia, who would be her maid of honor.
    "That's not unexpected.  You can invite whomever you'd like.  My brothers and sister and their families will all be here.  It may be short notice, but they love me, and it's a wedding."  He shrugged.  "Even Mattie is coming.  She said the tea you gave her is