Texas Cinderella

In Search of a Groom

After a life of drudgery on her family’s farm, Cassie Lynn Vickers relishes her freedom working in town as a paid companion for feisty Mrs. Flanagan. When her father suddenly demands she come home, she has no choice. Unless she can find a husband. If only she could convince handsome town newcomer Riley Walker to marry her...

Riley is on the run. He’s desperate to keep his niece and nephew safe from his crooked half brother. But a delay in Turnabout, Texas, shows him everything he didn’t know he was missing: home, family—and Cassie Lynn. Can he find a way to become her Prince Charming...and build a real family with the children and Cassie Lynn?

“Can I help you up?”

Cassie Lynn blinked, coming back to herself, and quickly nodded. “Yes, thank you.” Hoping there was no visible sign of the warmth she felt climbing in her cheeks, she held out her hand.

He took it in his larger, work-callused one and placed his other hand behind her back. With surprisingly little effort the green-eyed stranger had her on her feet in no time. He stepped away once he was certain she was steady, and she found herself missing the gentle strength of his touch.

He continued to eye her cautiously. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Cassie Lynn nodded as she busied herself dusting her skirt. It wasn’t often she found herself flustered this way. “Please don’t worry. I’ve taken worse falls tripping over my own feet.”

She studied him while trying not to appear to be nosy. There was something about the man that intrigued her. It wasn’t his vivid eyes, or his appearance, though that was appealing enough in a rugged, well-muscled sort of way.

No, it was something about his demeanor and bearing that commanded her attention.

WINNIE GRIGGS is the multipublished, award-winning author of historical (and occasionally contemporary) romances that focus on small towns, big hearts and amazing grace. She is also a list-maker and a lover of dragonflies, and holds an advanced degree in the art of procrastination. Winnie loves to hear from readers—you can connect with her on Facebook at Facebook.com/winniegriggs.author or email her at winnie@winniegriggs.com.

Texas Cinderella

Winnie Griggs

www.millsandboon.co.uk

MILLS & BOON

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Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

—1 Peter 3:8

Dedicated to my fabulous agent, Michelle Grajkowski, who is always there for me and who never loses faith in me.

And to my wonderful writer friends who are always willing to help me brainstorm my way out of sticky plot scenarios—Amy, Christopher, Dustin and Renee.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Turnabout, Texas

August 1898

Cassie Lynn Vickers stopped at the doorway to the parlor and smiled at the woman seated in her wheelchair. “Mrs. Flanagan, I’m about to head out for my afternoon walk. I left a pitcher of lemonade and a slice of pie on the kitchen table. Is there anything else you need before I go?”

Her employer waved a hand dismissively. “Go on with you. You know I hate being fussed over.”

Cassie Lynn hid a smile. Mrs. Flanagan detested any reminder that she could no longer do for herself, at least not for the near future. She’d injured her leg in a fall two weeks ago and had been confined to a wheelchair ever since. That’s when the cantankerous widow had hired Cassie Lynn to act as her housekeeper and personal attendant.

“Yes, ma’am,” she said meekly. “And I’ll try not to tarry today. I have extra baking to do tonight.”

Cheered by the thought of her new enterprise, Cassie Lynn gave a final wave and headed for the front door.

But as soon as she stepped out on the porch and closed the door behind her, she paused. There was someone striding up the walk. That was odd—Mrs. Flanagan rarely received callers.

Cassie Lynn’s eyes widened in recognition. She’d know that slight limp and stiff-backed posture anywhere. It was her father. What was he doing here?

Although she’d seen him from time to time since she’d moved to town last December, it was the first time he’d deliberately sought her out. Fearing something was wrong, she quickly descended the porch steps, meeting her father halfway down the front walk.

“Hello, Pa.” She was breathless and tried to calm herself. “Is something the matter? Did something happen to one of the boys?” She had four brothers, three of them younger than her, and all still living with her father out on the remote farm.

He frowned disapprovingly. “Goodness, girl, there’s no need to get all in a fret. Your brothers are just fine.”

She let out a relieved breath, then gave her father a smile. Perhaps he’d come especially to check on her, after all. She set her market basket down and gave him a quick hug. “You’re looking well,” she said as she stepped back.

He hooked a thumb under his suspenders. “Comes from living a simple life filled with honest labor.”

“Yes, sir.” He’d always been a no-nonsense, unsentimental sort of man. Trying to ignore the little pinch of yearning for a softer greeting, she offered him a tentative smile. “I have some news.”

His brow went up at that and he gave her a keen glance. “And what might that be?”

To her surprise he seemed truly interested. Buoyed by that, she rushed to explain. “I’m going to start a bakery business. Mrs. Fulton over at the restaurant and Mrs. Dawson over at the sweet shop are both going to try my wares. And Mrs. Flanagan here is talking about partnering with me.” It was a modest start, but if things worked out, by the time Mrs. Flanagan no longer needed her help, Cassie Lynn might actually be able to make a go of this bakery idea. And then she would truly have established herself as part of the town, something she’d been striving for since she’d escaped her father’s farm nine months ago.

Her father was no longer smiling, though, and she found herself almost apologizing. “I know it’s not a lot, but in time it could grow to something big enough for me to make a good living from.”

Her voice trailed off as she saw the disappointment deepen on his face.

“I thought you might be wanting to tell me you’d found yourself a beau.” His tone made it clear she’d failed in some significant way. “I figured that was why you left home in the first place. After things didn’t work out with Hank Chandler, I assumed you were setting your sights on some other bachelor.”

When Verne, Cassie Lynn’s oldest brother, had married and brought his bride home to take over as lady of the house, Cassie Lynn had made her escape from the isolation and drudgery of her father’s farm and moved to town. At the time, Hank Chandler had been looking for a wife to help him raise the two children in his charge. For a while it had looked like she might just be that woman, but then she realized Mr. Chandler had fallen in love with the schoolteacher, and Cassie Lynn had pulled herself out of the running.

Not that she had really minded. Finding a husband had never been her reason for leaving the farm.

“I didn’t move to town to find a husband, Pa.” She struggled to keep her tone matter-of-fact. “I moved here to be around other people and to make a new life for myself.”

Her father dismissed her statement with an impatient wave of his hand. “And just what kind of life can a girl make for herself without a husband and young’uns?”

Cassie Lynn’s chest tightened as she realized that trying to explain her dreams to him was useless, that he would never understand. So instead of responding to his statement, she changed the subject. “Was there something you came here to see me about?”

Her father nodded. “Verne bought himself some land of his own to farm, and he and Dinah are planning to build a house on it and move out.”

Cassie Lynn smiled, genuinely pleased for her older brother. “Verne always loved working the land. He’ll do well.”

“That he will. But once he and his wife move away, that leaves me and your other brothers on our own.”

Her stomach clenched. She knew what was coming next, and she frantically searched her mind for a way to stave it off.

But her father pressed on. “I want you to come back home and take your place as lady of the house. Since it doesn’t look like you’re going to have a home and family of your own to care for anytime soon, that shouldn’t be a problem.”

No! She’d already escaped that life. She couldn’t return to that lonely drudgery. “I’ve made a commitment to take care of Mrs. Flanagan,” she protested, “and I can’t go back on my word. Surely you wouldn’t expect me to.”

“No, I suppose not. A Vickers’s word is never given lightly.” Her father rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “How long does Doc Pratt say she’s gonna be stuck in that chair?”

“Probably another four or five weeks.”

He nodded in satisfaction. “Well then, that shouldn’t be a problem. Even if Verne is ready to move out sooner, I’m sure I can convince him to stay that long.”

Cassie Lynn steeled herself to take a stand. Her father couldn’t force her to return to the farm. “I didn’t say I would come home when I’m done here. I told you, I’m starting a bakery business.”

He frowned. “Of course you’ll come home. This town doesn’t need a baker—any housewife worth her salt can do her own baking. So there’s nothing here in town to hold you.” He eyed her sternly. “Me and your brothers work hard keeping that farm going—sunup to sundown most days. You don’t want us to have to cook our own meals and do all the housework, too, do you?”

“No, of course not. But—”

He gave a decisive nod. “Good. Then it’s agreed. I’ll expect you back when your work here is done.” And with a quick pat to her shoulder, her father departed, apparently assuming the subject was closed.

Cassie Lynn’s fists tightened at her sides as she watched him walk away. If her father had his way, she’d have only four or five weeks before her world drew in once more to the narrow confines of the isolated farm—the world she thought she’d escaped for good. She couldn’t let that happen.

How could her father expect her to meekly return home, as if she had no ambitions for her life? So what if she didn’t yet have a husband? She was only twenty-two! It wasn’t as if she was past marriageable age. Besides, what chance did she ever have of finding a man if she returned to the farm?

But how could she refuse her father when he was so determined? Especially when it was her fault that her mother was no longer around to fill that role.

Cassie Lynn picked up the basket and began to slowly walk down the sidewalk, trying to tamp down her panic and focus on finding a solution to this problem. She’d tried to reason with her father and she’d tried to stand against him, and neither tactic had been very effective. What did that leave?

The Good Lord commanded that children should honor their parents, and she certainly didn’t want to dishonor her father, but surely there was a way out of this without having to outright stand against him.

She wasn’t surprised that her father thought a woman’s only goal should be to look after the men in her life. It was how he’d treated her mother, after all. Cassie Lynn had never heard him, or her brothers, for that matter, utter a word of thanks for all her mother had done. And they’d certainly never extended her that courtesy, either, after her mother had passed.

She paused as an idea occurred to her. According to her father’s own words, if she had a husband, or at least a serious suitor, he wouldn’t have asked her to come home. So, perhaps that was her answer.

She just had to get herself a beau before her commitment to Mrs. Flanagan was completed.

* * *

Riley Walker stepped out of the Turnabout train depot, ushering his niece and nephew before him. This hadn’t been a planned stop, but the kids had gotten restless and a bit cranky after three days of travel, so he figured it wouldn’t hurt to lay over here for a few days. After all, the meeting in Tyler wasn’t until next Wednesday morning, a whole week away.

Besides, his horse, River, was no doubt ready to escape the livestock car and have a chance to get some freedom to move about, as well. A quick look to his left showed Riley that the gray gelding was already being led off the train.

He turned to the kids and pointed to a bench near the depot door. “Sit over there while I see to River. Don’t move from this spot, understand?”

Ten-year-old Pru nodded and took her seven-year-old brother’s hand. Riley watched until she and Noah were seated, once again feeling his own inadequacy as guardian to these children. But they’d needed a protector when their mother died and so they’d been stuck with him.

He turned and quickly took possession of his horse, checking the animal carefully for any injuries he might have sustained on the trip. Satisfied, Riley led him to where the kids were seated.

“Ready? Let’s get River settled at the livery and then we’ll head over to the hotel.” He’d gotten directions to both establishments when he’d stepped inside the depot to make arrangements for their bags to be delivered to the hotel.

“How long can we stay here, Uncle Riley?” Noah asked.

Riley heard the hopeful note in the boy’s voice, and made a quick decision. “What do you say we stay through Sunday so we can all attend church service here? Would you like that?”

Noah nodded enthusiastically.

Riley turned to his niece. “What about you, Pru?”

She nodded, as well, though with more reserve than her brother. Pru was normally quiet and shy, but this listlessness was unusual. Was all the traveling they were doing starting to wear on her?

Fortunately, the livery stable was near the train station so they reached it quickly.

* * *

Cassie Lynn placed her now full shopping basket at her feet and leaned against the corral fence behind the livery stable.

She dug the apple slices from her pocket. Already the two resident horses were trotting over to see what she’d brought them today.

“Here you go, Duchess,” she crooned as she held out her hand and let the black mare lip two slices from her palm.

She laughed as a reddish brown mare tried to push Duchess aside. “Mind your manners, Scarlett, I have some for you, too.”

She gave Scarlett her treat. “I’ve had some excitement today, both good and bad,” she confided to the two mares as she stroked Scarlett’s muzzle. “The good news is that I’m moving forward on my bakery business.”

Cassie Lynn shifted to give Duchess her share of attention. “The bad news is that Pa wants me to go back to the farm and take care of him and my brothers.” She breathed a sigh. “I don’t want to do that, of course. So now I need to find me a husband.”

She gave both horses a final pat, then crossed her arms on the top rail and leaned into it. “I sure wish you gals could speak. I bet you’d be able to give me some good insights. I figure the way a man treats his animals is a good measure of his character.”

“Are you talking to the horses?”

Cassie Lynn turned her head to see a freckle-faced boy of six or seven eyeing her curiously.

“Of course. They’re friends of mine.” Then she smiled and stepped back from the corral fence. “I don’t think we’ve met before, have we?”

The boy shook his head. “We just got to town a little while ago. I’m Noah.” As he stepped out of the shade of the livery, the sun highlighted a bit of copper mixed in with his blond hair.

“Glad to meet you, Noah. I’m Cassie Lynn.”

“My uncle Riley likes to talk to horses, too.”

“Sounds like a smart man.” She held out her last few apple slices and nodded toward the two mares. “Would you like to feed them?”

The boy smiled, displaying a gap where one of his front teeth should be, and took the slices. He eagerly stepped up on the second-from-the-bottom board of the fence so he could lean over the top rail. Fearlessly holding his hand out just as she had, Noah smiled as the black mare happily took the offering. “What’s her name?” he asked.

“Duchess.” Cassie Lynn moved beside the boy and propped a foot on the bottom board, concerned by his precarious perch. She rubbed the other mare’s neck. “And this here is Scarlett.”

She smiled as the boy stroked the mare’s muzzle. “I see you’ve done this before,” she said.

The boy nodded. “Uncle Riley has a real fine horse—a gray named River. He’s inside right now talking to Mr. Humphries about stabling him here.”

Well, at least she knew the boy wasn’t alone. Cassie Lynn patted Scarlett’s muzzle so the animal wouldn’t feel left out, then she leaned her elbows on the top rail again. “Are you visiting someone here or do you and your folks plan to settle down in Turnabout?”

The boy shook his head. “We don’t know anyone here. And I don’t have folks anymore. It’s just me, Pru and Uncle Riley.”

She absorbed the words, as well as his matter-of-fact tone. Before she could form a response, though, they were interrupted.

“Noah, what are you doing out here?”

At the sharply uttered question, Noah quickly turned, and in the process lost his footing. Cassie Lynn moved swiftly to stop his fall and ended up landing in the dirt on her backside with Noah on her lap.

“Are you all right?”

She looked up to see a man she didn’t know helping Noah stand up. But the concerned frown on his face was focused on her.

“I’m a bit dusty, but otherwise fine,” she said with a rueful smile.

He stooped down, studying her as if he didn’t quite believe her reassurances.

She met his gaze and found herself looking into the deepest, greenest eyes she’d ever seen.

Chapter Two

Cassie Lynn found herself entranced by the genuine concern and intelligence reflected in the newcomer’s expression. It made her temporarily forget that she was sitting in the dust and dirt of the livery yard.

“Can I help you up?”

She blinked, coming back to herself, and quickly nodded. “Yes, thank you.” Hoping there was no visible sign of the warmth she felt climbing in her cheeks, Cassie Lynn held out her hand.

He took it in his larger, work-callused one and she had the strangest feeling that she could hold on to that hand forever.

Then he placed his other hand behind her back, and with surprisingly little effort, the green-eyed stranger had her on her feet in no time. He stepped away once he was certain she was steady, and she found herself missing the protective strength of his touch.

He continued to eye her cautiously. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Cassie Lynn nodded as she busied herself dusting off her skirt.

What was wrong with her? It wasn’t often she found herself flustered this way. “Please, don’t worry. I’ve taken worse falls tripping over my own feet.” She quickly turned to Noah. “How about you? Are you all right?”

“Yes, ma’am. Thanks for catching me.”

She ruffled his hair. “Glad to help.” For the first time she noticed a young girl standing slightly behind the man, chewing her lip as if she didn’t want to be here. Before Cassie Lynn could introduce herself, however, the man spoke up again.

“I’ve told you before not to wander off without telling me.” His tone was stern.

Noah’s expression turned defensive. “I just wanted to get out in the sunshine. We’ve been cooped up forever.” The boy scuffed the ground with the toe of his shoe. “Besides, you were right inside, and I didn’t go far.”

The man didn’t seem the least bit appeased. “That’s no excuse.”

Noah’s shoulders slumped. Then he gave his uncle a hopeful look. “But you found me right away. And I knew Pru saw where I was going.”

Watching the interplay between the two of them, Cassie Lynn could detect genuine concern behind the man’s scolding. This, of course, must be the Uncle Riley that Noah had mentioned.

She studied the boy’s uncle while trying not to appear to be nosy. There was something about the man that intrigued her. It wasn’t just his vivid eyes, or his appearance, though that was appealing enough in a rugged, well-muscled sort of way. No, it was something about his bearing that commanded her attention, an air of self-confidence and strength, balanced with a concern for his nephew, which lent just a hint of vulnerability. It all came together in a way that she found compelling.

The man gave his nephew a final exasperated look, then turned to face her.

She quickly schooled her features, hoping she hadn’t given away any hint of her rather inappropriate thoughts. To her relief, his expression was merely polite.

“My apologies, miss, for any trouble Noah might have caused you.”

“No need to apologize.” She gave the boy a companionable smile, then held out her hand to the man beside him. “I’m Cassie Lynn Vickers, by the way.”

He took her hand and gave it a perfunctory shake before releasing it. “Glad to meet you, Miss Vickers. I’m Riley Walker. And I appreciate you coming to Noah’s rescue the way you did.”

She dipped her head in acknowledgment. “Glad to help.” Then she turned to the little girl. “And I assume you are Noah’s sister, Pru?”

The girl, who looked to be no older than ten or eleven, nodded.

Cassie Lynn turned to the children’s uncle. “I understand you folks are new to town. I hope you enjoy your stay here.”

“I’m sure we will.” Mr. Walker touched the brim of his hat, and she thought for a moment he would make his exit. But instead he hesitated a moment and then nodded toward the corral. “Which one of these horses is yours?”

“None, I’m afraid. We’re just good friends.” She rested an arm on the fence. “I understand from Noah you’ve brought your own horse to town with you.”

He nodded. “River goes everywhere I do.” He waved toward the livery end of the corral, where Mr. Humphries was leading what was presumably Mr. Walker’s horse through the gate. “That’s him now.”

She heard the pride in his voice and turned to study the animal more closely. His coat was silvery-gray with a few darker flecks on his flank and a charcoal colored mane and tail. The animal appeared spirited and well cared for.

“He looks to be a fine horse.”

Mr. Walker’s smile had a touch of affection in it. “He is that.” Then he turned serious again. “It was nice meeting you, Miss Vickers, but if you’ll excuse us, I need to get us checked in at the hotel.”

“Of course.” As he moved away, she called out to them. “Mr. Walker?”

He paused and turned back, his expression one of polite inquiry. “Ma’am?”

She felt foolish for her impulsive act. “I just wanted to say if you have questions about any of the local establishments, or need directions of any sort, I’d be glad to help you.”

“That’s very kind of you, but not necessary at the moment.”

They resumed their exit and this time she let them. But she overheard another snippet of their conversation before they moved out of hearing range.

“Are you really going to work here, Uncle Riley?” Noah asked.

His uncle nodded. “I am. But just for a few hours each day.”

Were the Walkers going to settle here then? She certainly hoped so. It would give her a chance to see that sweet little Noah again.

And his uncle.

She watched them until they disappeared around the corner of the livery. Then she dusted the back of her skirt with her hands and turned to the horses. “Well, now, wasn’t that an interesting little encounter? I must say, I found Mr. Walker and his charges to be quite fascinating.” She stroked Scarlett’s muzzle again. Given that Cassie Lynn was looking for a husband, she couldn’t help but think that Mr. Walker would be a not unpleasant choice.

Ridiculous, of course, since she didn’t really know him. Then again, she didn’t know any of the local gents very well, either. It certainly couldn’t hurt to put the newcomer on her list while she tried to learn more about him. For instance, learning if he was even planning to settle down in Turnabout or was just passing through.

She grinned at her own silliness. Then the reminder of just why she was making her husband candidate list came flooding back, and she no longer had any desire to smile.

It was time to stop her foolish daydreaming and get down to business. Cassie Lynn picked up her shopping basket and walked away from the corral.

Finding a husband wouldn’t be easy, but it wasn’t altogether impossible.

Please, God, if this plan be in Your will, prepare the man You have in mind for me so that he is open to my proposal.

Feeling somewhat better now that she had a direction, Cassie Lynn straightened and moved forward with a lighter step.

But there was one big problem with her plan. She didn’t know the men in town well enough to evaluate them against her requirements. Which meant she needed an advisor, someone who could help her make those comparisons and who would perhaps think of candidates she might not be aware of. There were only a few people she felt comfortable turning to for that kind of assistance.

There was Janell Chandler, the former schoolteacher who had eventually won the hand of Hank Chandler.

Then there was Daisy Fulton, the restaurant owner Cassie Lynn had worked for for six months.

And of course there was her current employer, Mrs. Flanagan. Daisy and Janell were closer to her own age, and both had moved to Turnabout from elsewhere, so they would know something of her situation. On the other hand, Mrs. Flanagan had grown up here and knew just about everything there was to know about her fellow townsfolk.

But did she really want her employer involved in her dilemma that way?

Better to turn her thoughts to what she would prepare for Mrs. Flanagan’s evening meal and let the other matter simmer a bit.

A simple vegetable soup, perhaps, or a potpie could be prepared with very little thought and would leave her mind free to ponder her situation...

What would Mr. Walker and his two charges be doing for supper tonight? Maybe she could convince Mrs. Flanagan to invite the Walker family to dine with them one night soon. Having company to ease the monotony of the widow’s days would be good for her, whether she would be willing to admit it or not.

And it would, after all, be the neighborly thing to do.

* * *

Riley hurried Pru and Noah along. There were several things he still had to do this afternoon, and the sooner he settled the children at the hotel the better.

The most pressing matter was to get a telegraph off to Mr. Claypool. He always made a point of letting the Pinkerton detective know where to reach him when he arrived in a new town.

Then he wanted to take River for a run. The horse had been cooped up in that train car for much too long and would be ready for some exercise. And truth to tell, Riley was, too. He missed being on horseback—there hadn’t been nearly enough opportunity for him to turn loose and ride lately.

His mind drifted back to Miss Vickers. She was an interesting lady. At first glance he’d thought her a tomboyish adolescent. The way she’d stood so casually at the corral fence, elbows on the top rail, laughing with Noah—no wonder he’d gotten the wrong idea. And her slight build had only reinforced that impression.

Rushing to Noah’s aid with such disregard for her own well-being or dignity as she had, and then taking her fall with a touch of humor rather than dismay—there weren’t many grown ladies who would have done such a thing.

It was only when he’d stooped down to check on her that he’d realized his mistake. That engagingly rueful smile had most definitely belonged to a woman, not a child.

It was when their gazes first met, though, that he’d found himself thrown off balance. He’d never encountered quite that combination of innocence and humor before, especially mixed as it was with an air of maturity and resolve.