Texas Cinderella (4 page)

“Just don't get used to it,” Riley warned. “Like I said, this is a one-time thing.” He felt a small pang of regret as he said that. Which was odd. How had the woman, after only two brief encounters, gotten under his skin this way?

As they approached the house Miss Vickers had directed him to, Riley studied it with an objective eye. It was a modest white, one-story structure with a high roof, a porch in front that stretched the entire width, and a large swing hanging on one end. Turning onto the front walk, he realized this would be the first time he and the kids would enter a family home since they'd left Pru and Noah's own home in Long Straw, Wyoming.

Riley ushered them up the porch steps, making certain to rein in some of Noah's exuberance. Knocking at the front door, he steeled himself. They would visit, share the meal and that would be that. In three or four days they'd board the train and resume their journey.

Miss Vickers opened the door almost immediately and smiled warmly. “Welcome. Please come in.”

“Good evening.” He nodded to her as they entered.

She returned his greeting, then smiled down at the children. “Hello, Noah, Pru. It's so nice to see you again.”

Pru nodded shyly, while Noah looked around with eager curiosity. She led them into the parlor, where an older woman with faded blond hair sat waiting for them, commanding the room as if she sat on a throne rather than a wheelchair.

Miss Vickers quickly made the introductions. Then she waved to the sofa. “Please, sit down. We have a few minutes before supper is ready.”

Riley waited until she herself had taken a seat near her employer before ushering the kids to the sofa.

Mrs. Flanagan leaned back, with the air of a queen granting an audience. “Well now, Cassie Lynn tells me you all just arrived in town yesterday. What brings you to Turnabout?”

Riley repeated the answer he'd given the sheriff.

Their hostess frowned. “So you're not planning to be here very long.”

“No, ma'am, not more than a few days.” Was it his imagination or was there a shadow of disappointment in Miss Vickers's expression? If so, she covered it quickly.

Still, the thought that she might wish he would stay longer bolstered his spirits in a way that made no sense at all.

It was a good thing this would be a one-time visit and that they would be leaving town in a few days' time. It appeared the kids weren't the only ones who felt the pull of this taste of family home warmth.

Which was strange, because even before he'd had to go on the run with the kids, he'd led a less-than-settled life.

Well, there was no way he'd let one look from a young lady, no matter how winsome, further complicate his life.

Which meant he should do whatever he could, short of being impolite, to speed up this little outing.

He leaned forward looking for an opening to move things along.

Chapter Five

C
assie Lynn felt a stab of disappointment at Mr. Walker's announcement of his intent to leave Turnabout soon. Because he'd taken a job at the livery, she'd just assumed his move here was more or less permanent. Wishful thinking on her part, it seemed.

She hadn't realized until now just how much she'd been hoping Mr. Walker would be the man who would become her marriage partner. Then again, perhaps it was better this way. She'd already decided it would be best to marry someone she had no emotional ties to.

It was a setback, but not a major one. She'd just have to turn her attention to finding another candidate for her husband.

“Why are you in that wheelchair?”

Noah's artless question pulled Cassie Lynn back to the present.

“Noah!” Mr. Walker's sharply uttered reprimand was met with a confused look from the boy.

But Mrs. Flanagan flapped her hand at the boy's uncle. “Let him be.” Then she turned to Noah. “Because I injured my leg, that's why.”

He stood and moved closer. “Does it still hurt?”

The widow responded as if it had been a perfectly sensible question. “It aches a bit.”

He tilted his head to study the wheels. “Can you get around in that thing yourself or does someone have to push you?”

She drew herself up. “I'll have you know, young man, that I manage quite well on my own.”

Cassie Lynn hid a smile as she watched the exchange. Noah didn't seem at all put off by Mrs. Flanagan's manner. And for her part, the widow seemed to actually be enjoying the give-and-take.

A moment later Cassie Lynn noticed Pru, who was seated at her uncle's side, sit up straighter and stare at something across the room. Following the girl's gaze, she saw Dapple stretched out near the fireplace. The cat was watching them with half-closed eyes while his tail swished lazily back and forth.

While Noah and Mrs. Flanagan continued their spirited but unorthodox conversation, Cassie Lynn leaned toward the little girl. “I see you've spotted Dapple. Do you like cats?”

Pru nodded. “Yes, ma'am.”

“I'm afraid Dapple's a little wary of strangers, but perhaps if I introduce you, you can make friends with him. Would you like that?”

Pru nodded more enthusiastically this time.

Cassie Lynn caught Mr. Walker's gaze for a moment. The approval in his expression caught her off guard and she felt warmth climb in her cheeks.

Quickly turning back to Pru, she stood and held out her hand. After only a moment's hesitation, the girl grasped it and let herself be led across the room.

As Cassie Lynn eased the way for Pru and Dapple to get acquainted, she imagined she could feel Mr. Walker's gaze on her. But that was foolish. He was no doubt just keeping an eye on his niece.

When she turned to escort Pru, who now held Dapple, back to her seat, Mr. Walker was once more focused on Noah and Mrs. Flanagan.

“If you'll excuse me,” Cassie Lynn said to the room at large, “I'll go check on supper. We should be ready to eat in just a few minutes.”

Mr. Walker stood as she made her way across the room. “Is there something I can help you with?”

He sounded almost eager, but she shook her head. “Thank you, but you're a guest here. I can manage.”

“Nonsense. I hope you won't stand on ceremony with me. My ma taught me to help out in the kitchen rather than expect to be waited on. And helping is the least I can do to repay you ladies for your generous dinner invitation.” He turned to Mrs. Flanagan. “That is, if you don't mind me leaving the kids here with you for a few minutes?”

The widow waved her hand. “Go on ahead, we'll be fine.”

With a smile, Mr. Walker turned back to Cassie Lynn. “Lead the way.”

She wasn't quite sure what to make of his offer. Her father and brothers had certainly never felt obliged to help her with what they considered women's work. She'd just assumed all men felt that way.

“Have you worked for Mrs. Flanagan very long?” he asked as they moved toward the kitchen.

His question brought her thoughts back to the present. “Just a little over two weeks. That's when she hurt her leg.”

He nodded. “She seems like a feisty woman.”

Cassie Lynn gave a smile at that understatement. “She is that. It's chafing at her not to be able to do for herself.”

They'd arrived at the kitchen and Mr. Walker inhaled appreciatively, his expression blissful. “That sure does smell good.”

“Thank you. It's a venison roast, one of Mrs. Flanagan's favorite dishes.”

He rubbed his hands together. “All right now, what can I do to help?”

Cassie Lynn gave him a challenging look. “How are you at setting the table?”

He drew himself up with mock pride. “I'm an expert. It's a skill my mother insisted I master before I turned ten.”

“Smart lady.” She moved to the counter where the dishes were already stacked and waiting. “Mrs. Flanagan wants to eat in the dining room this evening rather than here in the kitchen, so I need to carry all the place settings down the hall. If you'll grab the plates and cutlery, I'll grab the glasses and napkins and you can follow me.”

He gave a short bow. “I'm yours to command.”

Taking him at his word, she led the way toward the dining room. Once there he helped her arrange the plates and flatware around the table, then returned with her to the kitchen and helped her transport all the food to the dining room, as well.

As they worked, they chatted about his horse, which she learned he'd raised from a colt and had a deep affection for. Just from some of the things he let fall in conversation, she could tell he thought of River as much more than a pack animal or means of transportation.

He seemed quite comfortable and at ease working beside her, as if he enjoyed her company. It was a novel feeling, interacting with a man this way. To be honest, she felt flattered and at the same time a little flustered by it all. The more she was around Mr. Walker, the more deeply Cassie Lynn regretted having to scratch his name off her husband-candidate list. She felt that they would have formed a very companionable partnership.

Were there other men who would as readily share her load, share their time and attention with her?

Is this what married life would be like? She was beginning to understand what Mrs. Flanagan had meant by not giving up on the thought of romance. Then she gave her head a mental shake. The man was leaving town in a few days. This was no time to be acting like a schoolgirl.

At last, the table was ready. Cassie Lynn returned to the parlor, with Mr. Walker ambling along at her side.

“Dinner is served,” she announced.

Her companion crossed the room and stepped behind Mrs. Flanagan. “May I?” he asked gallantly as he put his hands on the back of her chair.

The widow sat up straighter, a delighted smile crossing her face before she schooled her expression into its normal disapproving lines. She gave a regal nod and waved a hand.

Cassie Lynn had already removed the chair that normally sat at the head of the table, so it was easy for Mr. Walker to wheel his hostess into position there. Once Mrs. Flanagan was properly situated, Cassie Lynn pointed him to the spot across from the widow, while she took a seat facing Noah and next to Pru.

Once they'd all taken their places, Mrs. Flanagan looked across at Mr. Walker. “Would you offer the blessing, sir?”

“Of course.” He immediately bowed his head.

“Thank you, Jesus, for the meal we have before us and for the effort and skill of the one who prepared it. We newcomers are grateful that You have brought us to this place and for the generosity of the ladies who have welcomed us into their company. Bless this meal to the health and nourishment of we Your servants, and we ask especially that You provide a healing grace to Mrs. Flanagan. Amen.”

Cassie Lynn echoed the amen, pleased to learn that Mr. Walker had what sounded like a familiar relationship with the Lord.

As the plates of food were passed around, Mrs. Flanagan took charge of the conversation. “So might I ask how you make your living, Mr. Walker?”

“I grew up on a ranch, and working with horses is about the only real skill I have.”

“Uncle Riley is the best horse trainer around,” Noah said proudly.

Mr. Walker leaned over and gave his nephew a mock punch in the shoulder. “At least the best you ever met,” he said with a teasing grin.

“And is that where you all are headed, someplace where you can work with horses?”

Mr. Walker hesitated a moment as he shifted in his seat. It might have merely been irritation at the intrusive question, but Cassie Lynn got the distinct impression there was more to it than that.

“I do hope to one day have a horse ranch of my own, but that's something I've put on hold for the time being. In the meantime, I get work where I can.”

She noticed he hadn't really answered Mrs. Flanagan's question. But before the widow could press further, he turned to Cassie Lynn. “This roast is mighty fine eating. My compliments to the cook.”

She felt her cheeks warm as she smiled at his compliment. “Thank you.”

“If you think this is good, just wait until we get to dessert,” Mrs. Flanagan declared. “Baking is where Cassie Lynn really shines.”

Cassie was surprised by the compliment. She didn't often get praise from her employer.

Mr. Walker pointed a fork at her. “I look forward to it.”

The conversation moved on to safe, mundane topics for a few minutes, then Mrs. Flanagan circled back around to her probing questions. “Seems to me, if raising horses is something you aim to work at, that there's lots of good places around here just perfect for a horse ranch.”

Cassie Lynn cringed at the woman's continued probing. Was this her fault? Was Mrs. Flanagan trying to convince the man to stay in town because she'd shown an interest in him?

She saw a small tic at the corner of Mr. Walker's jaw, but when he spoke his tone was controlled. “Thank you, but as I said, I've put those plans on hold for now.”

Then he turned the tables on her. “Mind if I ask how you hurt your leg?”

Cassie Lynn paused midbite. Mrs. Flanagan hated when anyone pointed out her infirmity. And Cassie Lynn had a feeling Mr. Walker knew that.

There was a tense moment of silence as the two at either end of the table stared each other down.

Then Mrs. Flanagan gave a nod, acknowledging Mr. Walker's point, and answered his question. “I fell off a ladder when I was trying to prune a tree out back.” Then she turned to Noah. “Tell me, young man, are you as fond of horses as your uncle?”

Cassie saw the self-satisfied glint in Mr. Walker's eye. Apparently he'd figured out something she'd learned, as well. The best way to deal with Mrs. Flanagan's pushy manner was to meet it head-on.

When he turned her way, he seemed abashed to find her watching him. Her nod of approval a heartbeat later also seemed to momentarily startle him. Then he returned her smile with a conspiratorial one of his own, and her breath caught as she once more felt that connection with him, as if they were longtime friends. His smile deepened as he apparently noted her reaction and she felt the warmth rise in her cheeks. She quickly turned away, busying herself with passing another piece of bread to Noah.

As the conversation flowed around the table, Cassie Lynn suddenly realized Pru wasn't participating. Hoping to find a way to draw the girl in, she turned to her and only then noticed that Pru was picking at her food without really eating much of anything. Was there something more than shyness at work here?

Concerned, she leaned closer and asked quietly, “Are you all right, Pru?”

Pru gave her an embarrassed look and nodded. “I'm just not very hungry,” she said softly.

Cassie Lynn patted the child's leg. “That's fine. You don't have to eat if you don't want to.”

The girl nodded and broke off a small piece of bread to nibble on, as if to prove she was all right.

But apparently Mr. Walker had noticed. His expression concerned, he leaned toward his niece. “What's the matter, Pru?”

“I'm just not very hungry,” she said again.

Cassie Lynn frowned. There seemed to be more than a lack of appetite going on with the girl. She was pale and her eyes had a slightly glazed look.

Placing her hand on Pru's forehead, Cassie Lynn shot Mr. Walker a worried glance. “She's running a fever.”

He immediately pushed away from the table. “If you ladies will excuse our early departure, I should take her back to the hotel, where she can lay down.”

Cassie Lynn moved her hand to the girl's shoulder and stood. “Perhaps it would be better to have Doc Pratt take a look at her first.”

“Absolutely.” Mrs. Flanagan's tone brooked no argument. “Let her rest on the bed in the spare room while Cassie Lynn fetches the doctor.”

Mr. Walker's brows drew down. “I don't want to put Miss Vickers out—”

She gave him a smile. “Doc Pratt lives right next door, so it's no trouble at all. It won't take me but a few minutes to fetch him.” She stood and pointed to the doorway. “The spare room is down that hall, third door on the left. Why don't you help Pru get comfortable and lie down, and I'll be back faster than a squirrel can climb a tree.”

Mr. Walker hesitated and she saw the worry in his expression. The poor man likely had very little experience with childhood illnesses. She impulsively touched his arm. “Children seem to get these fevers with vexing regularity. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about, but it's always best to get a doctor to check it out if you can.”

He nodded. “Very well. Thank you.”

* * *

Riley picked Pru up and carried her down the hall to the room Miss Vickers had indicated. The little girl snuggled up against his chest with touching trust. Why hadn't he realized sooner that she was sick? Some guardian he was.