Love Thy Neighbor?
After years of wandering, Daisy Johnson hopes to settle in Turnabout, Texas, open a restaurant, perhaps find a husband. Of course, sheâd envisioned a man who actually likes her. Not someone who offers a marriage of convenience to avoid scandal.
Turnabout is just a temporary stop for newspaper reporter Everett Fulton. Thanks to one pesky connecting door and a local gossip, heâs suddenly married, but his dreams of leaving havenât changed. What Daisy wantsâhome, family, tendernessâhe canât provide. Yet big-city plans are starting to pale beside small-town warmthâ¦.
âThere is some talk already circulating around town.â
Daisy rubbed her cheek, trying to take in what this meant. âBe honest with meâhow bad is it?â
âTo speak bluntly, our reputations will be tarnished, and it may very well spill over onto Abigail, as well.â
Her spirits sank. Was her dream of being a welcomed member of the community over so soon? She wouldnât accept that. âBut surely if we just go on about our business, in time the rumors will die down.â
Everett shook his head.âI wish that were true. But this sort of thing can take on a life of its own, and folks have long memories. Believe me, I know.â
âThen what do you suggest we do?â
âThereâs only one thing we can doâyou and I must immediately announce our engagement.â
Daisy halted in her tracks and stared at him, not sure sheâd heard correctly. Was he serious? The only hint of emotion she could see in his face, however, was that irritating hint of cynical amusement he wore like armor.
WINNIE GRIGGS
is a city girl born and raised in southeast Louisianaâs Cajun Country who grew up to marry a country boy from the hills of northwest Louisiana. Though her Prince Charming (who often wears the guise of a cattle rancher) is more comfortable riding a tractor than a white steed, the two of them have been living their own happily-ever-after for more than thirty years. During that time they raised four proud-to-call-them-mine children and a too-numerous-to-count assortment of dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, turtles and 4-H sheep.
Winnie has held a job at a utility company since she graduated from college. She saw her first novel hit bookstores in 2001. In addition to her day job and writing career, Winnie serves on committees within her church and on the executive boards and committees of several writing organizations, and she is active in local civic organizationsâshe truly believes the adage that you reap in proportion to what you sow.
In addition to writing and reading, Winnie enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and exploring flea markets. Readers can contact Winnie at P.O. Box 14, Plain Dealing, LA 71064, or email her at [email protected].
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
âMatthew 6:19â21
To my accountability partner, Sherrie, who helped me stay on track as I was writing this book. And to my sister Tammy, who took the time from her busy schedule to read the finished product and give me her honest feedback.
Chapter One
Turnabout, Texas, April 1895
The ornery, splinter-ridden door refused to budge, no matter how hard she shoved. Or how hard she glared.
Daisy Johnson stood on the darkened sidewalk, glowering at the weathered barricade that stood between herself and her new home. She absently scratched a splinter from her thumb as she glanced down at the black-and-white dog sitting patiently at her heels. âDonât worry, Kip. Iâm going to get us inside, one way or the other.â
Kip gave her a supportive yip, then began scratching his side.
A noise from over to her left caught Daisyâs attention. Down the street, a shadowy figure exited the livery and headed unsteadily down the sidewalk toward the hotel. Probably coming from one of the poker games the locals held thereâan activity she was unfortunately all too familiar with.
Other than that, things were quiet. Which was fine by her. Kip was the only company she needed tonight.
Daisy spared a quick glance at the adjoining building, which housed the newspaper office, and thought briefly about knocking on the door to see if she could borrow something to use as a pry bar. But she discarded the thought almost before it had fully formed. Not only was the hour late, but from what she recalled about the man who owned the place, he was an uppity gent with a highfalutin accent of some sort. His attitude reminded her too much of her grandmother. Not the sort who would take kindly to being roused from sleep. Or someone sheâd want to owe any favors.