The Cactus Creek Challenge (42 page)

Folks nodded. Ben squeezed Cassie’s hand, and his eyes twinkled down into hers.

But he wasn’t finished. “There is one thing you might not know, though. Doc Bucknell introduced Mr. Stoltzfus, the superintendent of schools, before the program got started. He’s Cassie’s boss, and when he heard that she’d traded places with the sheriff for a month, he wasn’t best pleased. He’s the one who called for this school program tonight, and if he determines that the kids haven’t been taught up to scratch, Cassie might just lose her job. If you approve of the way Cassie has taught your kids for the last year, and if you think the kids did a great job here tonight, be sure to take the time to mention it to Mr. Stoltzfus. Seems to me the parents and community might have some pull when it comes to who they want to teach their kids.” A murmur rose as people digested this bit of news. Cassie’s cheeks grew warm, and she forced herself to remain calm and composed.

“Anyway, I just wanted you folks to know that the Challenge was a success for all four of us this year in ways we never expected, so however you vote, like Carl said, we’re all coming out of it winners. We sure appreciate your patience with us as we figured out how to bake and teach and saddle horses and run a jail. Mrs. Pym, where’s that punch bowl? I’m ready to cast my vote.”

Ben walked Cassie home under a beautiful three-quarter moon.

“You won. And your job is safe. How does it feel?” Ben stopped her under a willow tree alongside the creek, lacing his fingers behind her back and drawing her close.

“I still can’t believe it. And I don’t think you can say that any of us really lost. There was enough money donated for both of the causes, a record amount according to my father. And Carl and Jenny fell in love. Not to mention us.” She laid her head on his shoulder. “It’s hard to believe the Challenge is over. It’s been quite a month.”

He brushed his lips against her temple, wrapping his arms tighter around her and leaning against the willow trunk. “We’ll be married in a couple of weeks. I have a feeling our real Challenge is just beginning.”

“And much like tonight, I think we’ll both come out winners in the end.”

Erica Vetsch is a transplanted Kansan now residing in Minnesota. She loves books and history and is blessed to be able to combine the two by writing historical romances. Whenever she’s not following flights of fancy in her fictional world, she’s the company bookkeeper for the family lumber business, an avid museum patron, mother of two, and wife to a man who is her total opposite and soul mate. Erica loves to hear from her readers. You can find her on the web at
www.ericavetsch.com
or email her at
[email protected]
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The notorious Dickenson Gang wrecked havoc on Texas in the 1870s, and no lawman had been able to best them until Obadiah Wilder stood his ground on a hot July day in 1874. Here, told in Sheriff Wilder’s own words, is the story of his ultimate defeat of these rugged outlaws, and the true tale of what led to Obadiah becoming a true legend in Cactus Creek, Texas, history.

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Enjoy the adventurous journey to love along with nine historical couples who think they must marry for convenience in order to secure their futures—this fantastic collection includes
A Bride for Bear
by Erica Vetsch.