Snark & Sensibility

PLEASE WELCOME

JANINE MICK WILLS

TO

FLASH FICTION FRIDAY

EXCERPT FROM CASSANDRA AND THE COWBOY

While Cassandra and Matt waited for George Thompson’s answer to the telegram, they worked hard on the Triple P. Matt discussed his every idea with Cassandra first, while she in turn, at least listened before she laughingly overrode it. The two also took long rides around the ranch, teased each other often, and talked late into the night. At mealtimes, they shared stories, both true and embellished, and Cassandra found herself thinking about what it would be like if Matt stayed on.

One afternoon she noticed the weariness in Maria’s face and asked if she and Matt could prepare supper. Maria surprised her by agreeing but said if the meal did not meet up to her standards, she expected the two of them to weed her garden the next day.

The resulting beef stew, cornbread, and chocolate pudding received high praises, even from Maria, though she fussed when Cassandra served the stew in the iron kettle instead of a serving dish.

“There is one other thing,” Maria said. All eyes fixed on her while she wiped her mouth and then set the napkin down beside her plate.

Cassandra’s shoulders collapsed. “I knew the stew needed more salt.”

“The stew is very good. But now Rafael and Roberto must weed my garden tomorrow.”

Roberto put on a brave smile and asked his mother for another helping of pudding. Cassandra was glad to see the boy’s appetite had returned. He must have gotten over his jealousy, although he still kept a watchful eye on Matt when he thought no one was looking.

 Rafael was spooning the last bit of pudding out of his bowl when Cassandra and Matt started clearing the table.

“You two have done enough,” Maria said. “Roberto and I will take care of cleanup.”

“Mama,” Cassandra said, “Please tell Maria she is to take the night off. I know she won’t listen to me.”

Maria opened her mouth to protest, but Helen hustled her and Roberto into the parlor to play a game of three-handed cribbage.

Cassandra prepared the dish basin while Matt finished clearing the table. He nudged her aside when she donned an apron to wash the dishes.

“I’ll wash and rinse, and you dry,” he instructed. “Gotta save those purty hands of yours.” He plunged his hands into the basin, sending soap suds into the air.

Cassandra wiggled the third finger of her left hand behind Matt’s back and imagined him sliding a wedding band onto it. Don’t get the wagon before the horse, Cassandra. She glanced up at him from underneath her lashes. Maybe I can help him along.

“Matt, have you ever been in love?” she asked.

“You sure don’t mince words, do you? Is there a reason ya wanna know?”

“Not particularly.” She turned away to keep him from reading her intention. She didn’t fool him for a moment.

“I gotta feelin’ you’re not tellin’ me the truth,” he said, handing over a plate to dry.

How did that man keep seeing right through her? Was she so transparent?  “I just asked a simple question. It’s not a big deal.”

“You’re the one makin’ a big deal out of it.”

“Matt Atkins, I don’t know how you do it, but you have a knack for turning my words against me when I ask you anything personal. Are you hiding something?”

The muscle in Matt’s jaw ticked. “All right. Since you’re all bent on pryin’ into my life, I’ll tell you. I was in love once. There. Are you happy?”

Pain gripped Cassandra’s heart. She had asked. She had no right to complain.

“Well? Aren’t you going to ask me about her?”

“You have made it perfectly clear I need to mind my own business.” She hooked the dish towel over a peg near the sink. “Thank you for helping with supper. I’ll let you finish up. Goodnight, Matt.”

As Cassandra fled the kitchen, she barely heard his last words, “Women. And who do you think is gonna wash the rest of these dirty dishes?”

ABOUT CASSANDRA AND THE COWBOY (THE FIRST BOOK IN THE TEXAS TREASURE SERIES)

Cassandra Pickett is one prayer away from giving up on God. The Bank of Texas is about to foreclose on her family ranch, and God has not yet revealed how to save it. Taking matters into her own hands, Cassandra decides to trust the plans of Matt Atkins, a charming but mysterious cowboy her mother hires. But Matt harbors a secret. When his hidden agenda is revealed, it destroys his and Cassandra’s budding romance and her dreams of saving the Triple P. Can God restore Cassandra’s shattered dreams, or will she lose the Triple P and her hope of finding true love?

You can buy Cassandra and the Cowboy on Amazon in Kindle or paperback form.
https://www.amazon.com/Cassandra-Cowboy-Texas-Treasures-Janine/dp/1946892246

ABOUT JANINE MICK WILLS

As far back as she can remember, Janine Mick Wills, a native of Columbus, Ohio, has loved the Lord and the written word. A former pastor's wife, she now resides in South Carolina with her retired Air Force husband, where she heads the ladies' ministry at her church and fills every spare minute writing for the glory of God. Janine considers a Child of the King to be her most important title, but she also enjoys being called a wife, a mom to three grown children, and a mamaw to seven grandchildren.

You can find Janine online at:
Website: janinemickwills.com 
Facebook: Janine Mick Wills - Writing for the Glory of God (https://www.facebook.com/authorTexasTreasures)
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