Instant Daddy
An abandoned baby is the last thing town founder Will Canfield expects on his doorstep. He’s not the father—and the mother’s unknown. But the precious little girl needs a protector. And Will never backs down from a challenge, even if it means caring for a newborn...or dealing with spitfire cattle driver Tomasina Stone.
With her father gone, Tomasina’s trail life has ended. Yet becoming a polished city lady feels far out of her reach. All she wants is a place where she’ll be appreciated, respected...maybe loved. And the more time she spends helping Will care for the baby, the more she wonders if she’s found it. She’s never wanted to settle down...but Cowboy Creek—by Will’s side—might finally give her heart a lasting home.
Cowboy Creek: Bringing mail-order brides, and new beginnings, to a Kansas boomtown
“Well, if it isn’t Daddy Canfield. Taking your baby for a walk again, I see.”
There was something awfully endearing about a man strolling through the stockyards with a babe in his arms. She’d seen little softness from the men in her life. She’d always had to work harder, ride longer and take more licks than the men. A woman in a man’s job always had something to prove.
He jabbed her poster with the tip of his cane. “This Texas Tom person cannot stage a rodeo show in town,” he declared. “Those posters will have to be removed immediately.”
“I don’t know who put a burr under your saddle, Daddy Canfield, but you sure are a cranky fellow. Maybe fatherhood doesn’t suit you.”
“Fatherhood suits me fine.” He shook his head. “I told you before, I’m not a father. This isn’t my baby.”
“Whatever you say, Mr. Canfield. But you sure are getting comfortable with that babe in your arms.”
“I’ll speak with Texas Tom myself. When you see your boss, tell him I’m looking for him.”
“I might be able to save you some time,” Tomasina declared with a wink. “I’m Texas Tom.”
* * *
Cowboy Creek: Bringing mail-order brides, and new beginnings, to a Kansas boomtown.
Want Ad Wedding—Cheryl St.John, April 2016
Special Delivery Baby—Sherri Shackelford, May 2016
Bride by Arrangement—Karen Kirst, June 2016
SHERRI SHACKELFORD is an award-winning author of inspirational books featuring ordinary people discovering extraordinary love. A reformed pessimist, Sherri has a passion for storytelling. Her books are fast-paced and heartfelt with a generous dose of humor. She loves to hear from readers at [email protected]. Visit her website at sherrishackelford.com.
Special Delivery Baby
Sherri Shackelford
He hath inclosed my ways with hewn stone,
He hath made my paths crooked.
—Lamentations 3:9
To my fellow authors in the series, Cheryl St.John and Karen Kirst, for making this continuity series such a wonderful experience. I hope we can revisit Cowboy Creek in the future!
Contents
Kansas, May 1868
Four thousand head of longhorn cattle parading through the center of town