Second Chance Family by Winnie Griggs

Author:Winnie Griggs
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2011-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

Mitch stood in the doorway, surveying the kitchen full of females. “Well, well, looks like Miss Cissy is feeling lots better today.”

Cissy stepped down from her stool and gave Mitch a hug around his knees. “Hi, Sheriff.” Then she looked up at him, her flour-dusted face beaming. “I’m helping make pies.”

Mitch was caught off guard by the demonstrative gesture. Uncertain how to react, he glanced up at Cora Beth for some hint.

When all he got was an amused smile, he looked back down at Cissy and gave her an awkward pat. “Good for you.”

“We’re all making pies,” Audrey added. “I’m wishing the eggs.”

“Whisking,” Cora Beth corrected. She turned back to Mitch, that smile still teasing at her mouth. “Is there something we can do for you this morning?”

Cissy had returned to her task and Mitch cleared his throat, hoping to clear his head at the same time. “Just checking in to see how things are going. I saw Ethan over at the Evans place. Rita was plying him with lemonade.”

She nodded. “I’m sure he’s doing a good job for her. He also plans to spend some time over at your office today.”

“Good. I’ll be ready for him.” Ethan’s prickliness he could handle much more easily than Cissy’s adoration, or the smile it brought to Cora Beth’s face.

“Do you want to help us make pies?” Cissy asked.

“I’m afraid I’m not much of a baker.”

“You can share mine when it’s done. I picked apple.”

“Well now, that’s mighty generous of you, but I’m sure Mrs. Collins here is planning to serve these with her fine suppers this week.”

“Then you can come to supper, too.” She turned to Cora Beth. “That would be okay, wouldn’t it?”

He saw Cora Beth swallow a smile as she solemnly nodded her head. “That sounds like a fine idea.”

“We’ll see.” Mitch stuffed his hat back on his head. It wouldn’t do for him to start feeling like one of the family. “I gotta be going. Bye, ladies.”

Cora Beth followed him out to the back porch. “It seems Cissy has a bad case of hero worship.”

Mitch rubbed the back of his neck. “What do I do about it?”

“Enjoy it. And treat her affection with respect.”

“But I’m nobody’s hero.” In fact he was far from it. If they only knew.

“You are a hero to her. She probably sees you as an adult version of her big brother.” Cora Beth touched his sleeve. “It’s a blessing you’re the first man she came in contact with after what she experienced with Titus. You’re exactly what she needs in her life right now.”

Those words scared him worse than a charging stampede. “That’s one heck of a responsibility.”

“Which is why God gave it to you—the perfect man for the job.”

As Mitch headed away, he mulled over her words. Him a hero? Ridiculous. Only a scarred little girl like Cissy could see him that way.

What about Cora Beth, though? Not that she really needed a hero. She was a strong woman—self-reliant, full of heart and solid as that huge oak that shaded her side lawn.

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