Ellie's Heart

By Cia Leah

Ellie Preston moved back to her grandma and grandpa's home in Texas, hoping that no one in town recognized her grandpa. With skeleton's in the closet that needed to stay locked away, she was fearful that if the townsfolk found out, they would have to move again. What she didn't count on was falling in love with Sheriff Seth Hays.

Seth Hays liked the new family that moved in, but he couldn't figure out why Ellie's grandpa still wore his six guns strapped around his waist at his age with his hands crooked with rheumatism. Why did Lucas Preston have them on the nightstand by his bed? Something just didn't add up, but Seth found himself falling in love with Ellie, and prayed that she felt the same way about him, no matter what happened.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cia Leah
• Release date: Feb 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393717591

Cia Leah

Cia Leah is a multi-published author written in a variety of genres. Her favorite genre to read and write are westerns and historical romances. She successfully completed the Writer's Digest Short Story Course and a creative writing course. She is a member of Romance Divas and highly recommends it and the wealth of knowledge provided on the site for readers and writers. Semi-retired, she writes as time allows due to real life and thanks her readers for their support. At present time, she is writing western short stories, novelettes, and novellas.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Sheriff Seth Hays stepped out of his office into the bright sunshine. It was a warm day, but the Texas heat hadn’t begun yet. He enjoyed this time of the year. Spring and fall were his favorite seasons.

He caught sight of a covered wagon followed by a buckboard loaded down with furniture coming down the street. An unusual sight for Crooked Creek. When the wagon stopped in front of him, he looked up at the old lady bundled up in a blanket and shawl. Her white hair was wound around her head in a braid. All he could think was she must have been a beautiful woman in her younger days. He stepped up to the wagon, took off his hat, and smiled. Can I help you?

Yes, you can, Sheriff. I’m Ellie Preston and this is my grandma Elaine, and my grandpa is inside the wagon. His name's Lucas and my Uncle Sticky is driving the buckboard. We’re looking for the Conner house. We purchased it six months ago from Mrs. Connor’s attorney."

Seth looked at the young woman who scooted closer to her grandma and stared down at him. She was a pretty woman with auburn hair, hazel eyes, and was pleasingly plump. "It's down at the end of the street on the right. You can't miss it. It's the biggest house in town. It’s whitewashed and has dark blue shutters.

Thanks, Sheriff.

You’re welcome. Do you need some help unloading your furniture? I'd be happy to lend a hand."

Thank you. I was going to inquire is you knew of anyone who would help. I can pay them. I’d like to get grandma and grandpa's bed set up first so they can rest. It’s been a long journey from Ohio.

He whistled. That's quite a far piece. Happy to see you made it all right. I’ll be right down as soon as I get a couple men to help out. He set his hat back on his head, tipped his hat, and ran across the street. He’d get a couple men he knew that would help. He couldn't help but wonder where the woman's husband was. Surely, she was married to be moving her family all this way. Maybe he’d be along later.

He strode down to the saloon, pushed open the swinging doors, and glanced inside. Curly, Brant, I got a family who needs help moving into the Connor place. Their name is Preston and Ellie, their granddaughter, drove that covered wagon all the way from Ohio. Her uncle followed in a buckboard loaded down with furniture.

Are we gettin’ paid?

Seth groaned. He walked over to where they sat at a table, pulled some money out of his pocket and laid it on the table. Divide it up and don’t you dare ask that woman for any money or take any from her if she offers it. Any woman that can drive a wagon from Ohio with her old grandma and grandpa with just her uncle has guts and you should help her for nothing.

Don’t get all high and mighty over it, Seth. We’re just trying to make a living.

Then get your butts out of the chairs so we can get over there. He turned and stepped out of the saloon and walked down the street. He heard Curly and Brant right behind him. As he neared the Connor house, he ran across the street, and up to the buckboard. Elaine was picking up a wooden box of supplies. Here, I can take that in for you.

I'm fine. I'm strong and healthy. I got grandma and grandpa settled on the couch. Most of the furniture was included in the sale of the house.

I know. I couldn’t believe it when Mrs. Connors had her attorney handle the sale of the place when her husband died. She didn't stick around town long, but left for Boston less than two months after his passing.

Ellie shook her head. "I’d never leave a house as beautiful as this one. I’m so happy grandpa bought it. I'm