Winnie Griggs - A Tailor-Made Husband

From Bachelor Sheriff to Family Man

Tired of pining for handsome sheriff Ward Gleason, seamstress Hazel Andrews plans to head East for a fresh start—until Ward finds an abandoned child. Hazel can’t turn down his request that she watch the little girl while he investigates a spate of crimes. But spending time with Ward is sending local gossips—and Hazel’s heart—into turmoil.

Nothing in Ward’s world is the same since he took charge of orphaned Meg...and that includes his growing feelings for Hazel. A fake engagement will allow them to care for the child together until Hazel moves away and finds someone more worthy. But with little Meg convinced she’s already found her forever family, can Ward and Hazel dare to make her dreams come true, along with their own?

“I’m leaving Turnabout and moving to New York,” Hazel said.

Ward felt everything suddenly go still. “You mean you’re taking your annual trip early?” Hazel had family there that she visited regularly.

“No. I mean I’m moving to New York permanently.”

Turnabout without Hazel’s vibrant presence? It was unthinkable. Trying to absorb the impact of what she was saying, he raised a brow. “This seems a bit sudden.”

“Not really. Aunt Ellen has asked me several times to work in her fashion-design business. I’ve finally decided to accept her offer.”

“I see.” Except he didn’t. Why would she do such a thing? “Exactly how soon do you plan to make this move?”

“I talked it over with Verity before she and her family headed out on their vacation and I promised her I wouldn’t leave until she returns.” Hazel shrugged. “They’re due back in about three weeks.”

So soon! The sick feeling in the pit of his stomach deepened. “And you’ve made up your mind?”

She nodded. “But for the next three weeks,” she said, “I’ll do whatever I can to help with Meg.”

He forced a smile. It was the second time today she’d touched him that way. He found he liked it. He had to remind himself to keep things on a just-friends basis. But unfortunately it didn’t seem like he’d have to worry with that for much longer...

Dear Reader,

I hope you’ve enjoyed Hazel and Ward’s story. This one was a long time in the making. Both of these characters have appeared in many of the previous Texas Grooms books, but it wasn’t until Hazel popped up in Second Chance Hero as Verity’s best friend that she really came to life for me. And it was only then that I realized the sheriff was the object of her long-standing affection.

Hazel and Ward’s story simmered in my mind as I wrote two additional books in the series, until I was finally ready to tell their story. And what a story it turned out to be. Ward came to life for me as a hero in so many unexpected ways—I fell in love with him right along with Hazel. And I hope you will too.

For more information on this and other books set in Turnabout, please visit my website at www.winniegriggs.comor follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WinnieGriggs.Author.

And as always, I love to hear from readers. Feel free to contact me at winnie@winniegriggs.comwith your thoughts on this or any other of my books.

Wishing you a life abounding with love and grace,

Winnie Griggs

WINNIE GRIGGS is the multipublished, award-winning author of historical (and occasionally contemporary) romances that focus on small towns, big hearts and amazing grace. She is also a list maker and a lover of dragonflies, and holds an advanced degree in the art of procrastination. Winnie loves to hear from readers—you can connect with her on Facebook at Facebook.com/winniegriggs.authoror email her at winnie@winniegriggs.com.

A Tailor-Made Husband

Winnie Griggs

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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I waited patiently for the Lord;

and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

—Psalms 40:1

Dedicated to my fabulous agent, Michelle Grajkowski, who is not only a great advocate for my work but also a great friend. And also to my wonderful brainstorming partners, Amy, Christopher, Joanne and Renee, who helped me figure out what direction to take my story when I lost my way.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Turnabout, Texas

June 1899

“I think he’s sleeping. We prob’ly shouldn’t bother him.”

Sheriff Ward Gleason opened one eye and tilted his chin up enough to see from under the lowered brim of his hat. Sure enough, the child on the train seat in front of him had turned around and was kneeling up facing him. She had her doll propped up on the seat back facing him as well.

“Is there something I can do for you, Half-pint?” He mentally winced as soon as the words left his mouth—it was the nickname he’d used for his younger sister. Bethany was on his mind quite a bit right now. And this child, with her curly blond pigtails and freckled button nose, had her look.

The girl giggled. “My name’s not Half-pint, it’s Meg.” She held up her doll. “And this is Chessie.”

That much he already knew. The youngster, who couldn’t have been more than four or five, had chattered almost nonstop since she and her companion, whose name was apparently Freddie, had boarded the train about an hour ago.

Not that he minded. Sleep had eluded him on this long, mournful trip and he would prefer not to be left to his own thoughts.

Ward straightened and tipped his hat back off his brow. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, ladies.”

“Did you hear that, Chessie?” Meg half whispered to her doll. “He called us ladies.”

Then she looked back his way and pointed to his companion. “Why do you have that puppy with you?”

Ward glanced at the dog sleeping on the seat beside him. At four years old, give or take, Pugs wasn’t a puppy anymore, but he was lapdog-sized, so he understood her confusion.

“He’s my sister’s dog. But I’m going to be taking care of him now.”

The little girl frowned. “How come your sister didn’t want him anymore? Was he bad?”

“Not at all. But I’m afraid she’s no longer able to take care of him.”

“Oh.” The little girl studied him thoughtfully for a moment. “Is she sick?”