Sarah and the Cowboy's Lady (Christmas Holiday Extravaganza) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright 2016 Gay N. Lewis

  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

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Excerpt

  Thank you

  SARAH AND THE COWBOY’S LADY

  Gay N. Lewis

  Copyright 2016 Gay N. Lewis

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Cover Art by Joan Alley

  Edited by Lisa J. Lickel

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are the product of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, the New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

  Published by Prism Book Group

  ISBN-10:1-943104-76-X

  ISBN-13:978-1-943104-76-5

  First Edition, 2016

  Published in the United States of America

  Contact info: [email protected]

  http://www.prismbookgroup.com

  DEDICATION

  I’d like to dedicate this book to Pedro, a beautiful Appaloosa pony. Pedro resides in Elgin, Texas with his owner, Marsha Jane Lewis.

  I fell in love with Pedro the first time I saw a picture of him. He recently became desperately ill, and I feared for his life. Marsha kept Pedro’s fans updated about his illness on Facebook. I’m happy to report he is now healthy and Marsha rides him in shows.

  Marsha is a relative. Did you catch the last name? I’m happy she is a Lewis. She’s married to my husband’s nephew and I’m proud to call her family. She’s given me horse information for this story.

  Marsha has an impressive resume. She has a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology (University of Texas, Austin) and a BS in Chemical Engineering (University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana). She’s worked in the bioengineering and pharmaceutical industries and now lectures in the University of Texas, Austin Chemical engineering department. She also is the owner/operator/instructor/stall cleaner of Forreal Farm in Elgin, Texas. She loves teaching children to ride. The farm has ten horses, two donkeys, dogs, cats, and a plethora of birds. Her husband, Dr. Kirk Lewis, is a renowned veterinarian in Austin, Texas. Marsha and Kirk have two adorable little girls, Zoe and Ruby. These two cute little angels love to help with the animals.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Merciful heavens!

  Why would the Commander call her in for this special conference? What major goof-up had she done now?

  Sarah stirred her memory but nothing came to mind. Every assignment on earth had ended well—so far, at least. She’d been enjoying a respite in The Heavenlies—until this summons. Eating good food and visiting with the inhabitants was true joy, but the moment she’d received this direct order, butterflies started a hula dance in her tummy. Poopty doopty! The Commander wanted to reprimand her for something, and she didn’t have answers.

  Arriving at the door, Sarah knocked.

  “Come in, Sarah.”

  Sarah floated into the golden-glowing office with folded hands and bowed curls. She waited.

  “Please sit down, Sarah.” He smiled and gave her a twinkling gaze. “Why are you nervous?”

  “I don’t know. I must be guilty of a mess I can’t explain, and I never wish to disappoint you.”

  The Commander sighed. “No worries, little angel. You find it difficult to accept our unconditional love. Remember—you can’t earn it. We will always love you—even if we dislike some of your choices and actions.” The Commander gave a dismissive hand wave. “You aren’t in my office for a review or a rebuke. I’ve called you here because I have an exceptional assignment for you.”

  “You do?” Sarah widened her eyes.

  “Yes. I need you in the Dallas, Texas area. A young woman down there is about to receive terrible news and it will devastate her. She’s going to need comfort, supervision, and a friend. You will be able to give those things as you appear in one of your many human disguises. The humans celebrate Christmas this time of year, and the news she acquires will bring heartbreaking circumstances during the holy time. The second part of your mission is to bring romance for her.” He opened a window to expose earthlings below. “See that cowboy down there?” He gestured with his hand.

  Sarah nodded, but all she saw was a tall figure with broad shoulders. He wore a black hat, but his face was partially obscured.

  “He’s Emily’s intended. Make sure a relationship develops between these two. Are you up for this?”

  Sarah nodded. “I’ve instigated love matches for couples before, and I’ve helped men and women who are already acquainted find love, but I’ve never been around cowboys. Are they scary?”

  The Commander shook his head as a smile played at his lips. “No, but they might do perilous things.”

  Sarah bit her lip. “I’m experienced with the uniting role, but I’m not so sure about the rest of your assignment—the supervision portion. I’m usually the one who needs help, and then you send someone to bail me out of some bedlam I’ve caused.”

  The Commander rubbed his chin to keep from laughing this time. “And we will again if need be. We look after each other.” He discharged her by standing. “Arrange to leave, little angel.”

  * * *

  Dallas, Texas? Somewhere down there in that huge city was a woman with an upcoming heartbreak, and Sarah needed to introduce the lady to a cowboy. Sarah would concern herself with a man who did something with cows later, but the first thing was to find Dallas. Sarah gulped as she closed the Commander’s door behind her. She’d accidently zoomed to Dallas on her second mission to earth. She’d landed behind a trash dumpster, changed into human form, entered a diner, and requested a cheeseburger. The proprietor of the place delivered the order and that was how she discovered she was in the wrong city. She’d asked the man for directions to a street address in Houston. The guy had raised his eyebrows and suggested she go to the airport and catch a plane. He said he’d never been to Houston, but someone in that city could most likely help her.

  Poopty doopty! The embarrassing memories. Groan.

  Seeing the Lieutenant nearby, Sarah glided to him. “Sir? Would you allow someone to escort me to Dallas? I’ve been assigned a mission and need assistance even before I begin.” She shrugged. “You know me. I’m always lost.” She tried to swallow the lump in her throat. “Remember when I needed to go to Texas and almost flew to Europe by mistake? I’m still thankful you intervened.”

  The Lieutenant smiled. “Yes, I recall that incident. You failed to invite assistance—and simply set out on your own. We watched you fly in t
he wrong direction and you failed to ask for help, but we interceded anyway. I’m happy to report you reacted differently on this occasion. We intended for you to talk over traveling needs with us on this particular occasion, and you passed our test. Good job, Sarah.”

  “Really?” Sarah sucked in air. “I didn’t know I was being tested.”

  “All creatures are tested, and this traveling one was for you. We delight in seeing you grow and gave you a small challenge, but bigger ones may arrive too. Prepare with prayer.”

  Sarah’s blond curls bounced as she nodded. “My memory is the problem. I forget and then repeat the same mistakes over and again.” Sarah’s wings drooped. “I don’t pray for a solution but create a fiasco instead. I’m impulsive and don’t trust Divine Guidance. Will I forever have this difficulty?”

  The Lieutenant pulled forth a file folder and made a notation. “God has given you the gift of empathy. You identify with many of the challenges humans face, and this ability enables you to help them. Your gifts make you unique for the missions our Creator assigns you. You must work on impulsiveness.” He smiled. “I’m ready to send Gabriella with you to a Dallas suburb.”

  “Thank you.”

  * * *

  Gabriella told Sarah they were setting out to a small duplex south of the city of Dallas and guided Sarah to the roof of her charge. Both angels touched their left wrists to adjust their bodies to the chilling, winter temperature and then glanced below. Dallas could experience variables—from snow and icy conditions to warm, sunshiny days—during December.

  Sarah’s new assignment sat at a kitchen table below, drinking a morning coffee. A large, gaily lit Christmas tree with multi-colored lights stood in the living room window. A few packages dressed in red paper graced the floor below the small tree.

  Clucking her tongue, Gabriella waved a hand in the air. “The mortal is in for big shocks today. Mankind can be cruel, but I know you will find a way to console her.”

  “I hope so. I don’t know what will happen to her, just that she needs a friend.” Sarah placed both hands in her muslin pockets and brought them out empty. “Poopty doopty! I’ve lost the file folder. Probably fell out somewhere between here and there.” She pointed skyward. Sarah grimaced as if she’d bitten into a lemon. “Oh well. The Superiors don’t give much detail in those assignments, anyway. They seem to enjoy seeing me flap around down here as I figure out what to do.”

  “Careful, Sarah. You know that isn’t true. All missions are designed with celestial purposes—not heavenly entertainment. We must not be disrespectful.”

  Sarah slumped and then gazed up at Gabriella. “My frustrations get to me at times. I want to please the Commander and my job would be easier if he’d detail the entire mission.” She squared her shoulders and sighed. “I have little information—don’t even know her name. Can you tell me more?”

  Gabriella pointed with an index finger to the young woman. “Her name is Emily Stanton, but she will be Emily Morrow soon. See the wedding magazines on the kitchen table? She’s getting married to James Morrow in five days.”

  “Is he a cowboy?”

  “I don’t know his occupation, but I’m aware of Emily’s wedding plans to James. She’s scheduled a Christmas wedding in the church with poinsettias and red dresses for her attendants. She’ll wear her mother’s dress, the invitations have been sent, and she’s almost finished with the fine-tuning details. She’s happy and excited.”

  “Does she have shoes for the big day?”

  Gabriella chuckled. “Not yet. Her gown is traditional with white lace, so befriend her and then the two of you can shop for footwear.”

  “I’d like that.” Sarah almost swooned at the idea of a shoe store. “She’ll need white stilettos. I’ll go with her and at least try on a pair, but what if I fall down in the store?” Sarah shrugged. “No biggie. I’m used to it. What else do you know?”

  “Hmmm.” Gabriella closed an eye as she considered the question. “By the standards of the day, Emily’s considered old-fashioned and out of step.”

  Sarah frowned. “Why is that?”

  “I don’t know much about the future, but I can tell you this much about the past and present. Emily’s thirty years old and still a virgin. That’s odd and unheard of these earth days. She’s been bullied and teased because of her principles.”

  “She’ll marry soon, and then people won’t have anything to gossip about.”

  Gabriella nodded. “Marriage should take care of that problem, but rumor in The Heavenlies is that a disaster is about to strike.”

  “Yes, the Commander told me that much. He said she’s about to receive devastating news.” Sarah snapped her fingers. “Poopty doopty! I wish I had that folder. Do you know anything about what she will hear?”

  “No, but I believe you are the best person for this job.”

  “Seriously? Why?”

  “You’re spontaneous, empathetic, creative, and adapt quickly to a situation. You’ve also proven yourself as a good friend to people. On past missions, while in human masquerade, you gave noble counsel to them. I’ve no doubt you will succeed on this assignment.”

  Sarah fluttered her wings with pleasure. “Thank you for those encouraging words. I appreciate them so much.”

  “Kind words are a soothing ointment and they dispel anxiety. All creatures need to be loving and gracious to one another—human and angel. That goes for animals, too. Big and small. Lives of all varieties crave love and peace with each other, but the lion won’t lay down with the lamb until the King returns.”

  Gabriella sighed and paused. “In my opinion, and from what I’ve seen as a guardian angel, men and women destroy each other. Name calling, crass language, and rude behavior hurt mankind. Such conduct creates emotional damage. Positive reinforcement and kindness are far better.” She closed her eyes for a minute and then opened them. “I can prevent physical harm to my charges, like stop a vehicle from colliding with another or avert a child from a disabling fall, but I can’t keep a person from spewing damaging insults to a person. Emotional damage takes longer to heal than the physical, and sometimes people never recover from it.”

  “Free will and choices again. We all have them, even the option to spout forth ugly remarks. I still think the world would be better off if all creatures were puppets with strings, and then no mistakes or harm could be made.” Sarah perched her arms in midair and began to jerk about woodenly and dance as if she were a marionette propelled by an invisible force.

  Gabriella laughed until she collapsed on the roof. Encouraged by Gabriella’s hilarity, Sarah continued to perform the crazy mannequin dance. She exaggerated the melodrama to major proportions. With hands going in one direction, feet and knees in another, Sarah boogied to silent music. Pretending to be yanked by an unseen wire, she bobbed and rotated her neck as she added facial expressions.

  Boom! Crack! Roar! Thunder, loud enough to wake a sound sleeper, came as a warning to the two heavenly spirits.

  Sarah and Gabriella covered themselves—front and overhead—with their wings.

  “Angels, that’s enough.”

  The Lieutenant’s voice didn’t sound happy. With harmony and in chorus, both angels apologized while they trembled under feathery cover.

  “Sorry, sir.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  Poopty doopty! Sarah’s wings slumped. Now why had she acted so silly? She’d gotten her friend in trouble. She glanced upward as Gabriella disappeared into The Heavenlies. Maybe the Lieutenant wouldn’t scold her colleague too much—after all, Sarah was the one who’d caused the ruckus.

  Removing her gaze from The Heavenlies, Sarah directed her attention to Emily. “Okay, to the business at hand.” Sarah spoke in a frosty breath, but no one was around to hear—not even a squirrel. Glancing down into the apartment, she studied Emily.

  The woman gathered her belongings and picked up a cell phone. She dialed a number and Sarah twirled fingers in the air to hear the two-way conversation.

&
nbsp; Sarah listened to a man’s deep voice respond to the ringing tone. “This is James. I can’t come to the phone right now. Leave a message at the beep.”

  “Hi, sweetheart, I’m about to leave for work. I’m worried about you. I didn’t hear from you at all yesterday, you didn’t come to dinner last night, and you haven’t returned my messages. Are you okay?” Emily sighed into the phone. “I assume we’re still on for lunch. See you soon. Call me. Love you.” Emily disconnected and frowned. She deposited the cell into her bag.

  Sarah scratched her cheek. Why hadn’t the fiancé called back? Had he been in some kind of accident? The Commander said cowboys engage in perilous activities with horses—or was it cows? Hmmm. Maybe one of those enormous animals kicked him in the head and James had met his demise. Was that the trouble heading Emily’s way? The Commander said terrible news would be delivered and Emily would need a friend to console her. If the man she loved had died, Emily would be grief stricken. Maybe that was the reason the Commander had sent Sarah, the bumbling angel, to earth for this mission. This woman might become a widow before the wedding. Was such a thing possible? Didn’t a woman need to be married to be a widow? Hmm.

  Sarah puckered her lips. “Well, whatever. Emily will be heartbroken and I’m here to help.”

  Emily unplugged the Christmas tree, donned a full-length coat, pulled on gloves, locked the door behind her, and slipped inside her vehicle.

  Sarah floated down to the roof of the car. With no idea where Emily worked, she’d need to tag along after her charge. Sarah didn’t know the office address, but even if she did, it wouldn’t matter. She wouldn’t know how to get there.

  Emily turned the key in the ignition. Nothing happened—no sound. What was wrong with the motor? Was it too cold for the thingy to start? Sarah had broken engines before—kept them from moving—but she had no inkling how to fix one.

  Emily turned the key again. “Come on. Come on, Old Girl. We’ve got to go. Don’t quit on me now. You know I’d put you in the shop and buy you some new belts and plugs if I could afford them.”