Cash Prize: Book 1

By Sarah Hale

When Evan Cash gets jilted by his longtime sweetheart, the single women of Rose Creek, Wyoming, go into action. Now that Dr. Cash is back on the market, he and his brother Spencer are the town's hottest commodity.

The comical way the fair maidens go about making their presences known comes to a screeching halt when a new woman comes to town. Everly Michaels moves into more than Rose Creek. She moves into the Cash brothers' lives.

Everly becomes the Cashes' closest neighbor. Needing the brothers' assistance puts Miss Michaels in a vulnerable position. Hidden secrets keep the trio intertwined. Will they find individual strength and the power of God in the face of tragedy?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886160512

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Cash Prize

Book 1

Sarah Hale

ISBN 979-8-88616-050-5 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88616-051-2 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Sarah Hale

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

This is a work of fiction. Names and characters are derived from the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. All real-life places and locales mentioned in the story are used fictionally.

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Epilogue

Other Books by Sarah Hale

About the Author

Veiled Blessings Series

This book is dedicated to all of those who ask, When is your next book coming out?

You make my heart smile. Thank you for your love and support.

1

Rose Creek, Wyoming Territory, 1883

Evan Cash dropped the post into the hole he had just dug. It was the last log. Tomorrow, he and his brother Spencer could start building the fence. The brothers had saved up enough money to purchase the farm next to them. The family who owned the twenty acres decided Wyoming wasn't for them. After three years, they gave up and moved back East.

Evan couldn't blame the family; his mother hated Wyoming and put immense pressure on his father to return to Boston. Evan and Spencer had fallen in love with the vast land and the Wyoming skies. They stayed behind to build the family ranch. It wasn't a big ranch, but it just got twenty acres larger.

Evan lifted his head, wiping the sweat from his brow. Sadie Hollings was headed his way. Her long braids trailed out behind her, and she was calling his name. Sadie was the younger sister of his intended, Myra Hollings. Evan felt a little uneasy. This was more than just a sick animal. Evan Cash was not only a rancher; he was the local veterinarian.

The young girl reached her target and bent at her waist to catch her breath. Quick, the girl gasped for breath. Evan, you gotta come quick.

Evan put his hand on the girl's shoulder. Calm down, Sadie, and tell me what is going on. Is it an animal or person?

It's Myra. She panted. Evan felt his heart drop into his stomach. His grip tightened on the young girl. You gotta come. She is leaving on the last train. Evan wasn't sure he understood what Sadie was saying. She grabbed his arm and pulled him to his horse tied on a nearby post. Go, she's eloping with Ed Mitchell.

Evan was in shock. What was she saying? Sadie shoved him toward the horse, and he obediently mounted the mare. She gave the horse a good swat on the rump, and the animal set a fast pace. What was she saying? He asked himself again. Evan's mind was racing. He had dinner last evening with Myra, and everything seemed fine. Sure, they had their differences, but he always thought they were well-suited.

Her father didn't care for him, but Evan knew in time he could win him over. Evan was a godly, hardworking man—that should account for something. But he wasn't sure what he was going to do or say. Indeed, Sadie had been misinformed. Young girls often get information wrong.

Evan reached the depot just as the passengers started to board. He spotted Myra and Ed headed toward the train. He couldn't speak. Evan watched as Ed helped Myra to the first step. The couple's heads turned when they heard Mrs. Hollings's voice. There was a brief conversation, and Myra kissed her mother's cheek. Then, suddenly as if they had been speaking about Evan, they caught sight of him.

The whole town seemed to stand still. Evan stood on the platform covered in dirt and sweat as Ed Mitchell placed his arm around Myra and waved to the veterinarian. Myra made a conscious effort not to look at Evan. Then the train pulled out of the station, and everyone scattered, leaving Evan alone. Stunned, he looked around. He could see clumps of townspeople trying not to stare. He couldn't move. Why couldn't he move?

Mrs. Hollings, who always adored Evan, moved toward him. Taking his hand, she led him off the train platform and down a side alley out of the view of the town. I'm so sorry, Evan. I had no idea Myra was seeing Ed. I feel just awful, and I can't imagine how you must be feeling.

Is she gone? Sadie had spied her mother and Evan in the alley.

Sadie, go get Evan's horse and bring it around. Mrs. Hollings had her hand on Evan's arm.

What happened? Did you punch Ed? I don't want him as a brother-in-law. He is sneaky. He reminds me of one of those snake oil salesmen.

Sadie, please, go get Evan's horse as I asked. The girl looked at her mother, then Evan. He had yet to speak, and his face was an eerie shade of gray.

Evan, I am indeed sorry. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Grace Hollings's hand had come to rest on Evan's cheek. He was amazed at how much Myra looked like her mother. Golden blond hair framed a long slender face, and blue eyes sparkled at him. Only these sparkling blue eyes were filled with tears. Please say something, Evan. I need to know you are all right.

Doc Cash! the sound of a youngster came echoing through the alley. Doc Cash! Evan turned to see a boy approaching him with a dog in his arms. Got bit by something. The teenager was trying to keep the dog from falling out of his hold.

Sadie, take my horse to the clinic, Evan spoke as he went toward the boy. Let's get him to my office. Do you need me to carry him? The boy shook his head and headed toward Evan's town office where he would treat small animals. Evan was thankful something had happened to distract him from the rug that had just been pulled out from underneath him.

After Evan took care of the dog, he had time to consider all that had happened. The train was long gone, and so was Myra. He sat down and looked out the window. Life was going on. The streets were a buzz of people going here and there, yet he was numb. How could he have been so fooled? He thought he knew Myra well enough to marry her. He most certainly would be the laughingstock of the territory.

How's the dog? Spencer slipped through the door.

He's going to be fine. What are you doing here, Spencer? Evan knew his younger brother hadn't stopped to inquire about one of Evan's patients. Spencer Cash looked at his elder brother, questioning.

Okay, so what have you heard? Evan asked as he moved to clean up the mess made while tending the dog.

Well, when I was at the lumber mill, I heard Ed Mitchell stole Myra Hollings right out from under the vet's nose. Evan scowled at his brother. Then when I went to the post office, I heard the Little sisters say they never trusted the oldest Hollings girl. She was too big for her britches, pardon their language, they added. Spencer was grinning.

The thing you need to be worried about is what was discussed at the diner. He waited to get his older brother's attention. It didn't take long. I quote, praise the Lord, the best-looking man in town is back on the market. Evan leaned his head back and groaned. Oh, there's more. Let's see, oh, yes. He is sure to be brokenhearted. He will need a comforting shoulder and an understanding ear.

Enough! Evan stood and motioned for the door. Let's get out of here.

Spencer tied Evan's horse to the buckboard and moved to the wagon's front. Elvira Hoots was coming toward the Cash brothers waving her handkerchief, her two unmarried daughters trailing behind her.

Thank goodness I caught you, boys. I wish to invite you to the house for supper.

Being a veterinarian, Evan couldn't get over some people's resemblance to animals. The Hoots all had animal counterparts. Elvira looked like a turkey. She was thick in the middle and had the skinniest legs. Evan often wondered how the limbs supported her. She wore a bonnet that fanned out behind her head, and she had a saggy under-chin.

The Hoots girls were very nice, but they were forced to adhere to their mother's unending demands. Fanny Hoots looked like a giraffe. She was tall and gangly. Her neck appeared to be three feet long. Her hair wasn't blonde or brown. It was some homely color in between. It wouldn't be so bad, but she styled it to look like she had two horns just ready to erupt from the top of her head.

Penny Hoots was the spitting image of an owl. She had huge brown eyes and a round face. Her older sister undoubtedly had stolen part of her neck because you couldn't see Penny's at all. She wore gray, brown, or cream dresses all the time and kept her hair pulled tight and knotted at the back of her neck. She didn't talk a lot but constantly moved her head from side to side scanning her horizons.

Only Spencer knew about Evan's appraisal of the Hoots family. He often referred to the trio as the two hoots and a holler. Mr. Hoots simply looked like a field mouse with glasses.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Hoots, Miss Fanny, Miss Penny, but we already have supper waiting on us. Spencer hopped in the wagon and flicked the reins. Perhaps another time, he added as the wagon moved past slowly. Spencer gave a quick wink to Mrs. Hoots, and he heard a little high-pitched Oh my followed by a soft giggle.

That was Spencer Cash, the town flirt. It didn't matter the age, every woman in town was drawn to his charm. He was of average height with a sturdy build, broad shoulders, and long legs. His hair was a light brown, depending on the time of year. In the summer, it would be nearly blond and curly. If he didn't keep it short, it would lay in ringlets. The women loved it. His eyes were brown and twinkled, and he smiled all the time.

Evan was calm, relaxed, and collected. He was the oldest of the Cash children, two years older than Spencer and ten years older than their sister Julie. He was by far the most handsome man in Rose Creek. The town veterinarian had dark brown hair and green eyes. He was tall, dark, and attractive but very reserved. For the flirt Spencer was, Evan was all business. He was mysterious, and that drew the women to him. Since he came back from veterinarian school, every girl had her cap set for him, but Myra stole his heart. She also destroyed it.

You okay? Spencer said to his brother's profile. Evan responded with a nod. Spencer knew when and if Evan wanted to talk; he would confide in his brother. However, he knew not to push Evan past what he was capable of sharing.

When they arrived at their ranch home, Evan jumped out of the wagon. I'll see to the horses. Evan always took care of the animals. They came first at the ranch. He kept their livestock in tip-top shape.

Sure, you go on. I'll just tote and stow all the heavy items while you play with the kittens in the barn. Spencer was always teasing. You know I will help you when I finish. Leave the heavy stuff for me. I would hate for you to strain something. There was a hint of sadness amidst the fun Evan was trying to have. Spencer took a minute to pray for his elder brother. He had to feel humiliated.

When Evan returned to the wagon, it was empty. He didn't intend to linger in the barn, but it was there when it truly hit him what a fool everyone must think him to be. How was he going to hold his head up in town? How was he ever going to trust again?

I told you I would be back to help you unload. You could have left some for me. Evan removed his hat and hung it on a peg. His hand went through his wavy brown hair. He unhooked his suspenders and let them fall to his waist.

It took me all of five minutes to unload, and I didn't want to wait for you to eat. Spencer had reached into the basket he had received from the cafe. It's a meatloaf sandwich and potato salad tonight. He pulled out the wrapped sandwich and tossed it to his brother.

Evan poured the duo some water and took a huge bite. Surprisingly, he was hungry, although he tasted none of it, as he nearly swallowed the sandwich in three bites. Spencer grabbed the forks for the potato salad. I don't know what Annie does to the food at her cafe, but Thursday night is my favorite night of the week.

Thursday afternoon was usually the day Spencer went into town for weekly supplies. He always brought supper home from Annie's. It is better than our cooking, I'll say that. Evan rose and headed toward the sink. Wait, don't you want to see what's for dessert?

Spencer motioned his brother back over. He unwrapped a large wedge of blueberry pie. I'll get a knife and a couple of plates.

We don't need a knife. That piece belongs to you, brother. Sent with love from the owner's daughter. Did you know that pie heals a broken heart, and that the way to man's heart is through his stomach? Evan rolled his eyes.

Please tell me she didn't say that.

Oh, she said it. Would You like to hear more?

No.

Evan shoved the pie toward his brother. Here, you can have it.

I have my piece. She wants to be sure we both know she is available.

Why did a blackbird come to his mind when he thought of Annie's daughter Claire? It was probably because she had coal-black hair, was straight as a stick, and had a nose like a beak. However, she had one thing going for her—she could bake pies. Evan reached for the plate. No need to let a perfectly good piece of pie go to waste.

*****

The Cash boys were slightly late to church Sunday morning. They slipped in just as Pastor Brown finished his opening prayer. By now, the entire town had heard about Evan Cash's debacle. He sat in his pew with his face focused on the minister. He didn't dare look anywhere else. He was sure everyone was looking at him. Not everyone, but the single female population had their eyes glued on him.

It was a custom for the single ladies to sit on the left side of the church, and the unmarried men sat on the right. The married folk sat in the middle. It was not a very good setup for concentrating on the sermon. Eyes were constantly darting from left to right throughout the service.

When Spencer felt the powerful stares coming from his left, he nudged his brother. Watch this, he whispered, then winked several times in the direction of the girls. Immediately, fans began to flutter in front of the feminine crowd. Evan thought they looked like a flock of birds on a fence who just got a rock thrown at them. He wanted to laugh, but he didn't want to encourage the young ladies or his brother. It was a disrespectful move in the house of the Lord.

Elvira Hoots was relentless. She badgered the boys into eating Sunday dinner with her and her husband, Fred, the field mouse. We would be obliged, Spencer removed his hat and smiled widely at the woman. Her red bonnet was tied under her chin, giving her the more extraordinary appearance of looking like a turkey. Won't we, Evan? Evan mumbled something under his breath.

Do you need the girls to show you the way?

Evan was boiling inside. How many times had he tended to their little dog? The dang thing had bitten him twice. But, of course, they knew where the Hoots lived. No, ma'am, we know where the Hoots live. Spencer turned and winked at Penny Hoots. Her brown eyes bulged, and her face flushed. Evan wished Spencer wouldn't tease like that; it may give Penny the wrong idea.

It was a fine spread Elvira and the girls put on the table. They had just finished the meal when Elvira began to speak. We know what an awful thing Myra Hollings has done to you, dear Evan. Evan's mouth went dry. Now, please don't think bad of me. I merely want to set my daughters forth as possible candidates for your wife.

Evan nearly spit the water he had just gulped right into Fanny's face. You what? Evan said with a raspy voice.

Oh, I know it is soon, but either of my girls would make a right-fine wife and mother to your children.

Evan couldn't believe his ears. The thought of marrying anyone right now was out of the question. He was stunned, speechless.

You are right, Mrs. Hoots. They are two mighty fine women, but give my brother a little time. A man doesn't bounce from one woman to the next so quickly. Spencer had slapped his brother on the back; certain all the air had gone out of his lungs.

Nonsense, men most certainly can and do change their mind about a woman overnight. Well, I would be a proud peacock if I could send them both home with you boys by the end of this very week. It amazed Evan how the giraffe, the owl, and the field mouse sat so still.

Surely you would want your daughters to marry for love. Would you not? Evan finally got his air back. That would come. Elvira gobbled. Evan stood. I mean no disrespect to you, Miss Fanny, or you, Miss Penny, but I don't intend to wade back into the waters of matrimony, ever.

Spencer stood as well. Mr. Hoots, Mrs. Hoots, thank you for dinner. Two—he almost referred to the girls as two hoots but caught himself—ladies. Spencer bowed, and the two gentlemen showed themselves out.

Can you believe what just happened? The nerve of that woman. Evan leaped into the wagon, picking up the reins. Don't feel sorry for yourself, Evan, feel sorry for those two girls. What mother would do that to her children. Evan's heart stopped. It was a pretty coldhearted thing to do. Those girls need the chance to find love. I meant what I said, Spencer. I am done with women."

Spencer laughed. You may be done with women, but they will never be done with you.

*****

Spencer stopped in the middle of the living room. Did you hear that? He got his brother's attention. All I hear is that storm outside. It sure is a beauty. The noise sounded again. I did hear something. Evan moved toward the door the same time Spencer did. The noise was coming from behind the front door.

When Spencer opened the door, Drucilla Parker stood shaking. She had beat on the door, but the thunder and hard rain drowned out her attempts to get the boy's attention. Dru, what are you doing here? Come in this instant. Spencer helped the lady, old enough to be his grandmother. The tall, stout woman entered and took off her hat. Her face was pale. What is it? Evan stood in front of her.

It's Abe. He's dead. She wasted no time. I hollered for him to come in for supper, and when he headed toward the house, he grabbed his chest, dropped to his knees, and collapsed. By the time I got there, he had taken his last breath. I shook him real good, but nothing. I tried to drag him into the barn. He is too heavy. He is just lying out there with the rain pelting him. I covered him with a horse blanket. I need help.

The two men were shocked, but it didn't stop them from going into action. Abe Garner was their closest neighbor and had been a friend since the Cash family moved in. Dru was Abe's sister-in-law who moved in with Abe and his wife five years ago. She came to take care of her ailing sister. When her sister passed away, she stayed to help Abe. He had built her a little house all her own. She cooked and cleaned and kept Abe in line. The woman looking at Evan was crushed.

I'll ride into town and get the doctor. Spencer was putting on his overcoat.

Better get the undertaker. Abe's dead. No doctor is going to help him now. Dru shook her head.

I'll drive you home, Dru, and we'll get Abe inside. Evan helped the woman into the wagon. They rode in silence back to the Garner ranch.

*****

The weather finally cleared enough to bury Abe Garner. The man had many friends. He also had four farms that touched his, and every one of those landowners wanted his small piece of land. The portion he owned had a nice span of grassland and a few water sources that never seemed to be dry. He was very generous in helping his neighbors but always refused to sell his little piece of heaven.

Pastor Brown barely got done with the eulogy when several men headed for the banker. Miles Hamilton was in charge of Abe's estate, and everyone wanted to know the details. Evan and Spencer stayed back. They were interested in the land and told Abe they would make him an offer if he ever thought of selling. They couldn't bring themselves to hound the banker. They were grieving the loss of their friend.

Dru, can we give you a ride home? Spencer put his arm around the woman and gave a little squeeze. You boys sure have been good to Abe and me. I don't know what I would have done without you during this time. You go on. Your ranch ain't going to run itself, and I got business in town before I head home. The sweet lady gave both the men a kiss on the cheek.

We'll be over to check on you, Evan said, putting his hand out to help the old soul up in the wagon.

You better.

They stood for a moment, watching her leave.

Headed their way were a few young ladies from town. They were traveling on the tips of their toes at a quick pace. Their hands were atop their bonnets to keep the wind from snagging them. Good grief, Evan muttered under his breath, and Spencer gave a low chuckle.

Ladies, you look very fetching today, albeit at such a solemn occasion. Spencer made eye contact with each one as Evan looked anywhere but at the girls. They giggled in unison, and Evan thought he would be sick.

I'll see you back home, Spencer. I have patients this afternoon. Evan tried to get away, but one of the females laid her hand on his arm. We are sorry for your loss. We know Mr. Garner was a friend of yours. The overpowering smell of rosewater caused Evan to sneeze.

Oh goodness, Dr. Cash, you're not coming down with something, are you? I could bring over some chicken soup later. This one had honeysuckle dripping from her.

That won't be necessary. He sneezed again.

Oh, you are sick! The third young lady reached for his face and attempted to feel his forehead gently.

What are you doing? He backed away.

I'm just going to feel your brow. You may have a temperature?

He's hot, all right. Spencer let out, grinning from ear to ear at his brother. Evan gave his brother a stern look. Ladies, I appreciate the attention you're giving my brother, but I can assure you he is just fine. If you will excuse us, Dr. Cash has some animals waiting on him, and I have work to do at the ranch. Good day. Spencer tipped his hat and herded the women back on the path to town.

How many men are in this town? They outnumber the women two, maybe three, to one. Can't they find someone else to prey upon? Honestly, I don't understand this infatuation they have with me. I see nothing in my appearance that would stand out among the other men. You haven't told some tall tale about me having money or something. Evan eyed his brother suspiciously.

No, this infatuation is all your own doing. Spencer turned to leave.

How so? I'd like to know what I am doing so I can stop.

Nothing says ‘come and get it' like being hard to get.

Evan looked dumbfounded at his younger brother. He wasn't playing hard to get. He didn't want to be gotten at all. He had gambled once, and he lost big.

*****

Miles Hamilton stopped by Evan's office to inform him that Abe's last will and testament had left his property and all his belongings to a man by the name of E. J. Michaels of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mr. Michaels would be arriving within the next week or two to evaluate the estate. Miles had contacted Mr. Michael's solicitor but would meet with E. J. Michaels when he arrived. He wanted Evan and Spencer to know he had given the other four neighbors the same information.

The Cash brothers wanted the land, but if Mr. Michaels decided to keep the parcel of ground, they hoped they could continue their neighborly friendship. They also had planned to offer Dru a job working for them. They had four bedrooms and plenty of room for her. She said she would think about it and pray about it.

*****

It had been two weeks, and there was no sight of Mr. Michaels. Miles Hamilton hadn't heard a word from the solicitor since the missive said Michaels would be coming. Easterners took their own sweet time. The brothers should know; it took their father forever to decide to move out west.

Who is that? Spencer stood behind his brother. Evan looked across the field. A woman was coming toward them.

Hello, I hope I am not bothering you. I wanted to introduce myself. I am your new neighbor, Everly. She had a basket in her hand, and Evan looked at the visitor than to the basket and continued working.

I'm Spencer Cash, and this is my brother Evan. It's nice to meet you, Everly. Spencer nudged his brother.

Is that pie? Evan asked, standing to his full height and loosening the grip on his hammer.

Yes, it's an apple pie. Everly smiled sweetly.

I don't know what you heard, but I'm not looking for a wife.

Oh my! Does bringing a pie to a male neighbor mean you're hinting you are in the market for a husband? I'm new to the West. I had no idea. Thank goodness you told me. I'll take this right back home. The brown-haired girl started to leave.

Now, wait just a minute. I never said I was opposed to marriage. I'd be honored to sample the pie. Spencer winked at her, as he did all women. She looked at him with sincere thought.

I suppose I could let you have it with the clear understanding it was only meant as a neighborly gesture. If you think that is proper, Mr. Cash. She turned her eyes to Evan.

It's Evan. He glared.

I don't think it would be advisable for me to call you by the familiar. It may give people the wrong impression about the nature of our acquaintance. So I'll stick with Mr. Cash. She handed the pie to Spencer.

Let's not rule out marriage talk. This pie smells too good to be true. Spencer smiled at their new neighbor. It doesn't look like any apple pie I've ever seen, Evan commented. I make mine different. It is a Dutch apple pie.

She turned to leave and called over her shoulder. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Cash, Spencer.

It galled Evan that she called him Mr. Cash and Spencer by his first name. It's Dr. Cash. He spoke to her. She nodded and went her way. That's telling her. Spencer took another sniff of the pie. I wonder if Mr. Michaels has more family than just the daughter?

*****

Spencer had poured another cup of coffee and uncovered the pie their neighbor had dropped by.

It's not a very appealing presentation, Evan commented as he opened the newspaper and began reading.

It smells delicious. I don't care how it looks. Spencer sliced himself a large piece and dug in. The noises Spencer was making behind Evan's paper were getting on his nerves. No pie elicited that kind of emotion. Evan's paper, came down and he stared at his brother.

You should try this. Spencer's mouth was completely full. Evan frowned. Spencer closed his eyes, and a long, satisfying moan came from his throat.

It can't be that good. Cut it out, Spencer, it's just pie.

That is not just pie. He pointed his fork at the dish before him. That is a bit of culinary genius, and it won't bother me a bit to eat the whole thing. His fork delved in for another bite.

Okay, cut me a slice of this masterpiece.

Spencer cut a tiny piece and placed it on his brother's plate. Evan gave his brother a disgusted look. Just in case you don't like it, I'll only be wasting a small piece.

Never had Evan tasted something as extraordinary as the Dutch