Her Cinderella Heart

Her Cinderella Heart
Ruth Scofield

Shy schoolteacher Cassie Manning had never been in love.After literally stumbling over new parishioner Peter Scott at New Beginnings Church, Cassie was certain God had answered her prayers! Handsome, worldly and a man of faith, Peter seemed to be everything Cassie could want in a soul mate. And the look in his summer-sky eyes told her he might care for her, as well.But when he disappeared for days at a time mysteriously, she began to worry about her newfound Prince Charming. Will this sweet Cinderella ever get her happily-ever-after?

The rider wore a scuffed black leather jacket, jeans and boots that had seen better days. He settled the bike and swung off.

Was he here to join the Easter worship service? Cassie took a step toward him. “Can I help you? We have a sunrise worship—”

The helmet came off, and a mass of silver hair sprang free. The man glanced over his shoulder, showing her his profile. A strong nose, defined mouth and firm chin. Cassie felt the breath swoosh out of her. “Peter?”

“Am I late?”

She blinked like a starstruck schoolgirl, and was instantly glad she’d had her hair stylishly cut the day before. “A bit. Did you have trouble finding the park?”

“No. Pastor Michael sent me directions. I’m sorry I’m late, but yesterday I couldn’t leave work before midnight. Shall we go?”

What kind of business kept him until midnight? she wondered.

Peter took her elbow as they climbed the dirt path. For a few moments, Cassie imagined he did so because he thought her worthy of protection. That she was his to cherish. She was a little old to let herself go nutty over so inconsequential a touch.

But it was enough to dream on.

RUTH SCOFIELD

became serious about writing after she’d raised her children. Until then, she’d concentrated her life on being a June Cleaver–type wife and mother, spent years as a Bible student and teacher for teens and young adults, and led a weekly women’s prayer group. When she’d made a final wedding dress and her last child had left the nest, she declared to one and all that it was her turn to activate a dream. Thankfully, her husband applauded her decision.

Ruth’s first book was published in 1993 just a month after her return to her native Missouri after years in the East. She often sets her novels in Missouri, where there are lakes and hills aplenty, and as many stories and history as people. She eagerly expects to write at least two dozen more novels.

Her Cinderella Heart

Ruth Scofield

For God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

—John 3:16

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

—Galatians 6:2

To my friend, Ruth M., who makes friends everywhere she goes. And loves them all.

Contents

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

Epilogue

Letter to Reader

Questions for Discussion

Chapter One

Why did she have to be so clumsy? She always made a spectacle of herself when she was nervous…and new situations always made her edgy.

Cassie Manning hurriedly wiped up the coffee spill under the thirty-gallon pot. She’d bumped the spigot, causing hot coffee to spatter everywhere before she’d managed to shut it off.

“Sorry,” she muttered over her shoulder. The minister, Michael Faraday, affectionately known to the group as Pastor Mike, and that sleek woman who looked like the well-known model she’d been, Samantha something, stood in the church’s kitchen doorway chatting. They glanced her way, but thankfully ignored the accident, intent on their conversation.

Why couldn’t she just do something graceful for a change instead of her usual bumbling reactions when meeting new people? Every new situation doesn’t have to be a trial by fire, does it, Lord?

Although her father would’ve said she usually made it one. He often said she must have been a changeling because neither he nor her mother had been so awkward. Nor plain, either.

Cassie shoved those negative thoughts aside. This was to be a new phase in her life. One for which she’d longed. New Beginnings, a ministry in the Blue River Valley Community Church, located in western Missouri, was exactly what she needed, with its programs on how to redirect one’s life after the age of forty, and social gatherings.

Social gatherings…. The very description implied a promise that life after the first flush of youth had passed could still hold wonder and excitement.

Well, she was trying, wasn’t she? She took a deep breath, steadying her nerves.