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would enter a family home since they’d left Pru and Noah’s own home in Long Straw, Wyoming.
    Riley ushered them up the porch steps, making certain to rein in some of Noah’s exuberance. Knocking at the front door, he steeled himself. They would visit, share the meal and that would be that. In three or four days they’d board the train and resume their journey.
    Miss Vickers opened the door almost immediately and smiled warmly. “Welcome. Please come in.”
    â€œGood evening.” He nodded to her as they entered.
    She returned his greeting, then smiled down at the children. “Hello, Noah, Pru. It’s so nice to see you again.”
    Pru nodded shyly, while Noah looked around with eager curiosity. She led them into the parlor, where an older woman with faded blond hair sat waiting for them, commanding the room as if she sat on a throne rather than a wheelchair.
    Miss Vickers quickly made the introductions. Then she waved to the sofa. “Please, sit down. We have a few minutes before supper is ready.”
    Riley waited until she herself had taken a seat near her employer before ushering the kids to the sofa.
    Mrs. Flanagan leaned back, with the air of a queen granting an audience. “Well now, Cassie Lynn tells me you all just arrived in town yesterday. What brings you to Turnabout?”
    Riley repeated the answer he’d given the sheriff.
    Their hostess frowned. “So you’re not planning to be here very long.”
    â€œNo, ma’am, not more than a few days.” Was it his imagination or was there a shadow of disappointment in Miss Vickers’s expression? If so, she covered it quickly.
    Still, the thought that she might wish he would stay longer bolstered his spirits in a way that made no sense at all.
    It was a good thing this would be a one-time visit and that they would be leaving town in a few days’ time. It appeared the kids weren’t the only ones who felt the pull of this taste of family home warmth.
    Which was strange, because even before he’d had to go on the run with the kids, he’d led a less-than-settled life.
    Well, there was no way he’d let one look from a young lady, no matter how winsome, further complicate his life.
    Which meant he should do whatever he could, short of being impolite, to speed up this little outing.
    He leaned forward looking for an opening to move things along.

Chapter Five
    C assie Lynn felt a stab of disappointment at Mr. Walker’s announcement of his intent to leave Turnabout soon. Because he’d taken a job at the livery, she’d just assumed his move here was more or less permanent. Wishful thinking on her part, it seemed.
    She hadn’t realized until now just how much she’d been hoping Mr. Walker would be the man who would become her marriage partner. Then again, perhaps it was better this way. She’d already decided it would be best to marry someone she had no emotional ties to.
    It was a setback, but not a major one. She’d just have to turn her attention to finding another candidate for her husband.
    â€œWhy are you in that wheelchair?”
    Noah’s artless question pulled Cassie Lynn back to the present.
    â€œNoah!” Mr. Walker’s sharply uttered reprimand was met with a confused look from the boy.
    But Mrs. Flanagan flapped her hand at the boy’s uncle. “Let him be.” Then she turned to Noah. “Because I injured my leg, that’s why.”
    He stood and moved closer. “Does it still hurt?”
    The widow responded as if it had been a perfectly sensible question. “It aches a bit.”
    He tilted his head to study the wheels. “Can you get around in that thing yourself or does someone have to push you?”
    She drew herself up. “I’ll have you know, young man, that I manage quite well on my own.”
    Cassie Lynn hid a smile as she watched the exchange. Noah didn’t seem at all put off by Mrs.