As she stood outside the door, she pasted on a friendly smile, bolstered her confidence, then stepped inside.
Three harried women sat in front of a switchboard with cables criss-crossing each other like a deranged spider’s web.
Lights flickered on the switchboard and the women answered calls. “Hello, Pendleton Central. Number please.”
Impressed and a little in awe as the women rapidly answered calls and made connections, she waited patiently to make her presence known. She watched as they plugged in cables that appeared to be a random jumble.
One of the operators turned to pick up a piece of paper that fell to the floor and noticed Lacy near the door. She motioned for her to step up to a counter and answered two more calls before yanking the headset off and rushing over.
“May I help you?” The woman offered Lacy a warm smile.
“Yes, ma’am. I’d like to apply for a position as a telephone operator. Mr. Johnson at the mercantile indicated you were hiring.” Lacy maintained the proper posture she’d learned at school and from her cousins.
“Do you have any previous experience?” The woman studied Lacy from the top of her dark head to the hem of her skirt. Lacy wanted to fidget under the direct gaze, but stood perfectly still.
“No, ma’am, I don’t, but I am a fast learner and a hard worker.” Lacy handed the woman an envelope. “I have letters of recommendation.”
The woman opened the envelope and scanned through the letters. She tucked the pages back inside and handed the envelope to Lacy. “Can you start tomorrow?”
Lacy grinned. “Yes, ma’am!”
The woman smiled again and pointed to the two other women operating the switchboard. “That’s Bertie Hawkins and Susan Smith. I’m Millie Matlock. Be here at eight in the morning and I’ll put you right to work.”
Millie hurried over to a desk and jotted a note then handed it to Lacy. “That’s what you’ll earn. For now, you’ll work the day shift with me.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” Lacy offered a small curtsey and tipped her head.
“Millie. Call me Millie. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I’ll be here.” Lacy smiled at her new employer then hurried outside into the cold. She wanted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. A day that had started out quite badly suddenly seemed much, much brighter. Not only was she employed, she’d met an unforgettable man.
Watchful of the clouds heavy with snow, she rushed down a side street to the alley where she’d tied her horse, Star. Carefully, she unrolled a piece of leather fastened behind her saddle and shook out a long buckskin dress lined with fur. She pulled the warm covering over her head and tugged it into place over her skirt and blouse. Unpinning her hair, she stowed the pins in a small leather pouch she wore around her neck before braiding it and fastening the end with a thin strip of leather. The shawl she’d worn draped around her shoulders went over her head. She lifted the hood on her dress and tugged it down until it blocked the cold wind from most of her face.
The long wool skirt she wore hid her leather leggings and moccasins as she’d walked around town. The traditional garb provided warmth and comfort as she swung into the saddle and guided Star out of the alley and onto the street. When she rode past the bank, she glanced at the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Grant Hill. Between the lettering on the glass and the decorative iron bars, it was impossible to see inside.
Even if she didn’t catch a departing glance of Grant, the scent of him along with the vision of his smile would stay with her on the cold ride home…
Find Lacy and other Shanna Hatfield books available on Amazon.
Aundy (Pendleton Petticoats Book 1) - Desperate to better her situation, Aundy Thorsen agrees to leave behind her life in Chicago to fulfill a farmer’s request for a mail-order bride in Pendleton, Oregon. When a tragic accident leaves her a widow soon after becoming a wife, Aundy takes on the challenge of learning how to manage a farm, even if it means her stubborn determination to succeed upsets a few of the neighbors.
Born and raised on the family ranch, Garrett Nash loves life in the bustling community of Pendleton in 1899. When his neighbor passes away and leaves behind a plucky widow, Garrett takes on the role of her protector and guardian. His admiration for her tenacious spirit soon turns to something more. Can he convince the strong-willed Aundy to give love another try?
Caterina (Pendleton Petticoats, Book 2) – On the run from the Italian mafia in New York City, feisty Caterina Campanelli travels across the country to the small town of Pendleton, Oregon, trying to hide her past while she decides what to do about her uncertain future. Seeking comfort in her cooking, she battles her attraction to one of the town’s most handsome men.
Kade Rawlings is dedicated to his work as a deputy in Pendleton. Determined to remain single and unfettered, he can’t seem to stay away from the Italian spitfire who rolls into town keeping secrets and making the best food, he’s ever eaten. Using his charm, wit, and brawn to win her trust, he may just get more than he bargained for.
Ilsa (Pendleton Petticoats Book 3) - One of the most talented seamstresses of her time, Ilsa Thorsen could sell her creations anywhere in the world, but she ends up on her sister’s ranch in the western town of Pendleton, Oregon. Disgusted with the dust, smells, and nearly every aspect of rural life, Ilsa wonders how she’ll survive, particularly with the arrogant Tony Campanelli constantly underfoot.
Enterprising and hardworking, Tony Campanelli embraces life in the small community of Pendleton with his sister and their friends, especially since Ilsa Thorsen moves to town. The uptight seamstress just needs to learn to have some fun and Tony’s convinced he’s the man for the job.
Crumpets and Cowpies (Baker City Brides, Book 1) - Rancher Thane Jordan reluctantly travels to England to settle his brother’s estate only to find he’s inherited much more than he could possibly have imagined.
Lady Jemma Bryan has no desire to spend a single minute in Thane Jordan’s insufferable presence much less live under the same roof with the handsome, arrogant American. Forced to choose between poverty or marriage to the man, she finds herself traveling across an ocean and America to reach his ranch in Oregon.
Thimbles and Thistles (Baker City Brides, Book 2) - Maggie Dalton has no need for a man in her life. Widowed more than ten years, she’s built a successful business and managed quite well on her own in the bustling town of Baker City, Oregon.
Aggravated by her inability to block thoughts of the handsome lumber mill owner from her mind, she renews her determination to resist his attempts at friendship.
Full of Scottish charm and mischief, Ian MacGregor could claim any single woman in Baker City as his own, except the enchanting dress shop owner who continues to ignore him. Not one to give up on what he wants, Ian vows to win Maggie’s heart or leave the town he’s come to love.
The Women of Tenacity Series
Welcome to Tenacity!
Tenacious, sassy women tangle with the wild, rugged men who love them in this contemporary western romance series.
The paperback version offers a short story introduction, A Prelude, followed by the three full-length novels set in the fictional town of Tenacity, Oregon.
Book 1 – Heart of Clay
Book 2 – Country Boy vs. City Girl
Book 3 – Not His Type
Grass Valley Cowboys Series
Meet the Thompson family of the Triple T Ranch in Grass Valley, Oregon.
Three handsome brothers, their rowdy friends, and the women who fall for them are at the heart of this contemporary western romance series.
Book 1 – The Cowboy’s Christmas Plan
Book 2 – The Cowboy’s Spring Romance
Book 3 – The Cowboy’s Summer Love
Book 4 – The Cowboy’s Autumn Fall
Book 5 – The Cowboy’s New Heart
Learnin’ The Ropes - Mechanic Ty Lewis is out of options. Homeless and desperate to find work, he accepts a job in the tiny community of
Riley, Oregon. Resolved to embrace a new adventure with an elusive boss, he leaves behind everything he’s ever known in Portland to live in the middle of nowhere.
Lexi Ryan, known to her ranch hands and neighbors as Lex Jr., abandons her corporate career to keep the Rockin’ R Ranch running smoothly after the untimely death of her father. It doesn’t take long to discover her father did many crazy things during the last few months before he died, like hiding half a million dollars that Lexi can’t find.
Ty and Lexi are both in for a few surprises as he arrives at the ranch and begins learnin’ the ropes.
Love at the 20-Yard Line - Haven Haggarty is woefully inept when it comes to men and matters of the heart. Successful in her job as an image consultant with an up-and-coming company, she wishes she could enjoy as much triumph in her dating efforts. When she falls hard for a handsome wide receiver, Haven realizes she needs to tackle her fears or miss the opportunity to experience once-in-a-lifetime love.
Brody Jackson lives and breathes football. As a wide receiver for a popular arena team, he’s determined to make it back to the NFL. Cocky and confident, he doesn’t have the time or energy to be bothered with a serious relationship until he’s blindsided by a sweet, naive girl who breaks through his defenses. He has to decide if he’ll let go of his dreams or fumble his chance to win Haven’s heart.
The QR Code Killer - Murder. Mayhem. Suspense. Romance.
Zeus is a crazed killer who uses QR Codes to taunt the cop hot on his trail.
Mad Dog Weber, a tough-as-nails member of the Seattle police force, is willing to do whatever it takes to bring Zeus down. Despite her best intentions, Maddie (Mad Dog) falls in love with her dad's hired hand, putting them both in danger.
Erik Moore is running from his past and trying to avoid the future when he finds himself falling in love with his employer’s daughter. Unknowingly, he puts himself right in the path of the QR Code Killer as he struggles to keep Maddie safe.
From the waterfront of Seattle to the rolling hills of wheat and vineyards of the Walla Walla Valley, suspense and romance fly around every twist and turn.
The Coffee Girl - Former barista Brenna Smith dreams of opening a bistro where she can bake her specialty pastries and serve delicious coffee. While she envisions a rich life full of savory moments, she instead lives at home with her parents and commutes to work for a boss who doesn’t know beans about his job. If it wasn’t for the hunky construction guy she sees each morning at the coffee shop, her bland existence would be unbearable.
Smart, charming, and good-looking, Brock McCrae is a man comfortable in his own skin. When he takes over ownership of a successful construction company, he decides to move to the small town where his business is located and immerse himself in the community. Brock doesn’t count on his new client being the cute and quirky woman he knows only as the Coffee Girl from his daily stop for java.
The Christmas Cowboy (Rodeo Romance, Book 1)- Flying from city to city in her job as a busy corporate trainer for a successful direct sales company, Kenzie Beckett doesn’t have time for a man. And most certainly not for the handsome cowboy she keeps running into at the airport. Burned twice, she doesn’t trust anyone wearing boots and Wranglers, especially someone as charming and handsome as Tate Morgan.
Among the top saddle bronc riders in the rodeo circuit, easy-going Tate Morgan can handle the toughest horse out there, but trying to handle the beautiful Kenzie Beckett is a completely different story. As the holiday season approaches, this Christmas Cowboy is going to need more than a little mistletoe to win her heart.
Wrestlin’ Christmas (Rodeo Romance, Book 2) - Sidelined with a major injury, steer wrestler Cort McGraw struggles to come to terms with the end of his career. Shanghaied by his sister and best friend, he finds himself on a run-down ranch with a worrisome, albeit gorgeous widow, and her silent, solemn son.
Five minutes after Cort McGraw lands on her doorstep, K.C. Peters fights to keep a promise she made to herself to stay away from single, eligible men. When her neighbor said he knew just the person to help work her ranch for the winter, she never expected the handsome, brawny former rodeo star to fill the position.
Ready to send him packing, her little boy has other plans.
The Christmas Bargain (Hardman Holidays, Book 1) - As owner and manager of the Hardman bank, Luke Granger is a man of responsibility and integrity in the small 1890s Eastern Oregon town. Calling in a long overdue loan, Luke finds himself reluctantly accepting a bargain in lieu of payment from the shiftless farmer who barters his daughter to settle his debt.
Philamena Booth is both mortified and relieved when her father sends her off with the banker as payment of his debt. Held captive on the farm by her father since the death of her mother more than a decade earlier, Philamena is grateful to leave. If only it had been someone other than the handsome and charismatic Luke Granger riding in to rescue her. Ready to hold up her end of the bargain as Luke’s cook and housekeeper, Philamena is prepared for the hard work ahead. What she isn’t prepared for is being forced to marry Luke as part of this crazy Christmas bargain.
The Christmas Token (Hardman Holidays, Book 2) - Desperate to escape an unwelcome suitor, Ginny Granger flees to her brother’s home in Eastern Oregon for the holiday season. Returning to the community where she spent her childhood years, she plans to relax and enjoy a peaceful visit. Not expecting to encounter the boy she once loved, her exile is proving to be anything but restful.
A talented carpenter, Blake Stratton enjoys a simple existence in the small western town of Hardman. With honest work and good friends, his life is nearly perfect, at least until the day Ginny Granger arrives, setting him on his ear and turning his world upside down. Infuriated by her meddling presence, he’s further exasperated to discover she kept a Christmas token he gave her along with his heart the day she left town many years ago.
The Christmas Calamity ( Hardman Holidays, Book 3) - Dependable and solid, Arlan Guthry relishes his orderly life as a banker’s assistant in the small town of Hardman, Oregon. He has good friends, a great job, and the possibility of marriage to the town’s schoolteacher.
His uncluttered world tilts off kilter when the beautiful and enigmatic prestidigitator Alexandra Janowski arrives in town, spinning magic and trouble in her wake as the holiday season approaches.
Fifty Dates with Captain Cavedweller - When a hopeless romantic with a bit of a sarcastic attitude falls in love with an introvert who dreams of living in a man cave, they make plans for the future.
Although they seek out a happily ever after, life seems to get in the way.
One fateful day, they discover they’ve gone from perpetual honeymooners to a boring, predictable couple. Author Shanna Hatfield and her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller, set out on a yearlong adventure to add a little zing to their relationship.
This G-rated journey through fifty of their dates provides an insightful, humorous look at the effort they made to infuse their marriage with laughter, love, and gratitude while reconnecting on a new, heartfelt level.
Farm Girl - What happens when a farmer who’s been wishing for a boy ends up with a girlie-girl?
Come along on the humorous and sometimes agonizing adventures from a childhood spent on a farm in the Eastern Oregon desert where one family raised hay, wheat, cattle and a farm girl.
Savvy Entertaining Series
Discover seasonal ideas for decorating, entertaining, party themes, home décor, recipes and more from Savvy Entertaining’s blogger!
Books by Shanna Hatfield
FICTION
HISTORICAL
Baker City Brides
Crumpets and Cowpies
Thimbles and Thistles
Pendleton Petticoats
Aundy
Caterina
Ilsa
Marnie
Lacy
Hardman Holidays
The Christmas Bargain
The Christmas Token
The Christmas Calamity
>
CONTEMPORARY
Love at the 20-Yard Line
The Coffee Girl
Learnin’ the Ropes
QR Code Killer
Rodeo Romance
The Christmas Cowboy
Wrestlin’ Christmas
Grass Valley Cowboys
The Cowboy’s Christmas Plan
The Cowboy’s Spring Romance
The Cowboy’s Summer Love
The Cowboy’s Autumn Fall
The Cowboy’s New Heart
The Women of Tenacity
A Prelude (Short Story)
Heart of Clay
Country Boy vs. City Girl
Not His Type
NON-FICTION
Farm Girl
Fifty Dates with Captain Cavedweller
Savvy Entertaining Series
Savvy Holiday Entertaining
Savvy Spring Entertaining
Savvy Summer Entertaining
Savvy Autumn Entertaining
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SHANNA HATFIELD spent ten years as a newspaper journalist before moving into the field of marketing and public relations. Self-publishing the romantic stories she dreams up in her head is a perfect outlet for her lifelong love of writing, reading, and creativity. She and her husband, lovingly referred to as Captain Cavedweller, reside in the Pacific Northwest.
Marnie: Page 30