The Sheriff's Hope — Linda Cushman

Little did Sheriff Martin Hughes know that his peaceful county and lonely heart would be sorely tested in November. A bachelor by choice because of his dangerous job, he had no intention of marrying and leaving a woman a widow. But how could he ignore Amy when she risked her life to save his--by a most unusual means?

When the sheriff arrives at Johnson's shop with trivial repair work for Amy, her hope soars at his offer to spend the evening with her at the school's annual pie supper. However, he doesn't show up, and she learns her friend had compelled Martin to be her escort. Martin's erratic interest drives her to the verge of giving up on love, but her heart won't listen.