When Clayton Proffitt, foreman of the Circle Z Ranch in Texas, discovers Vanessa Grant is the victim of her stepfather’s advances, Clayton knows he must protect her honor and move her far away from the ranch―and from the man she fears. As they make their way West, an unexpected, deep bond develops between Vanessa and Clayton―far more powerful than a mere friendship or his sense of duty to her. But Vanessa’s stepfather won’t let her go so easily. As Clayton and Vanessa place their faith in God and their trust in each other, will they find healing and hope for the future together? "Shelley Gray is a wonderful storyteller, and A Texan’s Promise captured me from the first page.  This endearing love story is so rich with detail, I felt like I was traveling alongside Vanessa and Clayton throughout their incredible journey.  Clayton is the hero every woman dreams of, and I loved watching Vanessa grow from a scared girl into a strong woman.  This is a wonderful start to this new series.  Highly recommended." - Beth Wiseman Best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series "Shelley Gray’s fans will enjoy riding along with her characters down a new trail of romance in A Texan’s Promise , the first in The Heart of a Hero series. Readers will be rooting for Clayton and Vanessa to find their way to a true and lasting love." - Ann H. Gabhart, author of The Outsider , Summer of Joy , and Angel Sister Past promises will be tested as new ones are given... Shelley Gray's first Amish novel, Hidden, was nominated for the Inspirational Readers Choice award. Her book Simple Gifts won the Reviewers Choice Award. Shelley’s novel, The Protector, recently made the New York Times bestseller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Colorado, and taught school for ten years. She lives in southern Ohio where she writes full time. A Texan's Promise Book 1 of the Heart of a Hero series By Shelley Gray Abingdon Press Copyright © 2011 Shelley Sabga All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4267-1459-7 CHAPTER 1 West Texas September 1873 Vanessa, honey, why you crying?" Clayton! He stood in the doorway to the stables, his presence both a soothing balm and a source of panic. Vanessa gingerly leaned back against the wood behind her, willed herself to relax, but it was no good. It was going to be some time before she could calm down again. "I'm sorry I woke you." "You didn't." His eyes narrowed a he stepped closer. "It's midnight. Isn't it awfully late for you to be out of bed?" Yes. Yes, it was. It was too late for a lot of things now. Wiping her eyes with the side of her fist, she shook her head. "I'll go in soon." Clayton crouched beside her, his knees brushing her skirts. A puff of dust flew up, mixing with his scent, all bay rum and horses. "Care to tell me what happened?" She was thankful for the darkness. "No." He rocked back on his heels. "It might make you feel better." Just his presence made her feel better, but that was how it always had been. Though only twenty-nine, Clayton Proffitt was the foreman of her family's ranch, had been soon after her pa had hired him six years ago. When Pa had died, Clayton kept the place going for her mother. Now that Ma remarried, Clayton had proved to be the most upstanding man she'd ever met. The differences between him and her stepfather were like night and day. He'd always been patient and kind to her. Had always had time for her when no one else had. Even more importantly, he knew the Bible well, and often referred to it whenever she sought his advice. Consequently, his opinion mattered more to her than anyone else's. Which was exactly why she couldn't tell him what happened. Desperately, she breathed deep. Inhaled his scent, his goodness, before tucking her chin to her chest. "It's nothing. I'm ... fine, Clay. I'll be out of your way in a minute. Sorry I disturbed you." She moved to get up, but his hand stilled her. "I didn't say you disturbed me. I don't think you ever could." Peering closer, his expression softened as one calloused finger touched her cheek. "Now. There's got to be a reason you're out here crying after midnight. What happened?" She wanted to tell him. But if she did, he'd just shoulder all her hurt and responsibility, making her wish that she was less of a burden. She hated being nineteen and unmarried. Too old to ask for help; too innocent to be self-sufficient. "Well, if you're not going to get up, I guess I'm just going to have to join you, hmm?" Clay sat beside her, stretched his legs out next to hers, making her feel petite and insignificant. With no small amount of humor in his eyes, he sighed dramatically. Just like he had when Delaney Brewster had teased her about having arms and legs like sticks. Back when she'd taken to praying every night for God to stop taking His time to make her a woman. "Looks like you're going to make me guess," he teased. "Let's see ... George Law forgot to call on you today." Oh, Cla