Polka With Pauline by Caroline Clemmons

Pauline Brubaker arrives in Creede, Colorado from Denver to help care for her aunt while the aunt’s broken leg heals. Her aunt and uncle are special favorites of Pauline’s. They’ve recently retired to Creede due to her uncle’s heart problems. Pauline’s hesitant to give in to her attraction to Creighton because she will only be in Creede the few weeks her aunt needs her help. Her parents and her life are in Denver.
Creighton Reed makes amazing pieces of furniture. They sell as fast as he can create them. Creighton meets Pauline when he delivers a rocking chair for Pauline’s aunt. He is immediately attracted to Pauline but she gives mixed signals. Later a man who claims to be her fiancé warns Creighton away from her. Creighton tells the man he’ll believe Pauline’s engaged when she tells him.
A fire destroys Creighton’s workshop and his living quarters in the back, and he’s devastated. Fortunately, neighbors helped save some of his furniture but his tools and special woods are gone. How can he propose to Pauline when he doesn’t even have a place to live?