Love Finds You on Christmas Morning Read Free Page B

man who wants to do a girl a favor?”
    Mama and Daddy exchanged a knowing glance before Mama took her by the arm and led her to the sofa. Daddy disappeared to another part of the tiny house. “There are some things that you learn from experience. I was once courted by a young man of means. I thought he liked me for who I was, but he just saw me as a temporary diversion between more suitable young women.”
    “That was a long time ago, Mama. Besides, a couple of rides home in an automobile don’t constitute courting.”
    Her mama lifted a finger in the way that annoyed Lillian. “Mark my words. Either he feels sorry for you or he wants something a girl from his social class won’t give him.”
    “Mama!”
    “I know it sounds harsh, but it’s better to learn this now than to find out later the hard way.”
    Daddy reappeared at the doorway. “When’s supper going to be ready? I’m starving.”
    Mama hopped off the sofa and scurried toward the kitchen, her voice trailing her as she went. “It’ll be ready in two shakes of a bunny’s tail.”
    Lillian rose and started to follow, but Daddy stopped her. “Your mama is just trying to protect you. She knows what it’s like to be a young girl with a broken heart.”
    “You didn’t break her heart,” Lillian reminded him.
    “No, but I was right there after it happened.” He offered a self-satisfied grin. “In fact, when I saw her in distress, I swooped down and claimed her for me. I was glad to do it, too. I couldn’t have found a better woman, even if I’d gone looking in the upper class.”
    “Daddy, that’s all good, but this has nothing to do with looking for someone.” Why couldn’t her parents get it through their heads that she and William Tronnier were not seeing each other?
    “Speaking of looking for someone, what’s wrong with Walter Adams? He’s a hardworking man, and he would be better suited for you.” Daddy rubbed his chin as he pondered his suggestion. “In fact, I think he’d be very understanding about you working.”
    Walter Adams didn’t have a gentlemanly bone in his body. “I’m not interested in Walter.”
    “He might not be as handsome as Mr. Tronnier, but you should look past all that. If you’d like, we can invite him over one evening so you can get to know him better.”
    “No, Daddy, I’ve known Walter long enough to know that he’s not a good match for me. Besides, I can’t see myself ever wanting to be with Walter.”
    “Don’t say no so fast, Lillian. Age tends to advance quickly, and as the years go by, you may not have the luxury of being so picky.”
    * * * * *
    The next morning, Mama entered Lillian’s bedroom and swished open the curtain. “Time to get up and ready for church. I’m ringing bells, so I have to be there early for our final rehearsal.”
    Lillian slowly sat up in bed. She felt as if she’d been hit by a steam locomotive. “Where’s Daddy? Is he ready yet?”
    Mama laughed. “He’s still sawing some Z’s. Give him another five minutes before you try to get him up. Ever since it’s cooled off at night, he’s been more difficult to wake up. Maybe if I yank the blanket off the bed and hide it, he’ll be more agreeable to join the land of the living.”
    Lillian watched Mama leave for church before she stood and pulled on her own robe. At least Mama had made the coffee. She poured herself a cup and sat down at the table to enjoy a couple of sips before making an attempt to wake Daddy.
    She was about to go get him up when she heard the sound of movement in the hallway. When she glanced up, she saw him trudging toward her. “Where’s your mama? Has she already gone off to church?”
    Lillian nodded. “Want some coffee?”
    “Sure.” He limped toward the table.
    “Are you hurting?” she asked as she poured the coffee and added cream and sugar.
    “A little.” He rubbed his leg. “Sometimes I can almost kid myself into thinking I might be able to go back to work someday, but then on