Love Finds You on Christmas Morning (8 page)

Pop’s eyes twinkled as he looked at William with pride. “What a great idea. I might also see about some of the men who used to work at the horse-and-buggy factory, since most of them have been furloughed. I hear their business has been flat lately.”

“How many people do you reckon we’ll need?”

“At least three or four. We can use a couple to help finish your house, and if we get more livestock, add a couple more.”

“Don’t forget, we need someone to do the office work.” William deliberated for a few seconds. “Tell you what, Pop. I’ll do whatever you need. Since you, Amos, and Mason have been stuck in the office for so long, I can take my turn. I’ve always been pretty good with numbers, and I know how to run the business side.”

“Yep, son, you and Amos both get your ability to do numbers from me. I’m afraid Mason is more like your mom.”

“Hey, what are y’all saying about me?” The voice coming from the shed near the house caught their attention.

“Oh, hey, Mason,” Pop said. “We were just talking about how we need more men to run the farm and help finish building Will’s house. It’s tough enough as it is, and we’re thinking about adding crops and livestock. And we’ll need someone to run the business side.”

Mason held up both hands and reared his head. “Don’t look at me. Stick me back in that office and I might blow up the place.”

“That’s exactly why I’ll take over so you and Amos can have some time working with your hands.”

“Your mother and I are proud of you boys,” Pop said as they got to the front porch steps. “After we finish William’s house, we can start working on one for Amos.”

Throughout supper, Mason, Amos, and William bantered. Occasionally Mom and Pop got a word in, but they let the boys chatter while they sat back and smiled. William noticed the occasional glimpses his parents exchanged, and he knew he wanted what they had—a love that transcended anything worldly.

By the time Saturday rolled around, Lillian wondered if she’d ever see William again. He hadn’t been to see her since earlier in the week when he’d brought the crates of vegetables.

“Thank the Lord for the Tronniers’ generosity,” Mama said as Lillian ate breakfast before leaving for work. “That meal I prepared for him set us back.”

Lillian spread a small amount of jam on her toast and held it up for inspection before turning to face Mama. “You didn’t have to go all out just because we had company.”

“I don’t want him to know how hard things are around here.”

“It’s not too difficult for anyone to figure out, Mama. I’ve been the only person in this house working since Daddy’s accident.”

Mama’s jaw clenched, but she didn’t say a word. Lillian didn’t like upsetting her, but the truth couldn’t be ignored. Plus she was tired. Working six days a week, nine to ten hours a day, and then coming home and doing chores would wear anyone out.

Mr. Joachim wasn’t at the shop when she got there, so she had to unlock the door. She’d barely gotten all the lights turned on when she heard the bell. It was William.

“Don’t you ever work?” she asked.

“I work plenty. I just wanted to stop by and see if you’d mind me coming over tonight.”

Lillian remembered Mama’s comment about how the meal had set them back. “Better not tonight.”

William focused his gaze on her. “Mind if I ask why?”

She tried hard to be nonchalant. “It’s just too soon. We’ve seen enough of each other this week.”

“Oh,” he said, nodding, “I get it. You want to space out our time together so we won’t get tired of one another.”

“It’s not quite that complicated. I just don’t think it’s a good idea right now.”

He pursed his lips as he backed toward the door. “In that case, I’d better head on back to the farm. We’re looking for more help. If you know any strong men who need work, tell them we’d like to talk to them.”

She glanced up and smiled at him but didn’t say a word. After he left, she felt her shoulders sag. Whenever William showed up, her pulse quickened. And the instant he was out of sight, she felt out of sorts.

The day seemed to drag, but closing time finally came. Mr. Joachim left a few more decorations for her to put up, so she did that before leaving.

Mama and Daddy were quiet during dinner, which relieved Lillian. She didn’t feel like making small talk. Ever since seeing William that morning, her head had been swirling with all kinds of thoughts and emotions.

Before she headed off to bed that night, Mama reminded her that it was her turn to be a greeter at church the next morning. “I’ll leave a little early,” Lillian said. “Don’t worry about making breakfast for me in the morning.”

The night chill still hung in the air as Lillian set off for church. She shoved her hands deeper into her coat pockets. She’d bought this coat last year with part of the Christmas bonus Mr. Joachim had given her, but she’d given her mama and daddy the rest of the money and then didn’t have enough left for gloves. Perhaps Mr. Joachim would be generous again this year.

The other greeters were already there when Lillian walked up the church steps. After putting her coat away, she found a spot near the front door but out of the way of the draft as it opened.

Early birds who wanted a choice of seats arrived first; then a steady flow of people kept Lillian busy smiling, offering greetings, and shaking hands. She knew most of the people who came through the doors, but there were always a few she’d never seen before—boarders from Cary High School or new families who’d arrived in Cary for better opportunities and a fresh start in life.

The sound of William’s voice stilled her even before she saw his face. As she slowly allowed her gaze to rise and meet his, her mouth went dry.

“Good morning, Lillian.” He reached for her hand.

Her voice stuck in her throat, so she settled on a smile as she slowly shook his hand. The hum of voices around Lillian reminded her that they weren’t alone, so she let go of William’s hand, swallowed hard, and managed a weak, “Good to see you, Mr. Tronnier.”

“Mind if I sit with you?” he asked.

“Sure, that’s fine,” she replied.

After he made his way into the sanctuary, Lillian tried to prepare herself for sitting next to William during the church service. She mentally gave herself a lecture about staying focused on the Word and not on the man beside her.

By the time she sat down between William and Mama, her brain was exhausted. Mama cast a curious glance her way, but she just smiled and turned to face the pastor.

After church, William gave her family a ride home in his automobile. “Mom and Pop wanted to know if you would like to join us for Thanksgiving,” he said as he helped them out of the automobile.

Stunned, Lillian turned to face Mama, who looked just as shocked. “Thanksgiving?” Mama managed to say. “That’s weeks away.”

“I know, but we wanted to ask before you had a chance to make other plans.”

Mama turned to Daddy, who shook his head before looking back at William. “I’m sorry, but we already have plans. Tell your parents we appreciate their goodwill.”

The look of disappointment on William’s face tweaked Lillian’s heart, but she reminded herself that Daddy was probably right. The invitation was more an act of charity than anything else.

“Perhaps some other time, then,” he said at the door.

“Yes,” Mama said. “Thank you for the ride, Mr. Tronnier. And please don’t think you have to do this every Sunday. We’ve always managed quite well on our own.”

Lillian knew this was Mama’s way of dismissing William. She wished Mama would be more subtle.

“Would you like to come in?” Lillian asked, half hoping he wouldn’t but half wishing he’d ignore the glares from Mama.

He glanced from her parents to her and shook his head, a dejected look on his face. “No, I’m afraid this isn’t a good time for a visit. See you soon, though.”

She stood at the door and watched William get back into his automobile and pull away before going inside. Mama and Daddy sat in the living room, obviously waiting for her.

“Sit down, Lillian,” Daddy said. “We need to talk about your relationship with Mr. Tronnier before it gets out of hand.”

Lillian sat, folded her hands in her lap, and fixed her gaze on them. “There is no relationship, Daddy.”

Mama spoke next. “Lillian, we both understand what you’re feeling. Mr. Tronnier is a very handsome young man, and he’s giving you more attention than you’ve ever gotten from a boy. However, we can’t help but continue to question his motives.”

Unexpected tears stung the backs of Lillian’s eyes. She knew exactly what Mama was saying, but she was tired of hearing over and over how she wasn’t suited for William.

“He obviously wants something and…” Mama’s voice trailed off as she looked over at Daddy, whose jaw was set in determination.

She wanted to bolt from the room, but she knew Mama would follow, so she remained in her seat. Daddy spoke next.

“Lillian, we think you have a lot to offer a man. But William Tronnier is wrong for you.” He glanced at Mama before continuing. “Working-class families rarely mix well with those who…” He frowned as he tried to come up with the right words.

Lillian took advantage of the lull. “He works quite hard. In case you haven’t noticed, he’s generally dressed in farm clothes.”

“But he can stop working at any time and it wouldn’t make any difference in the way he lives.” Daddy’s words were tinged with resentment.

“You don’t know that,” Lillian retorted with an edge of sarcasm.

Mama stood and planted her hands on her hips. “Don’t ever speak to your daddy like that. He is only trying to protect you.”

Daddy pulled up to a standing position and steadied himself by holding onto the back of the sofa. “I don’t want to tell you who you can or can’t see, but I can tell you what I think, Lillian.”

“I thought you liked William.”

Mama and Daddy gave each other the look that was becoming more frequent, and Daddy spoke up. “We think he is very nice when he’s here, but that doesn’t change the fact that you come from very different families, which is why we’re concerned about his motives.”

It always came back to that motive thing. There was no way Lillian could argue with something that wasn’t tangible, so she didn’t even try.

“I’ll go get dinner started,” she said as she got up and headed toward the kitchen.

William was baffled by the change in Lillian’s parents’ demeanor. They had been so friendly until today, and now they blatantly pushed him away. He reflected on everything he’d said, and he couldn’t think of a single offensive thing.

All the way home, he pondered the problem and tried to consider every angle, but when he pulled up in front of the house, he still hadn’t come to a conclusion. No one in his family was home, so he figured they must still be at church. Nelda was leaned over the oven door when he walked into the kitchen. She stood up when she heard him come in.

“Hi, Mr. William. I’m making your favorite dessert.”

“Pound cake?”

She grinned and nodded, her eyes sparkling with delight. William always suspected he was Nelda’s favorite of the Tronnier clan, but he would never take advantage of it.

“Sounds scrumptious. What’s for dinner?”

“Country ham, fried okra, and sweet potatoes.”

The sound of a horse and buggy let them know that the family had arrived home from church. William went out to greet them.

“How was church with Miss Pickard’s family?” Mom asked.

William shook his head. “Church was fine, but something happened later that has me puzzled. I need some advice.”

Mom hugged him and hung onto his arm as she looked at him with the eyes of a loving, concerned mother. “I’m sure we’ll have plenty of advice as soon as we know what you need.”

Pop chuckled. “Your mother doesn’t mince words, does she?”

“Admit it, James. That’s what you love about me, isn’t it?”

“Yup. The direct approach grabbed me right here.” He tapped his chest. “And it hasn’t let go.” He gestured for William to go inside, and he followed, still talking. “Did you have a chance to ask the pastor if anyone needed work?”

William nodded. “He said he’d speak to a few people who haven’t been able to find a job.”

“Good. I’m glad you got the ball rolling.”

“I’m somewhat concerned about that, though,” William said. “With all the new businesses opening up in town, I think something must be wrong with someone who can’t get a job.”

“Perhaps the jobs in town aren’t a good fit for some. Not everyone wants to be a sales clerk.”

“Maybe.”

Pop narrowed his eyes and studied him for a few seconds. “So what happened with Lillian, son? You’re acting different. Did she give you the cold shoulder?”

Over the next couple of weeks, Lillian jumped every time she heard the bell on the door at the Five and Dime. As each day passed, she found herself missing William’s impromptu visits more and more.

Thanksgiving was now less than a week away and she still hadn’t heard from him. She got home from work on Friday night and headed straight for her room to lie down and close her eyes.

A few minutes later, a knock sounded on her door. “Lillian, what is wrong with you? Supper is ready. I’ve had it waiting for you, so come out and join us.”

“I’m not hungry, Mama. You and Daddy go on ahead and eat without me.”

“We will do no such thing. Stop behaving this way and be part of the family.”

Lillian got up and took a long look in the mirror. Her face was drawn and drab. Her hair had flattened on one side, so she fluffed it with her fingers. “Give me a few minutes. I’ll be out there shortly.”

“Don’t wait too long. Your daddy’s hungry.”

Lillian tensed. Her mama was demanding, and her daddy was hungry. What about her? Didn’t her feelings matter?

The instant that thought popped into her mind, she squeezed her eyes shut.
Lord, forgive me for being so selfish, but I can’t get rid of these feelings. You know what I want, but apparently it isn’t good for me—at least not in Mama’s and Daddy’s minds.