Love's Sweet Surrender Read Online Free PDF Page B

front of her before it came to rest on the gentleman in the back again. Goose bumps rose on her arms as his gaze skimmed over her almost like a caress. Fighting the urge to sigh, she continued with her speech. “I am indeed twenty-two years old, but I assure you, I have the qualifications you seek in a teacher for your children. I was raised in Boston and did quite a bit of tutoring over the last several years. My situation changed, thus requiring me to find employment to support myself. I love children and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to teach yours in this quaint little town. I’m sure I will grow to love this town as you all have and hope to stay for a long time to come. You can verify my references with several of the prominent families in the Boston area. I taught many of their children there and loved all of them like they were my own. All I’m asking is a chance to prove to you that I can do the job you require of a teacher. Thank you.”
    Stepping down from the podium to return to her seat, she met the blue eyes of the man in the back, and he gave her a small, sad smile as he nodded in encouragement.
    The mayor returned to the front of the church. “All right, you’ve all heard her side of things, so let’s vote. All those in favor of sending her back to Boston say ‘Aye’.”
    A few ‘Aye’s’ could be heard amongst the crowd, but when the mayor asked for those in favor of keeping her, a resounding ‘Aye’ reverberated through the church, and Lily smiled.
    “I guess it’s settled then,” the mayor admitted, frowning. He'd voted to send her home. “Mrs. Backman, if you will come with me after the meeting is adjourned, I will give you the key and show you the house set aside for your use. We will expect classes to start by Monday.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Mayor. You won’t be disappointed, I promise.” She shook his hand while several of the crowd came over to congratulate her and welcome her to town.
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    Sandy Sullivan
    Peering over the crowd of heads to the back of the church, she was surprised to meet the appreciative stare of her savior one last time before he tipped his hat and was gone.
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    Love’s Sweet Surrender
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Chapter Four
    Mayor Fisher escorted Lily to her new home. She loved it from the moment she saw the small house, perfect for just her. The town had worked together to clean it up, whitewash the outside and plant pretty flowers around the front. Her home, at least for now.
    The mayor opened the door as he explained, “I know it’s not much, especially compared to the homes in Boston, but it’s quiet and cozy. Come, I’ll show you around a bit.”
    Lily followed him through the house while he pointed out the living room, with the furniture still draped with white sheets and a little bit of dust on the tables. Next, they went through the small dining room, with a nice table and a couple of chairs if she cared to entertain. The next room was a small bedroom which he said could be used as an office or study for her to grade papers and such. Finally, he showed her the door to her bedroom. She could tell that he didn’t feel comfortable escorting her into her bedroom.
    “Thank you so much, Mr. Mayor. It’s perfect, and I’m sure I’ll be quite comfortable here.”
    “Yes, well, I hope so. Just make sure you do a good job with the children, and there shouldn’t be a problem. Good-night.” He made his way out the front door, shutting it firmly behind him.
    Lily smiled thinking about her new life while her gaze wandered around the living room of her new home. Her thoughts lingered on how wonderful it would be to be useful here, and she couldn’t wait to get started. She walked around the room, pulling the sheets from the furniture and looking in drawers. The