Surrendered Hearts Read Online Free PDF Page A

“Jenn, I want you to meet Lauren.”
    Before she could respond, Lauren stepped forward and gave her a big hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. This makes everything perfect.”
    “Thanks.” Pain shot through Jenn’s right shoulder as Lauren squeezed tighter. She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. When Lauren finally let go, Jenn stepped back, her shoulder and arm throbbing.
    “Come on. Let’s go inside. Aunt Tilley has dinner ready.” Lauren took Wes’s hand and they walked toward the house.
    Bill followed with one brief glance over his shoulder in Jenn’s direction.
    Jenn climbed the back steps and slowed to look around the porch. Two round-back wicker chairs with yellow and blue striped cushions sat near the back door with a small wicker table between them. Four pots of bright red geraniums hung from hooks under the edge of the porch roof. This looked like a great spot to relax and read a book. Jenn smiled at that thought. What a different life Lauren must lead from what Jenn was used to.
    Back in Portland, her days consisted of sleeping in late, meeting her fellow actors at the dinner theater around one, and practicing musical numbers all afternoon until it was time to grab a quick dinner and dress for the evening show.
    “Everything okay?” Bill stood in the doorway, waiting for her. Concern and a hint of some other emotion flickered in his eyes.
    She nodded and forced a small smile. “Sure. Everything’s fine.”
    But she couldn’t push away the empty feeling in her heart. What would she do now that she couldn’t walk out on the stage and hear the applause after each song? How would she fill her days?

Chapter Five
    Bill settled back in his chair, took a sip of his coffee, and glanced around the table. Dinner with Lauren and Tilley was always a treat, and tonight was no exception. The great food, friendly conversation and comfortable atmosphere made him feel like part of the family.
    Tilley had outdone herself preparing a chicken and rice casserole covered in a cheesy sauce that melted in his mouth. Of course the homemade rolls, fresh spinach salad, and tender asparagus weren’t bad either. No one cooked like Tilley Woodman.
    Tilley bustled into the dining room bringing a stack of dessert dishes and extra forks. Lauren followed, carrying a delicious-looking strawberry pie and a bowl of whipped cream.
    “I hope you all saved room for dessert.” Tilley set the plates on the dining room table.
    Wes moaned. “You should’ve warned me.” He scooted his chair back and stretched. “But I think I can handle it.” He turned to Lauren’s son, Toby. “How about you, buddy? You ready for some pie?”
    Toby grinned at Wes with glowing eyes. “I love pie.” The little boy turned and watched his great aunt slice the brightly glazed dessert.
    Bill could hardly believe the changes he’d seen in Toby over the last few months. Though he still struggled in his first grade class because of his learning disabilities, the school year was almost over and he was looking forward to summer vacation. He seemed more settled and content now. With Lauren’s constant love and Wes’s involvement, he was learning how to cope and seemed to finally be enjoying the happy childhood he deserved.
    “Can I cut you a piece of pie, Bill?”
    “Sounds great. Thanks, Tilley.”
    Lauren’s aunt halted mid-slice and looked up. “I’m sorry, Jennifer. Where are my manners? You’re our special guest tonight. I should’ve asked you first. Would you like a piece, dear?”
    Jennifer looked uncomfortable at being singled out, but she smiled and nodded. “Sure, thanks. Just a small piece.”
    Bill glanced across the table and studied Wes’s sister. She’d been awfully quiet during dinner, only answering questions that were directed to her. His mind drifted back to their conversation on the ride over. He’d been surprised by her apology. It left him with a nagging feeling that he’d misjudged her. Her love for her pets and