Free Love Finds You on Christmas Morning by Debby Mayne

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