Free Love Finds You on Christmas Morning by Debby Mayne Page A

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.