Free Bachelor to the Rescue by Lorraine Beatty Page A

thought about Shaw’s offer. Without a paycheck, there was little she could do but rely on Shaw for everything she needed. Once her new credit cards arrived, she could use them for her expenses, though she couldn’t live off them. She’d deliberately set low limits. Working for Shaw would draw her deeper into Shaw’s debt, and his life, but it was a practical solution in the short term.
    Lainie parked the car in Shaw’s driveway, then made her way next door to pick up the girls. Gwen greeted her with a big smile and the offer of a glass of sweet tea. Settled on Gwen’s expansive back deck, Lainie felt some of the afternoon’s tension ease.
    â€œHow’s it going? Are you getting settled in?”
    Lainie shrugged. “Coming to Dover was supposed to be a new start for us, and it’s not working out at all the way I’d hoped. I took the girls to Friendship Park yesterday. I thought it would be a good way to meet some of the locals. But all I got were stares and a few curt comments. So much for the small town with the big heart.”
    â€œI’m sorry. Try not to get too discouraged. Once the library opens and everyone sees how wonderful you are, and all the programs you’ll start, they’ll forget about you being a newcomer.” Gwen squeezed her hand. “The people of Dover are wonderful, loving and generous at heart. We have our sour apples and a few angry malcontents, but that’s true of every town. I’m sorry you’re not getting the warm welcome you expected, but I promise you they will come around. In their minds, you’ve attacked one of their beloved citizens. They’re standing up for her and they’ll do the same for you once they get to know you.” She picked up a gift bag from a small table and handed it to her. “Maybe this will cheer you up.”
    â€œFor me? What is it?” Lainie removed the paper filler from the bright green gift bag and pulled out a lovely leather shoulder bag.
    â€œIt’s a combination welcome to Dover and apology gift. For my mother’s horrible behavior at church yesterday.”
    Lainie stopped with her hand on the purse zipper. “Oh, Gwen, you didn’t have to do this. But it’s lovely.”
    â€œI know you’re trying to make do, but no woman feels complete without a purse. I thought this would be the prefect size. It’s small, but still large enough for a bag of cookies or a book.”
    â€œBooks.” Lainie’s mind kicked into gear. “Books. What about all the books? Why didn’t I ask him?”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?”
    â€œThe library books. The mayor said the person who donated the library did so to preserve their personal book collection. Where are they? And what about the new books? Have they been ordered? Finishing the building is great, but if there aren’t any books, it’s useless. I need to call the mayor.” Lainie gave Gwen a big hug then called for the girls and hurried them out the door. “Thank you for the purse. It’s perfect.”
    After sending Natalie and Chrissy to play in the Princess Club, Lainie dialed the Mayor’s office only to learn he was in a meeting for the remainder of the day. The secretary suggested she attend the Library Board meeting the next evening and discuss her problem with them then.
    Renewed hope bubbled up from deep inside. Maybe she could convince the board to let her work on the books. Unless there was some weird stipulation that forbade it. She was grateful to the anonymous donor for their gift, but the strings attached to it were bothersome.
    So far, her arrival in Dover had been fraught with speed bumps and detours, but she refused to sit by and twiddle her thumbs for the next three to four weeks waiting for Shaw McKinney to finish his part of the project. There was too much at stake for her and her girls.
    In the meantime, she might need to seriously consider his