Free Bachelor to the Rescue by Lorraine Beatty Page B

offer to work for him. If she failed to sway the library board, then at least she’d have income and a roof over her head.
    And she did like staying in this old house.

Chapter Five
    T he soft evening breeze drifted through the small window above the kitchen sink was enticing Lainie outside to sit on the porch and watch the evening fade. If she took Shaw’s offer to work for him and remained in this house, the first thing she’d do would be to find some comfy chairs for the front porch. She longed to enjoy the porch swing out front, but she was reluctant to ask her landlord if it was okay. Keeping clear lines between them was wise.
    Pushing the start button on the dishwasher, she wiped her hands on a dish towel then stepped onto the back porch to check on the girls. She’d allowed them to stay outside a little longer tonight. They finally had a big yard to play in and she wanted them to enjoy it as much as possible. Scanning the lush yard, she frowned when she couldn’t see either child. “Natalie. Chrissy.” A finger of fear touched her spine. A list of horrible possibilities flashed through her mind. Her girls were her life. If anything happened to them she couldn’t go on.
    Losing her husband so suddenly had left her with a deep-seated fear of losing her children to some unknown catastrophe. Her mother had helped her overcome much of her fear by reminding her frequently that the Lord was in charge. But sometimes the fear would break loose, threatening to overwhelm her rational mind. She called out again, her voice rising in pitch.
    â€œWe’re in here, Mommy.”
    She spun around to see Chrissy’s face poking out from Beaux’s pet door. Relief made her slightly light-headed. “What are you doing?”
    â€œI fit in the door like Beaux does.”
    Her delighted smile washed away Lainie’s fear. She did look cute on her hands and knees in the small opening. Still, she couldn’t condone their being in Shaw’s side of the house without telling her. “Where is your sister? And why are you in Mr. Shaw’s house?”
    â€œBeaux invited us in.”
    Chrissy pulled back through the opening and Lainie tapped on the door. Chrissy opened it and smiled, pushing her glasses up.
    â€œWe are going to have a serious talk, young lady.”
    Lainie found Natalie seated on the kitchen floor tugging on Beaux’s ears.
    Natalie muttered a soft
uh-oh
when she saw her mother. Shaw was seated at his kitchen table in front of his laptop. He had an odd look on his face, but she couldn’t decide if he was upset or simply amused.
    â€œGirls, you know better than to bother Mr. Shaw. Especially when he’s working.”
    â€œWe wanted to help Beaux.” Natalie rested her head against the dog’s side.
    â€œHe was lonely.” Chrissy darted to the dog and fell to her knees, wrapping her little arms around his spotted neck. If Lainie didn’t know better, she’d think the dog was laughing at Chrissy.
    Shaw stifled a smile and Lainie felt her tension ease. “I’m so sorry. I’ll have a talk with them.”
    â€œIt’s all right. They saved me from trying to juggle any more numbers.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose and exhaled a weary sigh. “I know it’s not complicated, but I’m too tired to make sense of anything tonight.”
    She stepped to his side, glancing at the computer screen, resisting the urge to place a comforting hand on his shoulder. This was as good a time as any to tell him what she’d decided. “I’ve been thinking about your suggestion.”
    His eyes brightened. “And?”
    â€œI’d like to accept.”
    â€œGreat. I really need your help on this.”
    She forced herself to look away from his eyes. Certain emotions made them change from a navy blue to cobalt. They were an unusual color, and one she found far too fascinating. “I’m familiar with this