The Heavenly Surrender by Marcia Lynn McClure Read Free Book Online

husband, Gerard.”
    “Hello,” Genieva greeted, nodding in Gerard’s direction.
    “We’re in the market for a pair of boys’ workin’ boots, Mrs. Fenton,” Brevan announced. “She’s got blisters already, she has.”
    “Oh my, yes, dear,” the woman exclaimed as dramatic concern filled her features. “Shoes are so important. You come on over here, and we’ll fix ya up.”
    Genieva followed the kind woman to the far corner of the store while Brevan remained behind with Mr. Fenton.
    “So,” Lilly Fenton began as she sat down and started rummaging through several boxes of boots. “You’re the one who has finally cornered our Mr. McLean, eh?” Genieva looked at the woman—surprise readily apparent on her features. “I guess you know that every unmarried female in these parts has had her cap set for him since the McLeans moved out here…even a couple of married ones, if my memory serves me. But he’s too smart to fall for any of them. You’ll hear things now and again, I’m sure. People do gossip so terrible in these parts. But you don’t pay them any mind, ya hear? It’s all just gossip and nonsense…especially where that Amy Wilburn is concerned. Oh, how I wish her parents would send her away to have her…anyway,” Lilly sighed, changing the direction of her babble, “I guess ya know we’re all pretty concerned about the lack of rain hereabouts. No doubt you all will be lugging water from the crick for the crops if we don’t see a change here soon. Here now,” she said, holding out a pair of boots at last. “These look about your size.”
    “Thank you,” Genieva agreed, nodding her head. “They look just right. May I…may I try them for certain, though?” Genieva studied the woman, amused at her exact resemblance to the elderly gossips she had always imagined small towns would harbor. Mrs. Fenton was short, round, and white-haired, with smiling eyes and chubby cheeks—a delightful-looking woman.
    Lilly Fenton laughed. “Of course, honey! We have to make sure they fit right…else Brevan McLean would tan my hide, and don’t I know it.”
    The boots did fit comfortably, and though they weren’t in the least bit flattering to look upon, Genieva could see the sense in their practicality.
    “We’ve got to have you a quilting bee, Mrs. McLean! It just won’t do to have a young bride hereabout without a quilt for her new home! You have Brenna come in and talk to me about it,” Lilly chimed. Her very voice held a tinkling quality that was soft on a person’s ears. Yes , Genieva thought, Lilly Fenton would make such a perfect gossip .
    “Oh, no. That’s not necessary. I’m fine, really,” Genieva assured her.
    “Nonsense! It’s bad luck to break with tradition, sweetie.”
    “I’ll be waitin’ in the wagon, Genieva,” Brevan called to her as he left the store.
    “Not one to sit on his backside too long, is he?” Lilly smiled.
    Genieva returned her smile. Lilly Fenton was a kind woman even if she was a little generous in her conversation.
    “How much do I owe you then, Mr. Fenton?” Genieva asked as she walked to the counter.
    Mr. and Mrs. Fenton looked at each other with raised eyebrows—then back to Genieva.
    “You’re not serious, are ya, ma’am?” Mr. Fenton asked.
    “Yes…actually,” Genieva stammered.
    “Your husband has paid for them already, dear,” Lilly explained—her smile somehow sweetening even further.
    “Oh. Of course.” Genieva blushed at her own presumption.
    As Genieva turned to leave, three young women entered the store. Each young woman appeared to be near her own age. They stared at Genieva—studying her from head to foot with obvious disapproval.
    “Um…hello,” Genieva offered. Each of the women forced a smile and nodded. “You’ll excuse me,” she mumbled as she moved past them and to the door. “Thank you again, Mrs. Fenton…Mr. Fenton,” she called over her shoulder.
    “Is that’s Brevan McLean’s new wife? Well… she’ll