Miracles in Disguise (The Trampled Rose Series) Read Online Free Page B

her coffee cup. I’m home.
    Just then, a short, portly woman came up to their booth and said, “You must be Ms. Talbot. Well, aren‘t you the prettiest thing.” Without giving her a moment to respond, the woman continued. “I’m April, and it is a pleasure to have you here. My son, William, is going to be one of your students. Don’t let him fool you, he is a smart kid. He is just lazy and doesn’t care about anything but football. Now," she said, pulling a notepad out of her apron. “What can I get you for breakfast?”
    After they placed their orders, they were interrupted again, this time by a tall, robust man. He towered over their table as he thrust out his hand and smiled, “I’m Mayor Williams; I believe you met my wife last night." His large brown hand enveloped hers, and she smiled as he continued, “I just wanted to say, on behalf of the entire town, we are pleased to have you here, Ms. Talbot.”
    He pulled up a chair to their booth before either of them could invite him. “I hope you had a good night’s rest and found everything you needed at the house.”
    “Yes, Mayor, I can’t thank everyone enough for the warm welcome. I have to admit, I’m a little taken back by such a reception."
    “Well, you’ll find here in Hamilton, we appreciate our blessings, and you surely are a blessing.” Kristina shifted uncomfortably in the seat; blessing is not the word she would have chosen to describe herself.
    “If there is something we can do for you, let us know.” Mayor Williams turned to Nathan. “You make sure you take care of her."
    April arrived at their table, jumping into the conversation as she placed their plates before them, “You best stay on your toes. Nathan is quite a charmer. He’s has half of the ladies in town thinking the sun rises and sets on his command."
    “I have no idea what she is talking about.”
    Kristina had no doubt about Nathan’s ability to charm; her only concern was that he would try to charm her. She had no need for men in her life, charming or not.
    “Well, how I hear it, April, we don’t need to worry about Ms. Talbot. Our new English teacher knows how to take care of herself.”
    April chuckled at Mayor Williams’ comment. “I thought May was just kidding when she told me you threatened him with pepper spray. Is that true?”
    Kristina could feel the color creeping up her face. “Well, I…”
    Nathan interjected. “I came up on a stranded woman, alone on the side of the road and didn’t think.” His smile was gentle and she was disarmed by the compassion in his voice. "I get so used to the laid-back ways of small town living.”
    “Well, I’m sure glad to have a woman with such spunk teaching my boy.” April said, “Welcome to Hamilton.” She called out over her shoulder as she returned to her position behind the counter.
    “I’ll leave you two to your breakfast,” the mayor said, “But if you need anything, you make sure to let me know.”
    When Nathan bent his head to bless the food, she silently prayed. Lord, get me through today!
    “So where would you like to go today?” Nathan asked, as she took a bite of her food.
    Wiping her mouth delicately, she began to rattle off a list of places. “I would also like to see the school, and get a hold of the materials for my class.”
    “Sounds great. Edwin Shirley asked us to meet him at the school at 10:30, and I can even swing by Mrs. Rose’s home after.”
    “How did Mr. Shirley know I was here…” her voice trailed off, realizing the answer to her question.
    “He called me when he heard I brought you into town.”
    “I guess there aren’t many secrets in this town?”
    “I’m afraid not.”
    Kristina studiously focused on her burrito, arranging the pieces she already cut. Maybe moving to Hamilton was a mistake. I have too many buried secrets that I want to stay underground.
    “So what was life like in New York, somewhere near Albany?” Nathan teased.
    Kristina struggled to contain her