When she had embraced both women again and promised to return to say hello, Evangeline headed back out with her purchases in hand.
She really hadn’t expected to be leaving with so many items, but it was a happy burden to carry.
Catching her own reflection in a shop window, she was blown away at how different she looked—relaxed and sort of prosperous with the pretty coat, like she belonged here.
“Good morning,” a lady said as she passed, pushing a stroller.
“Good morning,” Evangeline replied, more prepared now for the friendly warmth of the people who lived here.
She was just heading to the drugstore when something in the toy shop caught her eye.
Biting her lip, she decided to just pop inside quickly.
“Hey there,” the young woman inside said, smiling at her. “How can I help you?”
She was dressed all in pink, and her smile seemed absolutely genuine.
“Oh, um, I was interested in that car seat mirror,” Evangeline said, indicating the one behind the counter.
“Sure,” the girl said. “Hang on.”
She hurried off to the back, leaving Evangeline to look around the place.
It was beautifully decorated with so many wonderful toys, and dozens of paper snowflakes hanging from the ceiling.
A moment later, the lady reappeared.
“Here you go,” she said, handing over a new mirror in the box.
Thankfully, the price on the tag was more than reasonable.
“I’ll take it,” Evangeline said. “Thank you so much.”
“Well, that was easy,” the lady replied, carrying the mirror over to the cash register. “Are you new in town?”
“Yes, I’ll be working for Grayson Ward,” Evangeline said. “Taking care of his baby.”
“Aren’t you a lucky girl?” the lady replied, winking. “I’m Lily. If you and Leo ever want to stop in and say hi I’ll be glad to see you.”
“I’m Evangeline,” Evangeline replied. “Hey, do you know if they sell prepaid cell phones anywhere in town?”
“I don’t think so,” Lily said, frowning thoughtfully. “Maybe up at one of the big box stores on Route One?”
“Okay,” Evangeline said, trying to hide her worry as she headed back outside.
Surely she should have asked Grayson for help with this. He wasn’t going to want to have to go back out for another errand for her.
A family came in as Evangeline was leaving and Lily greeted them warmly.
“Don’t be a stranger,” she called after Evangeline.
Evangeline waved to her as the door closed behind her, somehow feeling more excited about her small present for Leo than she was about her whole new wardrobe.
If she could just get in two more stops before she had to get back to meet Grayson and Leo, she would be in great shape to start work this afternoon. And hopefully he would understand if she explained to him about the phone.
I can do this,she told herself.I can do anything I set my mind to.
Somehow the assurance rang more true today, when she was in this sweet little town, surrounded by people who seemed to want to help.
