Surrendered Hearts by Carrie Turansky

almost never cracked a smile. And things were not much better at her aunt and uncle’s home. Stern and emotionally distant, they’d always left her feeling like an outsider.
    Bill tucked the cash from the teller in his wallet and slipped it into his back pocket. “Thanks, Mary Ann. You have a good day, and tell Chuck I said hello.”
    “Oh, I will. And you and your friend have a nice day, too.” The teller smiled at Jenn, a hint of curiosity in her brown eyes. The woman lifted her hand and waved goodbye.
    Jenn stepped outside as Bill held the door open for her again. The scent of fresh baked bread drifted past. Jenn sniffed and glanced around. “Wow, do you smell that?”
    Bill pulled in a deep breath. “Yeah. I bet it’s coming from the Green Mountain Bakery or the Wild River Café.” He nodded down the street. ”Are you hungry?”
    “Starved.”
    “Let’s go then.”
    They walked past Mc Cullen’s Pharmacy following the delicious scent. The door of Berkley Real Estate opened, and a young woman stepped out. When she spotted Bill, she smiled and waved.
    “Hey, Julia.” Bill returned her wave.
    The name clicked, and Jenn guessed she was the friend Lauren had asked to be her maid of honor. She wore a multi-colored flowered skirt and a neatly pressed, blue sleeveless blouse that revealed her flawless skin and glowing tan.
    Bill and Julia exchanged a hug.
    A ripple of uneasiness flowed through Jenn as she watched them. Evidently, Bill and Julia were also good friends. And no wonder—Julia was adorable. She had light-brown hair styled in a cute, short cut that showed off her dainty ears and slender neck.
    Julia stepped back, adjusted the strap on her brown leather purse and shifted her focus to Jenn. Her smile dimmed slightly, and questions shimmered in her pretty blue eyes.
    Bill turned to Jenn. “This is Julia Berkley. She’s a real estate agent.” He pointed to the office on their right. “She works here with her Dad.”
    Jenn extended her hand. “Hi, I’m Jennifer Evans.”
    Julia’s smile brightened. “Lauren told me you were in town. Are you staying until the wedding?”
    Jenn nodded, discomfort over her situation stealing away the explanation.
    “Are you looking for a place to rent?” With only a brief pause, Julia continued, “There’s a cute little two-bedroom cottage on the outskirts of town that just became available. The owners can’t come up this summer, so they want me to find someone to rent it. It’s a great location and totally furnished.” Julia looked at her expectantly. 
    Jenn’s mouth suddenly felt parched. “Well . . . I’m not sure. I don’t—”
    “Jenn’s staying with us.” Bill’s calm, even tone settled the matter.
    “Oh.” Julia’s gaze darted from Jenn to Bill.
    Warmth flooded Jenn’s cheeks, but she was grateful Bill hadn’t shared the details of the explosion and fire or her empty bank account.
    “Well, that’ll give you more time with your brother.”
    Jenn nodded. “I hope so.”
    “Lauren said you’re going to be in the wedding with us. Did you see the dress she picked out? It should look pretty in periwinkle blue.” Julia turned her 100-watt smile on Bill. “And I can’t wait to see Bill in a tux. Since he doesn’t even like to wear a tie, it should cause quite a stir around town.”
    Bill chuckled and waved off her comment. “It won’t matter what I’m wearing. Everyone will be looking at Lauren and Wes. It’s their day.”
    “Of course.” Julia’s eyes sparkled. “But I’m still planning to bring my camera and get a picture of you all dressed up like that. Who knows when it will ever happen again?”
    “Hey, I get dressed up. I own a very nice suit.”
    “How many times have you worn it?”
    Bill rubbed his chin. “Twice. Once for John and Lisa’s wedding and once for their reception.”
    Julia laughed softly. “That was on the same day, so it only counts as one time, and that was two years ago.”
    Jenn’s stomach tightened.