Her Texas Hero by Kat Brookes

reasonably priced add-ons for your children if you’re interested.”
    A huge worry lifted from her shoulders at those words. “I would definitely be interested.”
    â€œI know you’re new in town and you mentioned having no family, so feel free to bring your children in with you whenever needed. They can entertain themselves in the children’s playroom while you work.”
    â€œI really appreciate that,” she told her. “At least, until I can find someone to help me with child care when needed. Would it be possible for me to take my lunch break later in the afternoon, so I can use that time to pick them up from school? I’m hoping to get them enrolled as soon as possible.”
    The older woman nodded. “That would be fine. Take your hour lunch break whenever you need it. We have an answering machine here that can pick up when you’re out of the office and you can return any calls when you return to work.”
    Could she have found a more perfect job for her situation? Oh, Heavenly Father, thank You for this wonderfully timed blessing. “I would love very much to accept the position.”
    â€œThat’s wonderful news. My husband will be so happy to hear it. I have to admit that if we hadn’t already been thoroughly impressed with you after our visit the other day, Carter Cooper’s kind words on your behalf would have swayed our decision greatly in your favor.”
    â€œCarter talked to you about me?” she said in surprise.
    â€œNot exactly,” the woman explained. “We overheard him in the hardware store telling Mr. Anderson—he’s the store’s owner—to treat you right when you came in for supplies. He said you were a single mother trying to do right by your children. And that you have a tender heart and a kind smile, and more pluck than most of the men he knows.”
    â€œHe said all that?” she gasped, her cheeks warming at such unexpected compliments.
    â€œHe most certainly did. Apparently, you’ve made quite an impression on that young man.”
    The reverend’s wife had no idea. Having had to come to her rescue multiple times since meeting her, she could only imagine what Carter Cooper’s impression of her must be. But he’d been kind in his words and for that she was grateful. But what thrilled her most was his comment about her having pluck. She’d gone so many years without any real backbone when her children had needed her to have one. But she’d been trying so hard to be a good Christian. What she hadn’t been able to separate at the time was the difference between being a good Christian and being a floor mat for her ex-husband. In the end, she’d had no choice but to toughen up, using that pluck Carter had mentioned to get both she and her children out of an emotionally harmful situation.
    â€œIt’s late,” Rachel said on the other end of the line, pulling Audra from her thoughts. “Why don’t you swing by sometime this week to pick up some paperwork I’ll need you to fill out before you start? I can answer any more questions you might have then.”
    â€œThat sounds good to me.”
    â€œGood. How about we set your start date for the Monday after next? It’ll give you some time to settle into your new home.”
    â€œThat would be perfect,” Audra told her. “Tomorrow, I’m going to see about getting Mason and Lily enrolled into school here. I’ll swing by and pick up those papers while I’m out.”
    â€œSee you tomorrow, then,” the reverend’s wife replied.
    Audra pressed End on her phone screen and fought the urge to let out a whoop of excitement. The children had played hard that day. The last thing she wanted to do was wake them. But she could barely contain her excitement. Extra income and health coverage. Now all she had to do was admit defeat where her house renovations were concerned and then do