Her Christmas Hero (Home To Dover 6)

by Lorraine Beatty

  It wasn’t exactly an order, more of a stern warning, but Gemma bristled anyway. “You really like being in control of things. That’s why you’re so upset about my Christmas events isn’t it? Because you have no say in anything I do.”

  He frowned. “No. That’s not it at all. I just don’t agree with your ideas.”

  Gemma smiled inwardly. She’d poked a hole in his “I know best” attitude and he didn’t like it. She glanced at him. His formerly relaxed posture had become rigid and his irritation was evident in the way he rubbed his thumb against his forefinger as he clutched the steering wheel.

  Her conscience reared its head. She shouldn’t be so hard on him. Losing his father had been a shock, the most devastating loss of control a person could experience. “I’m glad you brought me here.”

  He looked over at her and nodded. “No problem.”

  Something in his tone triggered a realization. “You promised your mother you’d come with me, didn’t you?”

  He stopped the truck and looked at her in surprise. “How did you know?”

  She stifled a grin and gave him a superior look. “I’m a mom. We know everything.”

  The scowl on Linc’s face brought his dark brows together. She waited for him to respond, but he only huffed out a breath and drove out of the parking lot. He might be a big macho man on the outside, but inside he wasn’t much different from Evan.

  The realization pleased her a great deal.

  *

  The Montgomery dining room table held enough food to feed far more than the six people seated around the table Sunday afternoon. His mom had arrived home last night, and had spent the morning preparing all the family favorites. She’d ordered Linc to invite their new tenants to dinner. Gemma had been reluctant, but he’d finally convinced her that his mother would be very disappointed if she refused. But for some reason, she sat stiff and tense on the other side of Evan, who was equally braced as if waiting for something to happen. Linc passed the mashed potatoes to the boy, holding the heavy dish while he scooped out a helping then offering the dish to his mother.

  Tori leaned forward and smiled at Gemma. “Have you told Seth about those old wreaths you found in storage?”

  Gemma shook her head. “No, I haven’t had a chance.”

  “Are you talking about the ones that used to hang over the street?” Francie passed the rolls to her daughter. “They’re in terrible shape. That’s why I haven’t used them.”

  “What wreaths?” Seth glanced between the two women. Tori made a quick explanation.

  “I’ll bring them back to the shop and see what I can do. Should be fun. I’m looking forward to seeing more lights and decorations around town for the holidays.”

  Linc stabbed his roast to keep from expressing a contrary opinion. Apparently he was the only one in town who wanted things to stay the same. No one understood. The familiar events were comforting; the simplicity of the Dover celebrations kept the real meaning of Christmas in people’s minds.

  Gemma smiled at Seth. “Great, but you know we don’t have much time.”

  Seth nodded. “I’ll get right on it. As soon as I have them at the shop we’ll get our heads together and see what we can do. What do you have in mind?”

  Linc listened with growing irritation as Seth and Gemma bandied ideas back and forth across the table. His younger brother was a likable guy. Maybe too likable. He’d never been jealous of him, but suddenly he didn’t like the idea of Gemma and Seth getting their heads together.

  Seth suddenly pushed back from the table. “I hate to run, but I have to meet with a home owner this afternoon. She’s not happy about where we put her breaker box.” He winked and moved to kiss his mom goodbye.

  “Aren’t you staying for dessert?”

  “I’ll come back later. Save me a piece.” He waved goodbye and hurried off.

  Linc was about to ask about his mother’s trip when he heard Evan inhale sharply. Milk from his overturned glass was soaking his mom’s best tablecloth. Linc pushed back his chair. Evan winced and shrank away from him.

  “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” Tears streamed down the boy’s face.

  Gemma pulled him close. “It’s okay, sweetie. I’ll clean it up.”

  Stunned, Linc exchanged a puzzled look with his mother. Why would a spilled glass of milk upset him so?

  His mother reached out her hand to the boy and smiled. “Evan, come here, sweetheart.” He glanced at her cautiously. “Come on. It’s okay. I want to tell you a story.”

  Gemma nodded and released him. Slowly Evan went over to Francie’s side. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hugged him close. “Don’t you worry about that little spill. It’s just milk. Do you see my boy over there?” Evan nodded, wiping his eyes as he looked at Linc. “Well, I know he looks big and strong now, but when he was your age, he spilled his milk every time he sat down at the table. No matter how hard he tried not to, it still happened. We tried moving his glass way back on the table. We tried using a big old mug instead of a glass. We even tried putting the glass on the sideboard, but he’d spill it carrying it to the table.”

  Evan almost smiled at that image. “Is that true, Coach?”

  Linc wasn’t about to tell the boy that his mother had seriously embellished the incident. “Pretty much. I was all elbows and extra fingers, it seemed.”

  Evan looked at Francie. “When did he stop?”

  Tori chuckled. “He hasn’t. He spilled his juice just this morning.”

  Linc smiled. Well, that was true enough.

  “Linc, would you clean that up and bring this young man a fresh glass of milk? We’re having chocolate cake for dessert. Do you like that?”

  Gemma abruptly stood and hurried into the living room. Tori gestured for Linc to follow their guest while she cleaned up. He found Gemma standing near the fireplace, head bowed, arms wrapped around herself protectively. He couldn’t be sure, but he suspected she was crying.

  “Gemma, are you okay?”

  She swiped at her eyes before facing him. “Yes. I just didn’t expect… I mean, I wasn’t prepared… Your mother was very kind and understanding.”

  He wasn’t sure what she meant. “It was just a little spilled milk. The boy shouldn’t be made to feel as if he’d done something wrong.”

  Her green eyes darkened. “You think I made him that way?”

  “No, that’s not what I said. He just seemed unusually upset over a minor thing.”

  “Minor? In my parents’ home that would have been cause for punishment.” She curled her fingers against her lower lip. “It’s all my fault. I should have seen what was happening. I should never have gone back there.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  Tori peeked in the room, interrupting their discussion. “Dessert is on the table.”

  Linc took Gemma’s elbow and guided her back to the dining room. Evan was seated next to Francie munching down on a large piece of chocolate cake. He smiled up at them as they entered.

  “Mom, I helped Miss Francie cut the cake and I carried all the plates to the table and didn’t drop one.”

  Linc heard Gemma inhale sharply. “That’s wonderful, Evan. I’m proud of you.”

  Settled beside Gemma at the table, Linc passed her a plate of cake, still trying to sort out Gemma’s and Evan’s odd behavior. She appeared calmer, but his curiosity was piqued. What kind of household had she grown up in? Twice now Gemma had made negative remarks about family. He’d grown up in a strong loving home. He knew not everyone was so blessed, that there were many dysfunctional families.

  When the cake had been eaten, Gemma and Evan quickly headed back to the cottage. He shut the door behind his departing guests, puzzling over their strange behavior. His mother’s expression mirrored his thoughts.

  “I wonder what that young woman has been through to make her so tense. Did she say anything to you?”

  Linc shook his head. “Nothing that made sense. Something about how she shou
ld have seen what was happening.”

  Francie pursed her lips. “Something’s not right there. I think the Lord has placed her here with us for a reason. We need to keep a close eye on them and see what we can do to help. I have a feeling they are both in serious need of love and attention.”

  Linc sensed the same thing, but he had no intention of acting upon them. Love and attention were his mother’s area of expertise. Not his. And he had another, stronger feeling. That he’d be smart to steer clear of the lovely but confusing Gemma Butler.

  *

  Later that day, Gemma made her way out to the front porch and curled up in one of the wooden rockers. The best part of living in the cottage was the peace and solitude that surrounded the little house. And she craved both right now. The spilled milk incident at the mansion earlier still made her stomach quiver when she thought about it. Though it hadn’t ended at all the way she’d expected.

  Dining with the Montgomerys had made her tense and on edge. In her experience, family dinners usually ended in a verbal shouting match. So when Evan had knocked over his glass she’d been as stunned and frightened as her son. His heart-wrenching apology had twisted her stomach. She’d wanted to grab him and run back to the safety of their cottage. But Francie had responded with love and kindness. As she’d proceeded to tell Evan how Linc always spilled things as a child, Gemma had watched her son relax, leaning in against Francie as if drawing comfort from her grandmotherly hug. She’d even managed to restore Evan’s confidence and good mood.

  The love and understanding displayed before her had brought her to tears, and she’d taken refuge in another room. Though she still smarted from Linc’s insinuation that she was the cause of her son’s insecurity. She was beginning to see that his family was nothing like she’d experienced before. They met every situation with restraint and tolerance. There was no way they could understand her family’s dysfunction.

  Gemma glanced up as Francie came across the lawn in the fading light.

  The woman smiled as she came up onto the porch. “Mind if I join you?”

  “Please. I was just thinking about you. I never thanked you properly for what you did for Evan today.”

  “No need for that. The boy was upset over nothing. I’ve raised three boys, so I have a little more experience in dealing with them. Which is one of the reasons I’m here. Evan told me that you’re picking him up from school each day, and then working from home.”

  “Yes. Why?”

  “I know the job requires lots of face-to-face time with store owners and meetings with vendors. I have a suggestion. Evan and I hit it off. He’s a sweet boy, and I have lots of time on my hands now. I’d be more than happy to watch Evan after school each day, for as long as needed.”

  “Oh, Miss Francie, that’s really sweet of you, but that’s too much to ask.”

  “Nonsense. It would fill my days. I’m used to having family around, but the children are grown and living their own lives. I’d hoped for grandchildren by now, but the only one I have was taken from us when she was a toddler. I’m praying that Gil will bring her back to us soon.” Francie smiled and patted her arm. “You don’t have to give me your answer now. But I’m sincere in this offer, and I think Evan and I can help each other.”

  The warmth behind the woman’s offer tightened her throat. It was the perfect solution. “If you’re sure it wouldn’t be any trouble, then I’d like that. I’m sure Evan would, too.”

  “Wonderful.” Francie stood, a big smile on her face. “Oh, and don’t worry about ball practice. He can ride with Linc, and if he’s working late I’ll be happy to take him and watch the practice. I used to watch all the kids’ games.”

  Gemma found herself envious of the loving mother Francie was. From what she’d seen, she’d raised fine upstanding children. Tori was friendly and feisty. Seth was kind and helpful. Gil was honorable—fighting for his child. She knew nothing of the sister in New York, but she was obviously pursuing her dream with her family’s blessing. Linc—well, the jury was still out on Linc.

  Chapter Five

  Linc strode out of the office Tuesday morning and took the stairs down to the shop, heading toward the workroom in the back. Laughter floated on the air. A woman’s laughter, and he thought he knew who it belonged to. But why was she here? He spotted Gemma and Seth huddled together in front of the workbench. Seth pointed to something on the surface and Gemma nodded enthusiastically. The rush of scalding heat sparking along his nerve endings caught him off guard.

  “Hey, bro.” Seth smiled and motioned him forward. “Come look at our project.”

  He moved closer, stopping beside Gemma and willing himself not to stare. She glowed with happiness. Her bright smile and sparkling eyes stole his breath. Her red-gold hair lay across her shoulder in one thick braid, contrasting with the blue sweater she wore over a denim skirt. Bright earrings bobbed against her neck as if mimicking her joy. His mouth went dry and he had to clear his throat to speak. “What project would that be?”

  “The Christmas wreaths for the street drapes we found in the storage building?”

  “Oh, right.” He’d forgotten about those. He stole another quick glance at Gemma, then looked down at the table. The metal wreath looked nothing like the way it had before. The heavy-gauge metal frame had been covered with lights and some kind of green plastic that looked like a dismantled cheerleading pom-pom.

  Seth nodded, a big smile on his face. “Watch this.” He inserted the plug into the outlet, illuminating the decoration. “How’s that? Pretty awesome, huh?”

  Linc had to admit it looked better lit, but it still resembled something a third grader made from a coat hanger and tissue paper. He doubted expressing his honest opinion would contribute much at the moment. He searched for something noncommittal to say. “Looks good.”

  Gemma grinned. “Better than good. He transformed it. I’m thrilled.”

  Linc fought to ignore the way Gemma’s delight washed through his senses, and eyed the strange-looking wreath. He couldn’t imagine people flocking to Dover to see something so tacky hanging overhead. “So are they all going to look like this?”

  “Oh, no.” Gemma’s smile widened. “Seth just put this together with things he had lying around. I’ll order special green and red wrap to cover the frame. But the best part is it’s not going to be very expensive to do all sixteen wreaths.”

  Linc couldn’t take his eyes off her. She sparkled with enthusiasm. Was that all it took—an old restored wreath—to put this kind of joy in her heart? And she had his brother to thank. Not him. Why did that bother him? “So your budget won’t take a hit, then?”

  “Nope.”

  Seth unplugged the lights. “So what do you need, big brother?”

  Linc had forgotten why he’d come downstairs. He’d needed to vent. But not with Gemma here. “I was just getting out of the office.”

  Seth chuckled and nodded. “I hear you. I don’t know how Dad could spend all day in that little box. I’d go crazy.”

  The mention of their father instantly dropped a heavy silence over the conversation. Gemma reached for her purse. “Well, thanks, Seth, for doing this. Any idea how long it’ll take to complete the rest?”

  “Couple days.”

  “Great. I meet with the business owners tomorrow. It’ll help that I can report we’ve already started on the decorations. Thanks again. I really appreciate it.”

  “Any time.”

  Gemma faced Linc, slipping her bag over her shoulder. “Evan is looking forward to ball practice tonight.”

  “He’s a good kid.”

  “I think so.”

  Linc watched Gemma walk out of the workroom, unable to wrest his attention from the soft swish of her braid across her shoulders as she moved. When she finally disappeared from sight, he released a quick breath. Every time he was near her she left some new indelible image in his mind. This time it was her radiant expression.

  “Earth to Linc.”

  He jerked around
to find his brother with a knowing grin on his face.

  “She’s a pretty lady, don’t you think?”

  No way was Linc going to go there with his little brother. But it did raise a question. Did Gemma find Seth attractive? They were about the same age, he guessed. His little brother was a charming guy. Linc could understand if Gemma was drawn to him. Not that it mattered to him. He gestured to the wreath frame. “This isn’t going to take away from any of your jobs, is it?”

  Seth’s smile faded. “No. I get the feeling you aren’t too happy with the changes Gemma plans to make.”

  “I think it’s a waste of time and money, and I doubt it’ll make any difference in the long run.”

  “Really?” Seth crossed his arms over his chest. “I think you’re wrong, but I guess time will tell. So what’s up with you? Something on your mind?”

  Linc set his hands on his hips. “The Coleman bid. I have a bad feeling about it. I wish Gil could have worked up the calculations.”

  Seth patted his arm. “No worries. Montgomery Electric rarely loses those big bids. Everyone knows we’re the best in the business.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  Seth set the wreath aside. “Have you talked to him about it? You did send him the final figures before you submitted the bid, right?”

  Linc leaned a hip against the counter. “Yeah, but he was distracted. I don’t think he looked very closely.”

  “He’s got a lot on his mind.”

  “I know. But so do I.” None of his family understood the tremendous burden he’d assumed at the company. The only one who would understand was gone.

  Linc made his way back to the office, thoughts of Gemma pushing into his mind again. He wondered if she’d come with Evan to the ball field to watch practice. He hoped so. Though having her on the sidelines might not be a good idea. Whenever Gemma was around he was easily distracted by her animated presence.

  Hoping to block thoughts of his lovely tenant, Linc placed a call to his brother Gil, looking for a little reassurance that the bid he’d submitted was on target. “You sure those figures were in line with the work they want done?”