Her Christmas Hero (Home To Dover 6)

by Lorraine Beatty

  He picked up a cookie, the green sprinkles on the top reminding him of how Gemma’s eyes had sparkled with the glow of the lights. They had come on in a blaze of glory. The oohs and aahs from the crowd had filled the air and infused him with a swell of pride. Gemma had created an event that shouted the glory of the Lord.

  He rubbed the bridge of his nose, aware of the crease in his brow. He was scowling again.

  He hadn’t meant to kiss her. His only intention was to be together in the carriage and enjoy the lights. But with her at his side and bathed in the warm glow of thousands of Christmas lights, his resolve had crumbled. She’d looked so incredibly beautiful in the soft light, with the colors playing across her hair and reflecting in her pretty eyes.

  He’d been powerless to stop himself. He’d spent too much time wanting to kiss her, wondering what it would be like. And he hadn’t been disappointed. She’d been sweet and warm in his arms. Holding her had touched a place deep in his core and released dreams he’d buried long ago.

  He wouldn’t have been surprised if his impulsiveness had earned him a slap in the face, or verbal dressing-down. But he hadn’t expected to see fear in her eyes. One moment she was soft and willing under his kiss, the next rigid with fear. It didn’t make any sense. For a moment he’d thought maybe she didn’t welcome his attention. But he knew better. He knew she felt the electricity racing between them when they were together. The kiss, brief as it had been, had confirmed that. But she was either resisting or denying it, and he wanted to know why.

  The more he knew about Gemma the more questions he collected. Now he wanted to know what caused the fear in her eyes. And he had no idea what to make of her comment about Evan’s father. What had happened between them that made her barely acknowledge his existence?

  The questions plagued him all night and still circled in the back of his mind the next morning when he pulled up at the cottage. He’d texted Gemma first thing this morning to confirm his breakfast with Evan. He was a great kid. He hated that the ball season had come to an end. He missed having practice to go to. But he looked forward to sharing breakfast together.

  Linc reached for the door handle to exit the truck, but Evan was already bursting through the front door of the cottage. He pulled open the passenger door and scooted in, a big smile on his face.

  “Hi.”

  “Hi, yourself. Buckle up.”

  Evan nodded, fastened the seat belt, his feet bobbing up and down as they dangled over the edge of the seat. “I’m hungry.”

  “Me, too. I’m going to order a stack of pancakes a mile high with eggs, bacon and maybe some biscuits. How’s that sound?”

  “Good.” His toothy grin revealed his excitement.

  Some of Linc’s enthusiasm faded. He’d hope to have a word with Gemma this morning, but since Evan had been the one to greet him, he assumed she was avoiding him.

  The Magnolia Diner was busy but not full. Shirley, the owner for as long as he could remember, seated them at a booth along the front window. Not the same one he and his father had used, but close enough. Linc focused his attention on the last booth, his throat aching at the sight. But the longer he looked, the more memories he brought to mind and the less it hurt. Gemma’s suggestion might have been the best advice he’d gotten in a while. It would be easier to come here the next time.

  His gaze drifted to the activity outside the window. The city was lit by sunlight now, but traces of last night’s grand lighting were still evident. The food vendors’ small trailers were closed, but they would open at noon. The horse-drawn carriage passed by with early risers taking in the charm of Dover. Gemma had done a fantastic job and he was so proud of her.

  He directed his attention to his little companion. They placed their order, then settled in. They talked about football and school and the Christmas season, and about the “superamazingfantastico” light display his mother had designed. But as they headed home, Evan grew silent and thoughtful, staring out the window. Linc considered prodding him to talk, but decided against it. If the boy wanted to open up, he would.

  Linc pulled the truck to a stop at the main house. Mom had texted him that she was home from judging the lamppost contest and to drop Evan off there. They were going to make Christmas cookies for the upcoming community dinner. He’d been invited to help, but he needed to be at the office staying on top of things. Problems were sprouting like mushrooms and he needed to get things under control.

  Linc shut off the engine and glanced at Evan. “I had a good time. We should do this every Saturday.”

  Evan nodded and smiled. “Like you and your dad did?”

  “Just like it.”

  “Was your dad a good guy?”

  Linc studied the boy a moment. Where was this heading? “Yes. A very good guy. He was my hero.”

  Evan lowered his head. “I think my dad was a bad man.”

  Caught off guard, Linc kept his tone calm and even. “Why do you say that?”

  The boy shrugged. “’Cause my mom never talks about him. I don’t even know his name.”

  The urge to pull the boy close was overwhelming, but he resisted. “That doesn’t mean he was bad, Evan. Sometimes when parents separate they get angry at each other, and it’s easier to forget and just move on.”

  Evan cast a sideways glance at him. “You think so?”

  “Sure. Your mom is a special lady and a great mom. I’m sure she has a good reason for not talking about your dad. She’s probably waiting until you’re older so you’ll better understand.”

  “I’d understand now.”

  “Yeah, but you know moms. They like to protect us and stuff.” Linc gave the boy an affectionate rub on the back of his neck.

  “Okay. Thanks for breakfast. Can we really do it again next week?”

  “Sure thing.”

  Linc watched the boy run to the house and disappear inside. He wasn’t sure who was looking forward more to next week’s breakfast—Evan or him. But now he also had another question to add to his growing list about Gemma. She was so open and giving. Why would she withhold information on Evan’s father from him? Didn’t she know it was creating stress for the little guy? Maybe he should talk to Gemma about it. Maybe she didn’t realize how upset the kid was.

  Something wasn’t making sense. By her own admission she’d never been married, so that ruled out divorce. Had she used one of the new fertility methods to give birth? So why wouldn’t she simply tell Evan how special he was and how she’d chosen to have him?

  He put the truck in Reverse and backed around. But that scenario didn’t track with what he knew about Gemma. So what was the story?

  He wanted to know, for the boy’s sake and for his own, and he planned on asking her at the first opportunity. They’d become important to him, and he wanted to protect them from any pain, past or present.

  Chapter Ten

  The week had passed with a blur of activity. Gemma strolled down Church Street Sunday afternoon unable to keep from smiling. The streets of Dover were bustling with visitors; the shops around the square had their doors wide-open to welcome shoppers and to enjoy the warmer temperatures that had graced the area this weekend. A sense of pride and satisfaction prompted her to smile and offer up a prayer of thankfulness. Despite the loss of funds, things were still coming together and running smoothly. Visitors were coming to see the lights and seeking out the windows they’d seen online.

  This weekend was open house, and the merchants had pulled out all the stops with special sales and prizes. Her part was less stressful this week, mainly to offer encouragement and support.

  “Girlfriend, you have outdone yourself. This square is unbelievable.” Caroline had joined her today, eager to see all the changes and share in the fun.

  “I have to admit there were moments when I didn’t think I could pull it all together. Especially after the money dried up.”

  “You’ve had a lot of support from the people here. That’s obvious. I haven’t seen one empty window on the
square.”

  “Everyone has really stepped up. There were six vacant stores around the square, but the ladies from the library offered to decorate one, the seniors from the community center took another one and various groups finished the rest. I’m in awe of the way people here come together.”

  “I hate that I missed the lighting event last weekend. I really wanted to see that, but Vince and I had plans. I’ll bet it’s romantic at night.”

  “It is. Especially when you ride in the horse-drawn carriage.”

  Caroline stopped and peered at her. “That sounds like firsthand experience. Tell me you didn’t ride in the lovely white carriage all by yourself.”

  Her cheeks flamed and she tugged her hair behind her ears. “Not exactly.” Gemma braved a sideways glance at her friend. Her eyes were wide.

  “Who did you ride with? No. I know. Linc, right? I knew it. He’s got it bad for you.”

  “It wasn’t like that. He and Francie brought Evan to see the lights turned on and we took a ride around to see how things looked from the carriage. No big deal.”

  “You are a terrible liar.” Caroline nudged her shoulder against Gemma’s. “So you said it was romantic. How so? Did he hold your hand, put his arm around you?”

  Gemma quickened her steps. She was not going to tell her friend what really happened at the end of that ride.

  “Gemma Butler. You kissed him, didn’t you?”

  Gemma hushed her friend, glancing around to see if anyone overheard. “Will you be quiet?”

  Caroline’s mouth opened in surprise. “You did.”

  “Technically, he kissed me.”

  “And?”

  “And nothing. It was just a little kiss.” A little kiss that had curled her toes and melted her heart and made her wish it would never end. But she’d pushed him away and ran. He must think she was a nutcase. She’d welcomed his kiss, but the emotions he’d stirred were ones she’d stuffed deep into the back of her heart, never to be touched again.

  Caroline shook her head. “Let me guess. You let what happened years ago scare you away.”

  “You act as if it was nothing.”

  “You know I didn’t mean it like that, but you deserve to be happy, to find someone to love you and Evan, but you won’t if you can’t let go of the fear and distrust, just a little bit.”

  “That’s not as simple as it sounds.” She knew her friend meant well, but she didn’t understand. Sometimes having a friend who knew all your deepest secrets wasn’t a good thing. They were too quick to hold up a mirror to your faults.

  “Well, I think Linc would be good for you. And for Evan.”

  Gemma couldn’t argue that point. Linc would be an amazing father. But that wasn’t a future she could afford to entertain. “Speaking of Evan, he’s been asked to be the lead in the children’s Christmas play at church. He’s so excited. He can’t wait for Linc to get home so he can invite him.”

  “Where’s Linc?”

  “Francie said he’s in Louisiana this week on a job. We haven’t seen him.” Did he really have a job out of state or had she chased him away forever? Maybe he’d decided she wasn’t worth the effort.

  “You miss him, huh?”

  Gemma released a slow breath. “Yes. I’ll admit I do.”

  “I know. That’s what happened with me. And look at me now. Vince and I are closer than ever.”

  Gemma was happy for her friend, but she didn’t see any way she and Linc could get closer. There were too many things he didn’t know about, and when he did—he’d see her in a different light. Linc was an honorable man. He deserved a woman who was free from shame and baggage. He would never be able to accept her past.

  *

  Linc breathed a sigh of relief when he stepped into the large kitchen Monday evening. It felt good to be home. Especially when he could smell his mom’s chicken and noodles in the air. His mouth watered. He’d been in Lake Charles, Louisiana, all week dealing with a subcontractor issue on a commercial project. Running Montgomery Electrical was taking a toll. Without Gil to take on some of the problems he was stretched pretty thin.

  “Linc. I thought I heard you come in. How did it go?”

  His mother came and gave him a hug. “Good. I had to knock a few heads together, though, before they saw reason.”

  “No one is hurt, I assume.” She smiled and lifted the lid on the pot of chicken and noodles. “I hope you’re hungry.”

  “Starved. I’ll wash up and be right back.” He took a quick shower before going back downstairs. Something caught his eye as he passed the family room. He stopped and stared, slowly approaching the tall flocked tree.

  He rubbed his forehead and sucked in a quick breath. No. It was all wrong. He glanced around the room, trying to fit this new object into the old room. “Mom?”

  Slowly she came to his side, slipping her arm in his. “What do you think?”

  He stared at her, unable to process the change. “I don’t know what to think. It’s white and covered with glass ornaments and bows and stuff I’ve never seen before. Our tree never looks like this. It’s always green with colored lights and all our old ornaments.”

  He heard her take a shaky breath and looked down to see tears streaming down her cheeks. “Mom?”

  “Every year your father and I were married he always let me do things the way I wanted. Especially Christmas. So when we decorated the tree we did it the way my family had always done. Dale never said a word, never complained. But he told me once that his ideal tree would be white with crystal ornaments and white lights. So this year I put up the tree he would have loved.” She sniffed and leaned her head against his shoulder. “I should have done this sooner.”

  Linc hugged his mom close to his side. “I had no idea.”

  “Honey, I know all these changes I’ve been making upset you, but I’m trying to sort out how my life will be from here on. Please be patient.”

  “You know that’s not easy for me.” He infused his words with a teasing tone.

  “Don’t I know it. You’re my responsible child, the one who takes charge. Like a sea captain standing at the bow of his ship. Once you set your course you plunge headlong until it’s accomplished. I worry that you’re missing the joy and beauty around you. You need someone in your life to make you happy.”

  “I have you.”

  “That’s not what I’m talking about.”

  “I know.” Images of Gemma and Evan filled his mind.

  “You need to learn to compromise, son. Be more flexible, pay closer attention to the people and events right in front of you. I know you love the company, but don’t let that rule your life. You might miss out on something really important.”

  “I’ll try.”

  As much as he tried to like the stark white tree in the family room, he just couldn’t. He understood why his mom had done it. Though he couldn’t imagine his rugged father wanting such a fancy tree. Thanksgiving had been strange without the formal dinner he was accustomed to. Now Christmas would be missing the traditional tree he’d known his whole life. Resentment began to edge out the disappointment. He walked to the window. The lights were on at Gemma’s. Maybe she could help him see things more clearly. Odd how he’d never wanted to talk about things until she’d moved in.

  He decided not to call to tell her he was coming. Better to simply show up. He picked up a couple cupcakes as a peace offering. She opened the door on the first knock.

  “Linc. You’re back.”

  Her smile encouraged him. Had she missed him? He hoped so. “Hey, if you aren’t busy I’d like to talk over something with you.”

  “Sure.” She took the cupcakes and laughed. “You don’t need to bribe me when you want to talk.”

  Caught. “Okay. I’ll remember that next time.” He glanced into the living area and smiled. A six-foot live evergreen stood beside the fireplace. “Nice tree. Kind of plain, though. You plan on decorating it?”

  “Yes. I haven’t had time to buy ornaments yet.” />
  “Looks a bit crooked. I could fix that if you like.”

  “Great. Evan and I tried but you see the result.”

  “Coach!” Evan raced into the room and hugged Linc. “Hi. You missed the big dinner yesterday at the school. There were millions of people there. I helped serve and clean up, and guess what? I’m going to be the narrator in the Christmas play. That’s the biggest part.”

  Linc offered his open palm for a high five. “That’s cool, buddy.”

  “Will you come and see me? Will you?”

  “Nothing could keep me away. I’ll be front row center.” Linc pulled out his cell phone. “In fact, I’m going to put a reminder in my calendar right now.” He tapped the screen a few times, then showed it to Evan. “See. Now I can’t forget.”

  Evan smiled. “Awesome. It won’t be any good without you.”

  Gemma grimaced. “Well, I like that. I guess that means I can stay home that night?”

  “Aw, Mom. You know what I mean. Hey, Mr. Linc, did you see the tree Miss Francie and I decorated? It looks like a giant icicle.”

  “Yeah, it does. You did a good job.”

  “You’d better get back to your homework. Mr. Linc and I need to talk.”

  Linc settled onto the sofa. “So were there really a million people in the high school gym?”

  “Not quite, but too many. It breaks my heart to see so many families out of work and struggling.”

  Linc nodded. “I keep praying that one year we won’t have to hold the dinner at all.”

  Gemma gave him all her attention. “So what’s on your mind?”

  “That icicle in my mother’s house.”

  Gemma listened patiently as he vented. When he finished, she leaned toward him and rested a hand on his knee. “Change is part of life, Linc. I know it’s hard for you, especially since you value control. But your mother is doing what she needs to do to deal with her loss.”