A Small-Town Christmas

Gemma Butler has a grand vision to transform Dover, Mississippi’s fledgling Christmas celebrations and bring visitors to the town. It’s also the single mom’s last chance to provide for her son and revive her event planning business. But Gemma’s not the only one with something to prove. Linc Montgomery has the weight of the family business on his shoulders. And he’ll go down swinging before he’ll let anyone disrupt the traditions he holds dear. Yet when a storm threatens to destroy the holiday, he’ll join forces with the beautiful planner and discover she just might be the love he’s been searching for.

“I’ve never shown anyone this place before.”

The vulnerability she saw in Linc’s expression tugged at her heart. “I’m honored. It’s a beautiful location. It would be a lovely family estate.”

“I’ve had plenty of offers to buy it. But I’ll never sell.”

“I can’t blame you. Living here would be wonderful.” Gemma slipped her hand into his, and he squeezed it gently, her breath catching with his gaze. There was a softness, a longing, as if he’d pulled back a curtain and allowed her to see something deeply personal.

“I wanted you to understand.”

“Why?” Did he want her to care?

What if she made another mistake? What if Linc wasn’t all he appeared to be?

No. She’d better douse this attraction with a bucket of common sense and keep her focus on the only things that really mattered. Evan and the Christmas events.

Then Linc smiled. Common sense vanished like morning mist in sunlight.

She was in big trouble. Big, big trouble.

LORRAINE BEATTY was raised in Columbus, Ohio, but now calls Mississippi home. She and her husband, Joe, have two sons and five grandchildren. Lorraine started writing in junior high and is a member of RWA and ACFW and a charter member and past president of Magnolia State Romance Writers. In her spare time she likes to work in her garden, travel and spend time with her family.

Her

Christmas Hero

Lorraine Beatty

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Relieve the troubles of my heart

and free me from my anguish.

—Psalms 25:17

To the best brothers anyone could ask for.

John, Steve, David and my sweet Ken.

Love you guys so much. You have blessed my life.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Dear Readers

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Linc Montgomery stepped out onto the front porch of his family home, inhaling the cool October air deep into his lungs. His gaze drifted over the green lawn that sloped to the tree line and beyond. The view never failed to siphon the tension from his body and soothe his soul. And he needed both right now. Leaning one shoulder against a fluted porch post, he prayed for strength to get through the day. The death of his father a month ago had shaken him to the core, and the grief at times was overwhelming.

He growled and exhaled a heavy sigh at the sound of an approaching car. He couldn’t handle another well-wisher dropping off food that probably wouldn’t get eaten. He appreciated their kindness and concern, but he didn’t have it in him today to make nice. A nondescript domestic silver sedan appeared between the old oaks that lined the long winding driveway. He didn’t recognize it. In a town the size of Dover, Mississippi, it was easy to identify a person by the car they drove.

Linc straightened and shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans, struggling to dig up a smile and a grateful attitude. The car drove past the main house and pulled to a stop a hundred yards away in front of the cottage that stood under the oak grove. The cottage had been his grandmother’s home in her later years, and was used infrequently as a guesthouse now. No one was supposed to be there.

Jogging down the front steps, he strode across the lawn, watching as a woman and a young boy emerged from the sedan. She walked confidently onto the porch and unlocked the front door. He had no idea what was going on, but he wasn’t about to let it continue.

“Hey!”

The woman let the boy enter the cottage but didn’t respond to his call. He quickened his steps. “Hey. What are you doing?” He reached the steps before she could disappear inside. “This is private property.”

She turned to face him and he felt a stunned moment of awareness. Her emerald-green eyes were bright and inquisitive. Her strawberry blonde hair was held back on the sides with barrettes, allowing the wavy strands to tumble down behind her shoulders. He yanked his thoughts back into place. “You have no right to be here. So I suggest you hand me the key and leave.” The green eyes darkened and she raised her chin, a slight smile touching her lips.

“Hello, Mr. Linc. As a matter of fact, I do have a right to be here. I’m your new tenant. My son and I will be staying in the cottage for the next few months.”

Linc narrowed his eyes, sorting through the information. Only employees of his family’s electrical contracting business called him Mr. Linc. It saved confusion between all the Montgomerys who worked there. His dad, Dale, himself and his two brothers, Seth and Gil. But he didn’t recognize this woman, and she wasn’t the type he’d forget.

“I don’t know anything about that. No one told me. Do you have a lease you can show me? Because if you don’t, you’ll need to leave. And if you refuse I’ll have the sheriff out here to escort you off the property.”

The boy he’d seen earlier rejoined the woman, whom Linc assumed was his mother. Standing close to her side and eyeing him with a hint of fear in his hazel eyes.

“Mom?”

“It’s all right, Evan. This is Mr. Linc. His family owns the cottage. We’re just discussing some of the details. You go back inside. I’ll be there in a moment.”

The boy nodded, then smiled up at his mother. “Mom, there’s a river behind the house and tons of good climbing trees.”

Linc spoke without thinking. “It’s a creek. The Sandy Fork Creek.”

The woman and boy stared at him with puzzled expressions. He was just trying to be correct.

The woman nudged the boy back inside, then came toward him, stopping at the edge of the top step and waiting. She raised her eyebrows. “If you’ll allow me, I’ll get the lease from my car and put your mind at ease.”

For a reason he wasn’t sure of, he refused to move. He wanted to challenge her. She was up to something, and he wasn’t about to make it easy for her. He’d mastered the icy glare, the one that would send workers scattering back to their jobs, and difficult builders to bend to his will. He crossed his arms over his chest. “You do that.”

She smiled as if dealing with a naughty child, then stepped deftly around him along the edge of the steps, brushing up against his arm and releasing a flowery scent that reminded him of the Confederate jasmine that grew along the side of the main house. He held his ground. Waiting. He kept his back to her, intending to show her who was in charge.

“Here you are. All signed and notarized.”

She spoke from behind him, forcing him to turn and face her. He felt a flicker of admiration for her gutsy determination. Slowly he pivoted. She held out the paper and he took it with a quick swipe. He scanned the document twice to make sure he understood what he was reading. His mom had rented the cottage to this woman—a Gemma Butler—for free. Why? The lease was in order. His mother was the local real estate broker and she knew her stuff.

The woman held her hands clasped in front of her, her expression calm and a bit superior, elevating his blood pressure. He didn’t like being made to look foolish. “Why is my mother letting you stay here free of charge?”

The woman lifted the lease from his hand with thumb and forefinger, then folded it and slipped it into her shoulder bag. “Perhaps you should ask her.” She moved past him and up onto the porch. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get my son settled. I have to start work in the morning. Have a nice day, Mr. Linc.”

Linc watched the woman disappear inside the house and shut the door with a quiet snap. He dragged his fingers across his jaw. Great. This was the perfect ending to a lousy week. He’d been in Biloxi the past six days overseeing a mishandled construction project. When he’d returned home he’d found his mother gone to Little Rock to visit her sister. Now she’d taken on a tenant and had told him nothing about it.

He understood his mother was hurting and confused. Losing their father so suddenly to an aneurism had rocked their world. But she should have stayed here at home where she could be taken care of.

With his father gone, Linc was not only the head of the family now, but the head of Montgomery Electrical Contractors, as well. The job should have been shared with his brother Gil, but he had left shortly after the funeral for Mobile to oversee a project there and to deal with an urgent personal matter. The responsibility of the company weighed heavily on Linc. He’d never realized how much he’d relied on his dad for advice and direction.

Jogging up the steps at the main house, Linc pushed through the front door and headed to the office at the far side of the large home. Pulling his cell phone from his pocket he dialed his mother, pacing the room as he waited. He was worried about her. It wasn’t like her to run off to visit relatives without telling anyone, and it certainly wasn’t like her to rent the cottage to someone outside the family. He’d lived in it himself for a while before getting his own place.

He barely let his mother say hello before he launched his barrage of questions. “You want to tell me about this woman in the cottage? Who is she and what’s going on?”

“Hello, dear. Oh, she’s there already. Good. Did you help her get settled in?”

Linc pressed his lips together to keep from saying something disrespectful. “No, ma’am, because I had no idea that we had a tenant. It would have been nice to have some warning, Mom.”

“I’m sorry, dear. I meant to tell you, but I was in a hurry to get up here to see Mary and I guess I forgot.”

“Who is she?”

“Gemma Butler.”

“I saw that on the lease. Who is she?”

“From our accounting office. She needed to be closer to Dover when she starts work so I offered her the cottage.”

Linc sank into the chair behind the desk, frustration tightening his chest. “Mom. You’re not making any sense. What work?” Silence. “Mom?”

“Well, honey. I should have told you, but I was—”

“In a hurry to get away. I got that.” Why was she so anxious to leave the home she’d shared with his father? She should be here, working through her grief, not running off to her sisters.

“I resigned from the Christmas Event Committee. I just can’t face it this year. So I recommended Gemma, and the Chamber of Commerce hired her. She’s going to be wonderful.”

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desktop. Trying to grasp the changes. “Mom, you’ve always done the Christmas events.”

“I know, but not this year. Surely you understand. With your father gone...”

“I know.” Nothing was the same with Dad gone. The world had tilted and they were all just trying to keep their balance. “When are you coming home?”

“I don’t know. Next weekend, maybe. Have you talked to Gil?”

“No. Have you?”

“Yes. His attorney is still digging through legal tangles, but he’s hopeful. The court should rule in his favor since he’s the legal parent.”

“Let’s hope so. We both know the court system can often make poor decisions. I’m praying they won’t this time.”

Linc heard his mom hum her agreement, then encouraged her once more to come home before ending the call and tossing the cell onto the desk. His gaze landed on the family photo sitting on one corner. A short while ago they were all together. Now they were missing their most important member. Losing his dad had made him realize how much he valued his family, how important it was to stay close and keep the ties strong.

Unfortunately, the opposite was happening. His siblings seemed to be drifting away and he didn’t know how to stop it. His sister Bethany had already left the fold years ago to pursue her dancing career in New York. Gil had moved to Mobile temporarily. Now his mother had quit her job and fled to her sisters. Seth was still here and so was his youngest sister, Victoria, but they’d been grieving, too, and he had no idea how to help them. He had no idea how to help himself. But his dad would have.

Pushing back from the desk, he stood and went to the window. He had a perfect view of the cottage, but saw no sign of the woman or boy. He searched his mind for a memory of her, but he couldn’t recall ever seeing her in the office. He’d look her up on the employee files—better safe than sorry.

Turning from the window, he thought about her gutsy behavior. She’d stood up to him. Most women smiled and flirted. There was something different about Mrs. Butler. She looked all soft and feminine in her white lacy top and simple tan slacks. But underneath she was strong. Which was surprising since she wasn’t very tall. Five-four tops. He stood an even six feet and she’d barely reached his shoulder.

He huffed out a breath and rubbed his forehead. He didn’t need any more surprises. He had enough to deal with his father’s passing and fighting to stay on top of things. He went to the window again, irritated to realize he was wondering where the woman was.

* * *

Gemma peeked out the master bedroom window of the small two-bedroom cottage at the stately mansion across the lawn. Linc Montgomery had disappeared inside several minutes ago, but her heart was only now settling into a normal rhythm. She’d watched him march across the grass, all broad shoulders and strong legs, unable to take her eyes off him. The man was positively imposing. Not to mention overbearing and arrogant. But she had to admit that despite his cold and egotistical demeanor, the Lord had blessed him with a physique that was hard not to admire.

He’d been blessed in the good-looks department, too. With his dark chocolate hair, deep blue eyes framed by thick lashes and a sharply defined jaw—he was definitely easy on the eyes. Too bad he was so obnoxious.

She’d only worked as an accountant for Montgomery Electrical for five months. She didn’t necessarily enjoy her work, but the atmosphere had made up for it. The owner, Dale Montgomery, had made everyone feel valued and important. He knew each person’s name, knew their children and spouses and never failed to offer prayer for those in need. She’d admired and respected him a great deal. His passing had left all the employees bereft.

When Mr. Linc and Mr. Gil had taken over, things had changed. She understood they were grieving, but she couldn’t see herself working for Mr. Linc. Ever. He strode through the offices as if he was always on his way to someplace more important, only granting a nod to those he passed. He never smiled or offered a word of conversation. She’d been a bit surprised Linc hadn’t recognized her, but she probably shouldn’t be. She doubted he noticed anyone but himself.

It would have been nicer if Mr. Gil had been here when she arrived. He would have at least given her a pleasant welcome. Mr. Seth, too, would have been nice. He worked with the electricians and rarely came into the office, but the few times he had he’d been warm and friendly like his father. She knew nothing of the two sisters other than the tidbits she’d picked up from coworkers.

Francie was the one she truly adored. The matriarch of the Montgomery family was sweet, kind and generous. People were drawn to her warm personality and her caring heart. She owed the woman for freeing her from the accounting job and giving her a fresh start, and Gemma was determined to do a good job. She only wished Francie was here to talk to. She needed a little encouragement to meet with the president of the Dover Chamber of Commerce tomorrow.

Taking over as director of Christmas events was a big job and the Chamber was expecting her to create holiday attractions that would draw visitors and increase revenue. She clasped her hands beneath her chin and smiled. This was her second chance to make good.

Losing her event-planning business in Charlotte, North Carolina, last year had been devastating. Made more painful by the knowledge that her trusted friend and business partner, Darren Scofield, had betrayed her by stealing away her clients, then opening his own event business and leaving her with a worthless company. The fallout had been brutal. She’d been forced to return to her parents’ home while she regrouped. A decision she deeply regretted. Her son had paid a high price for her mistake.

Evan peeked into her room. “Mom, can I go look at the river...I mean, the creek?”

“Not right now, sweetie. I have to finish unpacking, and I want to go with you to check it out. Are you all settled into your room?”

He nodded, the light in his hazel eyes revealing his excitement. “I can see the creek from my bed. This will be a cool place to explore.”

She had to agree. Large trees, a stream and plenty of room to run—it was an eight-year-old boy’s dream. She knew Evan missed the generous backyard they’d had in Charlotte before her business had failed. She shook off the bad memories of those months. That was in the past. The Lord had answered her prayers and given her a new job and a new hope for her future. She gave her son a hug. “I think we’ll both like it here.”

The cottage was small and cozy, filled with lovingly worn upholstered furniture in the living room and charmingly mismatched tables and lamps. A fireplace added extra appeal. The dining and kitchen area flowed into each other and the multipaned window on the back wall looked out onto the shaded yard and the gnarled old oaks. But the best feature was the front porch that wrapped around one side of the cottage. She was looking forward to relaxing in one of the two wooden rockers. She hitched her shoulders and bit her lip. It was so nice to have a place of her own again.

The first notes of Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” blasted from her cell phone. It had become her personal anthem during the past year. She smiled when she saw it was Caroline. After leaving her parents, she’d moved in with her college friend Caroline Walker in Sawyer’s Bend, the next town over from Dover, and taken the job at Montgomery. “I figured I’d hear from you about now.”

Her friend chuckled. “I just wanted to see how the big move was going. Do you think you’ll like it there?”

Gemma smiled as she walked into the cheery blue-and-yellow kitchen. “The cottage is precious and Evan loves the yard, but I’m not so keen on the landlord.”

“What do you mean? Francie is a sweetheart.”

Caroline had worked several years for Montgomery Electrical until her jewelry design business had taken off. Now she ran a successful boutique in Sawyer’s Bend. “I know, but that’s not who greeted us. Mr. Linc did, and apparently he knew nothing about me renting the place.”

“Oh, dear. Of all the brothers to get crossways of he would be the worst. Are you going to be okay there? With him around, I mean?”

“Of course. I don’t like him much, but I’m not about to let him intimidate me. Besides, I have Francie on my side. I just wish she was here. This would be so much easier if she were.”

“You can handle it. You’re stronger than you think you are. And once you start planning all those Christmas events you’ll be in your element again, and on your way back to the life you deserve. I’ll come by soon to visit. I always wanted to get a close-up view of the mansion.”

“Why not this afternoon? All I have to do is unpack a few clothes.” The lack of response from her friend made her frown. “Caroline?”

“I’m meeting Vince this afternoon. I’m breaking it off.”

“Why? I thought he was your perfect match.”

“More like perfect mistake. I’ll tell you about it later. But, Gemma, you’re going to be spectacular at this Christmas thing. Gotta run.”

Gemma ended the call with mixed emotions. Caroline was tossing aside another relationship without any real reason. But her support and encouragement renewed Gemma’s confidence. Her friend was right. Planning events was her calling and her passion. She loved creating beautiful celebrations for her clients, giving them cherished memories of a special occasion.

Gemma peeked into the small bedroom and found Evan sitting cross-legged on the floor with his game player. She’d rather see him enjoying the outdoors. Maybe unpacking could wait. “Are you ready to go check out that creek?”

His eyes lit up, causing a prick in her heart. He’d lost his spark living with her parents. Staying with Caroline had helped ease some of his insecurities, but now that they were alone maybe he’d regain his happy smile and be less fearful and hesitant.

Fall leaves and small acorns crunched pleasingly beneath their feet as they crossed the yard on the way to the creek. It was a lovely piece of property with a lovely home to match. The pale-gray-and-white mansion rose three stories between hundred-year-old live oaks, thickly draped with Spanish moss. A circular porch with a balcony above graced one side of the home and a sunroom extended from the other side. Behind the house were two larger buildings she suspected had served as barn and stable in earlier times.

The overall effect was pleasing and welcoming. A true family home. The kind Gemma had always imagined.

“Mom, that guy, he was pretty strong, huh?”

“You mean Mr. Linc? Yes, I suppose he is.” There was little doubt the man worked out.

“He looks like a quarterback. Suppose he played football?”

She didn’t know for certain, but it was a safe assumption. He had the build for it and the aggressive personality. “Maybe.” What had prompted her son’s questions? Was he longing for a father figure in his life, someone to play ball and roughhouse with? Maybe she should have gotten married and given her son a real family. But she hadn’t been able to bring herself to trust another man. She’d been betrayed too many times.

“Do I have to go to school tomorrow?”

She smiled at the dread in his voice. “Yes. We’ll get you registered first thing. I’m sure you’ll make wonderful new friends.”

He lowered his head and shrugged, kicking fallen leaves up as he walked. “I guess.”

Gemma pulled him close for a quick hug. “Don’t be afraid to talk to the other kids. I know it’s been difficult for you staying with Grandma and Grandpa, then moving across the country to Miss Caroline’s, but now it’s just you and me, okay?”

“What if I make a mistake or do something wrong?”

Gemma set her jaw. Her perfectionist mother had chipped away at Evan’s confidence with her constant criticism. Gemma had been so busy dealing with the aftermath from Darren’s betrayal and losing her business she hadn’t realized how hard it was for her son until the damage had been done. Growing up she’d grown a coat of armor against her mother’s ways, but Evan was too young. When Caroline offered her a place, Gemma had jumped at the chance to escape the oppressive expectations of her overachieving parents.

“It’s okay to make a mistake, Evan. And nothing on this earth is perfect, no matter what your grandmother says. You do the best you can and I’ll always be proud of you. Understand?” Evan nodded and gave her a sweet smile.

They stopped at the edge of the creek. Broad and shallow, it posed little for her to worry about. Evan would have fun exploring. As he started to poke around the stones and mud, she wandered off a short ways. Her gaze drifted to the mansion. She stopped when movement caught her attention. A man stood at the edge of the porch. Linc. Was he watching them? Making sure they didn’t do any damage? Had he talked to his mother?

She shook off the concerns. She had every right to be here. If he didn’t like it, that was his problem. Hers was creating a series of Christmas events that would give Dover the economic boost they needed. She already had lots of ideas and couldn’t wait to meet with the Chamber members tomorrow to get started.

Unable to stop herself, she glanced at Linc again. Even across the distance his personality reached out and touched her—sending a shiver along her spine. She’d have to be vigilant. Strong. Keep her confidence in place. No one was going to make her cower, or take advantage of her ever again.

Chapter Two

Linc was not a fan of Monday mornings. Especially when it meant sitting behind a desk in an office. He’d much rather be in his truck headed for a job site. The figures on the page before him dissolved into a cloudy blur. He closed his eyes, rubbing them with his fingers to ease the strain. Calculating the estimates for a project bid was his brother Gil’s area of expertise. Linc was more at home with managing the actual job. But with Gil in Mobile and Dad gone, it fell to him.

Leaning back in the chair, he scanned the office. His dad’s presence lingered heavily in the air. At any moment he expected to hear his deep voice, and to see his sturdy frame striding into the room. The ache inside Linc’s chest expanded, and a lump rose in his throat, so painful that it made his eyes burn.

As long as he could remember he’d wanted to be exactly like his dad. He wanted to do everything he did, including running the family business. But his dream had always included working side by side with his father—never running the company all alone. Technically, Gil was a partner, too. He was the planner, the negotiator, the one who won bids with his precise numbers. Linc was the hands-on guy, supervising the electricians, managing job sites and dealing with the construction issues.

He swiveled the chair to look out the window and studied the sign out front that proclaimed in shiny steel letters on a blue background the company his grandfather had started. Linc had trained and studied his whole life to assume this job. But he’d never expected the pressure involved with keeping a large company running.

He slammed a fist against the chair arm. Why had the Lord taken Dale Montgomery so young? He’d not seen his sixtieth birthday. His family needed him. Linc needed him. Setting his jaw, he shoved the self-pity aside and spun back around to the desk. He needed to buck up. His dad wouldn’t want him behaving like a kid. He’d expect him to step in and take charge. Somehow Linc had to keep the company going and the family together. Family had meant everything to Dale Montgomery. Faith first, family second—then work.

“Hey, bro.” Seth Montgomery strolled into the office and stopped in front of the desk. “I came by to pick up supplies and thought I’d see how you were doing.”

Much of Linc’s melancholy eased. His younger brother was easygoing and always found the bright side in everything. Linc rested his elbows on the desk. “Wishing Gil was here to figure out these blueprints. This bid is due at the end of the week.”

Seth sat down with a shake of his head. “Don’t look at me. I’m not the business type, remember? I like pulling wires and connecting circuit breakers.” He grew serious as he glanced around the office. “It seems weird to see you in here instead of Dad.”

The pressure inside Linc’s chest squeezed like a vise, making it hard to breathe. They were all suffering the loss. “Trust me, it feels even weirder to sit here and try to do his job.”

“Afraid you’re not up to it?”

“Maybe.”

Seth stood, an encouraging smile on his face. “Don’t sweat it. You’re the smartest guy I know. And the most stubborn. It might be rough at first, but you’ll make it work. You and Gil together are a force, man.”

“Thanks. Have you talked to Tori?” Their youngest sister had taken their father’s death the hardest. As the baby of the family, she and Dad had shared a special bond. She was struggling with her grief.

“Yeah, she’s not doing too well. She won’t even let me come over. I’m worried. I wish Mom was here. Mom’s the only one who can understand her.”

“Hopefully she’ll be home soon. Did you know she rented the cottage?”

“No. Who to?”

“A former employee of ours. Gemma Butler and her son.”

Seth’s serious expression shifted to one of appreciation. “Whoa. The pretty blonde from accounting?”

How did Seth know about her and he didn’t? “Yeah. You know her?”

“Not really, but I had a payroll issue with one of the guys a while back and she got it all straightened out. Nice lady. Very sweet. And very single.”

Linc had discovered that when he’d checked her file. “She’s the new director of Christmas events for the Chamber.”

“Really? Mom stepped aside, huh? I knew she was thinking about it.”

Linc suddenly felt like a distant cousin instead of the eldest son. Everyone knew what was going on but him. How had he missed all this? Maybe in his shock and grief he’d failed to pay attention. He’d have to do better. It was up to him now to stay involved in his siblings’ lives. And his mother’s. What else hadn’t she told him? How was he supposed to be the head of the family if everyone kept him in the dark? Seth turned to leave. “Where are you working today?”

“Up in Madison. The Kramer house is behind schedule.”

What else was new?

The rest of the day produced more annoyances and setbacks. By the time he called it quits, Linc was tired and ready to crash. After a quick shower and a sandwich, he refilled his glass of sweet tea and went out on the front porch. The air was rich with the smell of fall and the late-blooming camellias and roses. His gaze went immediately to the cottage. The silver car was parked along the narrow drive beside the house. There was no sign of the boy. He’d spotted him earlier in the yard tossing a football in the air. He’d considered offering to throw a few spirals to the kid, but then decided against it. Linc didn’t need to get involved with the new tenants. Still, he found himself looking for her—Gemma. Unusual name but appropriate. With her red-gold hair and clear green eyes, she made him think of sparkling gemstones, like vibrant emeralds and fiery topaz. She was all soft and feminine, which made it all the more intriguing that she’d challenged him. She seemed too delicate to have such a strong backbone.

As he watched, the front door of the cottage opened and the object of his thoughts stepped onto the porch, settling into one of the rockers. With one leg folded under her, she pushed the rocker with her toe. She looked relaxed, dreamy, and he wondered what she was thinking. Part of him wanted to go talk to her. But a bigger part warned him to steer clear. The last thing he needed right now was any romantic distractions. Especially with a friend of his mother’s. He pivoted and headed for the family room.

Monday Night Football was about to start.

* * *

The October twilight was pleasantly warm. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves on the ground in front of the cottage as Gemma kept the wooden rocker in motion. The light was fading, but she wasn’t in any hurry to go inside as long as there was a single ray of light left to enjoy. Resting her head against the back of the chair, she closed her eyes, letting her senses appreciate the scents of autumn. She loved the mixture of earth, dry leaves and fading vegetation.

A sliver of guilt poked into her reverie. She’d come outside to read through the folder that Pete McCorkle, president of the Dover Chamber of Commerce, had given her on the town’s previous celebrations—not to daydream.

A busy squirrel screeched from a nearby tree, making the hair on the back of her neck tingle. No. It wasn’t the critter that had her senses on alert. She opened her eyes. Someone was watching her. She glanced toward the main house, expecting to find Linc looking at her again. But the porch was empty. She looked at the large window on the side of the house. Was he watching from that room? She fought the urge to retreat inside.

The sensation faded, and she relaxed. She must be imagining things. Linc’s scrutiny earlier had left her edgy. But she refused to worry about his bad attitude or his effect on her nervous system. In her line of work she’d learned how to deal with all types of people, from the overly friendly to the overly hostile. But Linc triggered emotions that were unfamiliar and disturbing. Until she could put a name to them, she was keeping her guard up and plenty of distance between herself and the eldest Montgomery brother. Linc was exactly the type she wanted to avoid. Overly confident, arrogant and with a need to take charge.

Opening the folder in her lap, she leafed through the reports Pete had given her. There wasn’t much to look at. They consisted of a small parade, random lights around town, a nativity, a Christmas tree in the square park and a lighted star on the courthouse dome.

They’d given Gemma to the end of the week to come up with ideas to transform their ho-hum celebration into something spectacular that would be a draw for holiday tourists, and in turn boost their sagging economy. Most of her responsibility would fall on the first two weekends of the celebration. She wouldn’t be involved with the other two events, the community meal for the needy and the toy drive, but she already had ideas for a few additions that would hopefully enhance them.

Her creative juices were already flowing. She’d come up with a dozen ideas, and with the budget she’d been given she shouldn’t have any trouble seeing them through. She and Evan had made a tour of downtown yesterday and explored some of the neighborhoods. If she could get enough of the business owners on the square motivated, she could make Christmas in Dover an event people flocked to each year. She could see it growing steadily and someday being named in the top ten attractions in the South. Maybe even a feature article in Southern Living magazine.

She chuckled softly. She was getting ahead of herself. First she had to get her ideas approved.

“Hey, Mom. What’cha doing?”

Gemma smiled as her son joined her on the porch. “Looking over some work for tomorrow. Did you run out of time on your video game?” She’d set strict limits on the amount of time Evan could spend on his games.

“Yes, ma’am. Can I play under those trees until dark?”

“Sure.”

Refocusing on the file, her confidence wavered. She had a lot to accomplish between now and December 1. Thankfully the Chamber heads were eager for her to succeed. And she needed to succeed. Failure meant accepting help from her parents. She’d imposed on Caroline long enough, and moving back home would be emotional suicide. But with a mountain of debt, working as a low-level accountant would barely provide a living for her and Evan.

Gemma ran her hands through her hair, staring up at the passing clouds. As long as she could remember her parents had pressured her and her older sister, Beatrice, to achieve greatness. Nothing less would do. Her father, a well-known professor of political science, and her mother, head of a large private foundation, had expected even more from their daughters. Bea had done her part by earning her doctorate.

Gemma was the black sheep. Her creative bent had been a puzzlement to her parents, something they didn’t understand or condone. To them it was a waste of time to draw or paint. She’d fought them her whole life, even down to taking piano lessons. If she wasn’t going to be a concert pianist, what was the point?

She’d compromised by getting a second degree in accounting, but she had no intension of getting her CPA—an achievement her parents ceaselessly pressured her to attain. Accounting was a handy skill to have to fall back on, but event planning was her passion.

Determined to prove herself and carve out her own life, she’d started Fine Day Events with her good friend Darren. Their business had been a huge success, fulfilling all of Gemma’s hopes. Until Darren had betrayed her and destroyed her dream.

But she’d learned her lesson. This time she would rely only on her own skills and abilities. She was an exceptional event planner, and she would turn Dover’s holiday celebrations into something everyone in south Mississippi would flock to see.

Nothing would stand in her way.

* * *

Linc’s cell phone rang the moment he changed the channel to ESPN and settled back for a distracting game on Monday Night Football. He groaned and picked up his phone. Mom. Maybe she was coming home. Finally. “Mom. How’s it going?”

“Fine. I was just calling to ask you if you’d made our new tenant comfortable. I want her to feel welcomed so I hope you’re going by and checking on her.”

“I’m not the welcoming committee, Mom. I’m sure if she needs anything she’ll ask.”

“Does she have your number?”

“I don’t know.”

“John Lincoln, you make yourself available to that young woman. She’s taking on a big job and we need to be there for her.”

“Mom, I have my hands full trying to run the business. I don’t have time to play host.”

“Do you know if she’s met with the Chamber folks yet?”

Linc rubbed his forehead. “No. I’ve only spoken to her once.”

“Son, I’ve dumped a big project in her lap and I’m not there to guide her. I want you to attend those meetings and make sure she has all she needs. You’ve helped me with Christmas events several times and you know what to do.”

“Mom, maybe it’s time you came home. We miss you. Especially now. Tori’s not doing well. If you were here you could help this woman yourself. It would keep you busy and your mind off...things.”

“You think keeping busy will make me forget I lost the man I’ve loved for nearly forty years?”

His mother’s harsh tone humbled him. “You know that’s not what I meant.”

“I’ll be home soon. I promise. And I’ve been talking to your sister. She just needs to work through this in her own way. In the meantime, you watch over Gemma. She’s a good friend and I want her to know we’re supporting her.”

“Friend? Mom, how do you know this woman?”

“Remember the retirement party for Harvey Morgan? She’s the one who planned that whole thing. It was amazing. I went to tell her what a splendid job she’d done and we connected right away. I think she’s exactly what Dover needs to spark up the Christmas events.”

What was going on? “The events are just fine the way they are.”

“Be that as it may, will you do as I ask and look out for her?”

“Fine. I’ll pay her a visit tonight.”

“Thank you, dear. I love you.”

“Love you, too, Mom.”

Linc hung up, then lay his head on the back of the recliner. So much for the football game. He needed downtime, a few hours of mindless distraction from the pressure at the office. The last thing he wanted to do was play gracious host to the new tenant. In fact, he’d like to avoid the woman altogether. Something about her disturbed him, but he wasn’t sure what or why. He’d even dreamed about her last night. Not a good thing.

He didn’t understand why his mother was so concerned about the woman handling the job. Mom had the decorations and celebrations down to a science. All that Gemma had to do was follow the plan from the previous years and it would be a breeze. But, as he’d promised his mom, first he’d make her feel welcomed.

Leveraging himself from the recliner, he went to the freezer in the utility room and pulled out one of his mom’s frozen pecan pies. Her standard welcome-to-the-area offering.

Slipping on his athletic shoes, he didn’t bother to tie the laces. This would be a quick howdy-do. He’d hand her the pie, offer her his assistance, then get back to the game. The Saints had the ball.

All the lights in the cottage were blazing when he knocked on the door. He shifted impatiently as he waited. He’d reached out to knock again when the door opened and Gemma appeared. The lights from inside framed her in a soft glow, making her skin translucent and her reddish-blond hair spark with light. She was stunning. His mouth went dry and he forgot why he was here. “Uh. My mom, I mean, I brought you a pie. Pecan pie.” He went warm all over. What was wrong with him? He never had trouble talking to women, but for some reason he was as tongue-tied and awkward as a teenager with his first crush. “I should have brought it sooner. To welcome you. As a tenant.” He suddenly wished the porch boards would collapse and swallow him into the ground.

She smiled, her green eyes twinkling like emeralds. “That’s very kind of you. I’m sure Francie would have brought it herself if she was here.”

Linc frowned. Was she implying that he obviously hadn’t thought of this himself? She was right, but he didn’t like the idea that she could read him. “Actually, I wanted to bring it as an apology gift, too.” Good move. Now he was back on track. “I wasn’t very hospitable yesterday when you arrived. I didn’t know Mom had leased the cottage. And, uh, I’ve been too busy to get over here before this.”

She raised an eyebrow, then dropped her gaze down to his feet and his untied laces. “And you were so anxious to get the pie to me that you forgot to tie your shoes?”

“No. I—” Heat infused his neck and cheeks. Linc Montgomery didn’t like being off balance. He was always the one in charge. This woman was downright irritating.

“My son does that when he’s in a hurry to finish an unpleasant task. Like taking out the garbage, or bringing a pie to a neighbor.”

Her eyes weren’t twinkling now. They were dark and challenging. Well, he’d show her. He flashed his best smile. “A neighbor I should get to know better. Where would you like me to put this?” He stepped closer, edging past her to the door. She was not going to get the best of him.

She moved aside, following him into the living room. “Just put it in the kitchen.”

He smiled over his shoulder. “It’s frozen.”

“So you didn’t bake it yourself, then?”

“I could have.” He cringed at the stupidity of that remark. He could no more bake a pie than knit a sweater. Mr. Smooth Moves with the ladies was playing one-upmanship with a girl. No, a woman. A disturbingly attractive and quick-witted one at that.

She stood in the small eating area while he placed the pie on the counter. He looked at her and smiled again. She didn’t smile back. “So is there anything I can do for you? Anything need fixing, problems with the house, something up high I can get down for you?”

She arched her brows. “Everything is fine. We don’t need a thing. And I have a step stool.”

“Hey, Mom.” The boy charged into the room, his shoes squeaking on the floor when he stopped. “Hi, Mr. Linc.”

Linc searched his memory for the boy’s name. “Hey, Evan.” He noticed the junior-size football in the boy’s hands. “You play?”

“Naw. Mom can’t throw and I don’t know anyone yet.”

“I’ll play with you. Just holler. When you see that red truck at the main house that means I’m home. I love football.”

The boy’s face split in a wide smile. “Did you play?”

“Sure did. All through college.”

“Pro, too?”

“No. I wasn’t tall enough.” He shrugged. “Only six feet.”

“Drew Brees is only that tall.”

“Yes, but he has talent.”

Evan chuckled, then hurried from the room.

Gemma gave him a cool glare. “That was very nice of you. Assuming you follow up on your offer?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

She shrugged. “I’ve learned people say a lot of things they don’t mean. Promises aren’t worth much.”

“They are to me.”

“That remains to be seen, doesn’t it?”

He’d had enough. This woman was getting under his skin. She shoved him off balance every time she spoke, and with every glance from those incredible green eyes. Seeing a pen and notepad on the counter, he scribbled down his cell number. “If you need anything, call. Day or night. I mean that.”

“Of course you do. Your mother would tan your hide if you didn’t. Right?”

Either she didn’t think much of him or she knew his mother better than he’d expected. Whatever—he wasn’t going to expend any more effort on making her feel at home. His mom could do that when she got back. “Good night.” He walked past the table and noticed the photos from last year’s Christmas events. Beside them were sketches of the same scenes, only far more elaborate. He touched one sketch with his fingertips. “What are these?”

Gemma came to his side. “My designs for decorating the downtown.”

“But this looks nothing like it did last year.”

“That’s the point. The Chamber wants to expand everything. More lights, more activities, more decorations.”

“Why?”

“To bring in more business. Over the next few years they’d like to see Dover become a Christmas destination spot.”

“Does my mother know about this?”

“Yes. Of course.”

Blindsided again. Linc nodded and made his way to the door. Everything in his life was upside down and backward. Gemma followed him.

“Thank you for the pie.”

He stopped and looked back at her, caught again by how lovely she was. “You’re welcome.”

Linc made his way down the steps, nearly tripping on his laces. He propped his foot up on a planter and tied them before marching back to the house.

This Gemma was going to completely change Dover’s Christmas. He liked it the way it was. Time to have another talk with his mother. Surely she didn’t intend for this woman to toss out the cherished holiday celebrations.

Suddenly his mom’s suggestion that he attend the Chamber meetings and help Gemma sounded like a great idea. His mom was right about one thing. He did know the Christmas events down to the last plastic poinsettia. He’d make sure she didn’t destroy the holiday traditions the people in this town treasured—and that she kept things the way his mother always had.

* * *

Gemma closed the door behind Linc, then returned to the kitchen and stared at the pie. That had to have been Francie’s idea. She seriously doubted Linc would think of that on his own.

She smiled as she imagined Linc’s reaction to Francie’s request to bring a pie to the new tenants. No doubt he’d whined and rolled his eyes the way Evan did when faced with an unpleasant task. Why else would Linc traipse over here with his shoes untied?

When she’d seen him coming up on the porch, she’d braced for another confrontation and assumed her most pleasant expression. The one she used for clients who were inclined to be difficult. But when she’d opened the door, he’d looked stunned—and confused. He’d recovered quickly, unleashing his charm, but it was obvious he was unhappy with playing gentleman host.

It was all a wasted effort where she was concerned. She felt certain he was accustomed to women melting under his disarming smile, and to be fair, it had caused a small hitch in her breath. She doubted he was used to women challenging his motives.

What he didn’t know was how fragile her bravado actually was. Resting a hand on her throat, she took a few deep breaths to slow her heart rate and calm the flutters in her stomach.

She’d have to keep her head around Linc. He put the electric in Montgomery Electrical. Energetic and aggressive, with his piercing blue eyes, the perpetual scowl on his chiseled features, he was the kind of man who could overpower you with his personality alone. Which meant he wasn’t the kind of man she ever intended to get close to. The thought of being overpowered again chilled her blood. She forced the memory back into the dark corner of her mind, praying for peace. The past was over. She had Evan. That was all she wanted to remember.

“Mom? Did that man leave?”

She motioned her son to her side. “Yes. Why?”

He exhaled a loud sigh. “I wanted to ask him about football and stuff.”

Gemma’s shoulders sagged at the thought. Another challenge to guard against. She didn’t need her son developing a case of hero worship for a man like Linc. Though he had been kind to Evan earlier, she knew better than to make any snap judgments about men. Besides, Linc hadn’t come of his own accord in a gesture of welcome or apology. He’d come because he’d been ordered by his mother.

“We’ll talk about that tomorrow. It’s time for bed.”

After settling Evan for the night, Gemma returned to the dining room to go over her presentation one more time. She’d spent a good portion of the past two days sketching out ideas for decorating the town square. Looking at her drawings released a bubble of excitement from deep inside—helping to chase away the unease Linc had left in his wake. Tomorrow she would meet with the Chamber officials to present her preliminary plans, and she needed to be prepared. If she succeeded in Dover, it would open the doors for her future. She could return to Charlotte, or anywhere for that matter, and start another business. New name, new focus, new goals. Ones that didn’t include trusting someone else.

Chapter Three

Gemma waited patiently the next afternoon as the officers of the Dover Chamber of Commerce passed around her drawings for the downtown Christmas decorations. She’d received a warm welcome from everyone. She’d already met Pete McCorkle, the president, but this afternoon she’d been introduced to Celia Jones, the membership director; Jeff Wilson, director of sales; and the treasurer, Leon Skelton. They had expressed their excitement over the expansion of the Christmas celebrations. She’d also met Leatha Delmar, who would be her assistant, and who had greeted her with a warm hug and assurance that she would help with everything. As a longtime resident of Dover, Leatha’s knowledge and experience would be invaluable.

Pete studied her drawings, a pleased smile on his face. “These are wonderful. This should draw people from up in Jackson to come down and see our decorations.” He glanced at her. “Can you do this within the budget?”

“I believe so. Provided we can get the business owners on board to help. I’m hoping for a few volunteers to help me coordinate details and work with store owners. And I’ll solicit donations where I can. I’d like to incorporate the other events you have—the community dinner, the toy drive. Bring all the events together, which will ultimately help all the merchants, not just the ones around the square.”

Celia nodded in agreement. “I don’t think you’ll have any trouble. For years, we’ve wanted to do more with Christmas beyond tossing up a few lights.”

“May I ask why you haven’t?”

“Money, mainly. We have two other large events and fund-raisers during the year. A Founders Day celebration in the fall, and a sidewalk sale and cook-off in the spring. It’s only been with the closure of the Southways plant that we were forced to look for another means of revenue. We decided to make more of our charming downtown and put more effort into the holiday.”

“I think that was a wise decision. Your town square is ideal for showcasing Christmas celebrations.”

Pete clasped his hands on the table. “I like your ideas and your enthusiasm. How soon can we get started on this? I’m afraid we haven’t given you much time. It’s already late October.”

Gemma kept her demeanor professional, but inside she wanted to leap for joy. “I’d like to start with a meeting of the local business owners as soon as possible. I’d also like to see what you have on hand as far as lights, signs, banners, holiday decor, things like that.”

Jeff Wilson spoke up. “That would be in the storage building over on Fifth Street. Francie Montgomery should be able to give you her key.”

Gemma bit her lip. “Oh. I’m afraid she’s out of town, and I have no idea when she’ll be home.”

Wilson waved off her concern. “No problem—Linc will know where the key is.”

She forced a smile, but inwardly she cringed. She was trying to avoid Linc—not become more involved. The memory of his unexpected visit last night sent her pulse racing and released a swarm of butterflies in her stomach. Still, she left the meeting with a confidence she hadn’t felt in a long time.

She smiled through her trip to the grocery, the bank and the drugstore. When she pulled up at the school to pick up Evan she was still smiling. Tomorrow she would take pictures of the downtown buildings so she could begin designing light displays. She’d draft an email to the business owners tonight requesting a meeting in the next couple of days. She prayed they would be willing to participate. But first she had to see what was salvageable in the storage building. Unfortunately, to do that she needed to talk to Linc again and get the key.

“Hey, Mom.” Evan slid into the front seat and buckled up.

“How did it go today?” She reached over and smoothed his hair.

“Good. I met a boy who lives near us. He said if you’ll call his mom she would let him come over to play.”

“That’s wonderful, honey. Did you get her number?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Gemma made the turn into the winding driveway of the Montgomery estate situated a few miles south of downtown Dover. The long alley of live oaks arching overhead, dripping with moss, was like a loving welcome home. Living on the Montgomery estate in the quaint cottage gave her a sense of belonging and fueled her imagination. Her mind was a tumbler of ideas all straining to spill forth and become reality.

As she made the curve to the main house she noticed Linc’s red Silverado parked in front. She would have expected him to drive a black one. It better suited his personality. She didn’t relish the idea of approaching him again. He’d probably want proof that she had permission to open the storage building.

She squared her shoulders and raised her chin. She was a professional. She’d ask for the key, then go on about her business. Piece of cake. Or in his case, pie.

“Mom, can I see if Mr. Linc can play football with me?”

“Honey, I’m sure he’s working. He’s a busy man. We shouldn’t bother him.”

“But he said he liked to play. He said I could ask him.”

Gemma stole a quick glance at her son, a twinge of sadness settling in her chest. How could she explain to her son that people often made offhand promises they didn’t really mean? She knew the heartbreak of trusting the wrong person. She didn’t want her son to know that kind of betrayal. But she couldn’t fill him with fear of others or of having friends and relationships, either. Sooner or later she knew he’d get his little heart broken and all she could do was be there to help him through it. But she’d make sure he knew that the Lord was always with him and that He was the only trustworthy presence.

Stopping beside the cottage, she switched off the engine and faced her son. “Change your clothes first, then you can go ask. But be polite and remember he might be too busy so don’t be disappointed if he says no.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

He scurried out of the car and dashed up onto the porch, fidgeting impatiently while she unlocked the door.

Within minutes he was out the door, football cradled in his arm, and racing across the lawn to the main house. She debated whether to watch him from the porch or take a more discreet position from inside. She hoped Linc would say yes, but her common sense knew he’d probably turn the boy away, leaving her to deal with the fallout.

She should have gone with him. She had a perfect excuse—she needed the key to the storage building. But subjecting herself to his dynamic personality wasn’t a good idea. Evan’s father had been a forceful, compelling man. She shook off the painful memory and hurried to her bedroom window. Leaning against the frame, she swallowed a wave of shame. She’d let her own fears and insecurities stop her from accompanying her son. But she couldn’t go with him everywhere.

She watched as Evan waited at the front door. Linc had better answer or she’d give the man a piece of her mind. He shouldn’t make careless promises to little boys. The mansion door opened and she saw Evan look up. Her son nodded. Then nodded again more slowly and turned and headed down the porch steps.

Gemma pressed a hand over her mouth. Linc was sending the boy away. She braced herself for tears. Evan ran across the lawn, but stopped midway, tossing the ball in the air.

Puzzled, she leaned closer to the window and saw Linc jogging easily toward Evan. He raised his hands and Evan tossed the ball. It fell short. Linc scooped it up and motioned Evan to his side, then proceeded to demonstrate the correct way to hold and throw the ball.

Surprise drew Gemma’s lips apart and warmth filled her chest. She’d been fully prepared for Linc to dismiss his invitation. He didn’t strike her as the kind of guy who would want to spend time with a child. She watched as Evan tossed the ball and Linc made a big show of catching it. After one toss, Linc fell to the ground and Evan threw himself on top of him. The happy smile on her son’s face tightened her throat and brought tears to her eyes. He needed this. A man to do guy things with. She’d tried to fill that void, but as a single mom it was all she could do to keep things on track. Lately, even that had been impossible.

She glanced out again and saw Linc staring at her. Her skin heated. Even across the distance and through the window, his piercing gaze caused a skip in her heartbeat. He motioned her to join them. Curious, she went out and across the lawn.

“Mom, Mr. Linc wants me to join his team. Can I?”

“Team? What kind of team?” Gemma looked at Linc for an explanation.

“I coach a kid’s football team. It’s through the church.” He shrugged. “My brother Gil is actually the coach, but I took it over when he went to Mobile. We practice twice a week after school and our games are on Saturdays. The cost is reasonable. Basically for a shirt and registration fees.”

His offer surprised her. “Football. I don’t know, Evan. It’s a rough sport.” Her expression must have revealed her concern because Linc hastened to explain.

“It’s flag football, Gemma. No helmets or pads, no tackling. They wear a belt with tear-away flags on each side. They pull the flags to tackle.”

That sounded safe. “Well, I’ll think about it.”

Evan looked up at her with soulful eyes. “Please, Mom.”

How could she refuse? This was what she’d hoped for when she’d moved here. But why did the offer have to involve Linc?

Linc ruffled Evan’s hair. “Come to the house and I’ll give you the registration packet to look over. It explains everything. And if you still have concerns you can come to the game this Saturday and see how it works.”

His consideration surprised her. Being on a team would be good for Evan. It would help him make friends and boost his confidence. She’d been too busy running her own business to find the time to take him to ball practices. Something else he’d missed out on. Along with not having a dad. “All right.” She started across the lawn. Evan hurried ahead, leaving her and Linc to walk together. “Thank you for playing with him.”

“You didn’t think I’d remember, did you?”

“No. I didn’t.”

One dark eyebrow arched. “So is it just me or do you not trust people in general?” Without waiting for an answer he pushed open the door and went inside.

Gemma stepped into the grand foyer, her interest immediately captivated by the beauty of the burled-wood panels on the walls and the broad staircase with its stained glass window on the landing. The scent of furniture polish and old wood lay thick in the air and was a testament to the loving care the home had received over the years. But what struck her most profoundly was the sense of warmth and welcome that embraced her.

Her parents’ home was large, but sleek and formal. It had been featured in a design magazine once. But no one would ever call it homey or welcoming.

Linc appeared from a doorway on the left, holding a sheet of paper in his hand. “This should tell you everything you need to know. Unfortunately the season has already started so he won’t get to play all the games listed here, but I think he’ll enjoy it.” He smiled at Evan. “The boy runs fast.”

Evan beamed. “Can I play this weekend?”

Gemma swallowed the lump in her throat. It had been a long time since she’d seen him so happy, and she owed it to Linc’s kindness. “I’ll do my best.”

Evan let out a whoop.

Linc grinned. “Just get me the paperwork and I’ll make sure he plays. We can borrow a shirt if we have to.”

Gemma squeezed her son’s shoulder. “Then, we’d better get back home and start filling out forms.”

“Thanks, Mr. Linc.”

“You’re welcome, buddy.” The pair shared a high five.

“Hey, Mr. Linc, do you know a kid named Cody Fenelli?”

“I do. His family lives up the road. His dad and I went to college together. Why?”

“I want him to come and play. Is that okay? I mean, this being your house and all.”

“Of course. I’ll give them a call. He’s on the team, too.”

“Really? Oh, wow, this is so cool.” Evan dashed out and back to the cottage.

Gemma walked to the door, searching for the right words to express her appreciation. “Thank you for this. He’s had a rough time of things lately. Playing on a team with other boys is an answer to my prayers.”

Linc set his hands on his hips, a half smile moving his lips. “I’ve never been an answer to a prayer before.”

She pressed her lips together. Leave it to him to think the comment was personal. “Oh, I doubt that. I’m sure there are plenty of females who think you’re God’s gift.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“No. I’ve known men like you. All charm on the outside, but inside no emotion and little substance. Thanks again.” She walked across the porch, acutely aware of Linc coming behind her. The man made the air around him vibrate with energy. Being near him sent odd flutters through her stomach and made her nerves all quivery. She didn’t like the sensation. Not one bit.

The key. She stopped and turned around. Linc plowed into her from behind. Her foot slipped off the porch edge, throwing her off balance.

“Whoa.”

Strong arms grabbed her waist and set her on the porch. Breathless, she fought through the confusion and found herself pressed against Linc’s chest, her hands resting over his heart, which was beating rapidly. She inhaled his woodsy aftershave deep into her lungs. She looked up into his eyes and saw concern etched in the blue depths.

She told herself to pull away. But her body refused to obey her mind’s commands. She was too surprised. Not that she was in his arms—she could rationalize that—but what had her flummoxed was the realization that Linc Montgomery was warm and very human. She’d assumed being close to him would be similar to standing in front of an open refrigerator—cool and icy. Instead of wanting to pull away, she was oddly content to remain right where she was.

Horrified at the thought, she stepped back, putting a safe distance between herself and her landlord. “Sorry. I thought of something else I wanted to ask.”

“You okay?”

“Yes. But I need the key to the Christmas storage building. They said you would know where it is?” She cleared her throat, disgusted at the shaky tremor in her voice.

Linc flashed a smile that filled his blue eyes with amusement. Arrogant man. Now he’d think he had some effect on her. Which was ridiculous. She was too smart, too battle scarred to ever let that happen again.

“I’ll go look for it right now.”

“Okay, that would be, uh...” She stared at the paper in her hands. “Great. I’ll get it when I return the forms.”

Gemma hurried down the steps, careful to not trip. Blood roared in her ears; every nerve in her body was on fire. Of all the dumb clichés. Tripping and having the big strong man catch her. Ugh. She didn’t need a big strong guy. Least of all one who had an ego larger than the entire state of Mississippi.

Safely inside the cottage, Gemma sat at the table and began filling out the form. Gil Montgomery’s name was listed as coach, and she wished he was still here to fill that role. Though she had to admit Linc had suggested the team to Evan and followed through by making sure they got the paperwork. And she couldn’t forget how he’d brought the pie. He hadn’t wanted to come, but he had because he honored his mother. A commandment she herself struggled with.

Linc was challenging her assumptions about him. She’d got a glimpse of the man behind the stony facade and it wasn’t at all what she expected. Maybe he wasn’t all bad. Just mostly.

Her conscience twitched as she remembered her words to him on the porch. Little substance. While she might believe that, she shouldn’t have voiced her opinion. She’d meant her comments to be teasing, but some of her deep-seated bitterness had crept into her tone. Linc’s eyes had filled with a flash of hurt and surprise. She’d obviously pricked his ego with her statement. She shouldn’t waste too much time feeling remorse. He’d get over it.

What mattered now was getting this paperwork back to him so Evan could play ball this weekend. Her son was her life. She’d endure anything for his sake, including standing on the sidelines while Linc coached the team.

But for some reason she still felt bad about labeling him. Even if it were true.

* * *

Linc pivoted and strode back into the house, scolding himself for letting his tenant’s words get to him. Little substance. She obviously didn’t think much of him. But what disturbed him more was the reaction she’d unleashed when he’d pulled her into his arms to keep her from falling down the brick steps.

She’d been warm and soft cradled against him. Her scent had disrupted his senses and sent his thoughts pinballing in a dozen different directions. She felt right in his arms and he’d wanted to hold her forever. She’d felt it, too. The awareness. He’d seen it in her eyes. But he also knew she’d deny it. Maybe he could change her opinion of him.

“Linc!”

He recognized the shout. His sister Victoria was here. He met her in the hall. “Hey, sis. Everything okay?”

She glanced around the room, tears welling in her eyes. “No. Nothing is okay. I miss him so much.”

He wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Is there anything I can do?” Here was his chance to step up and fill in for Dad.

“No. I came to tell you that I’m going away for a while.”

Linc clenched his teeth and stepped away. Why was everyone leaving? “Tori, this is no time to be running away. We need to stick together. Mom will be home soon and she’ll need you here. She needs all of us more than ever now.”

His sister shook her head and brushed away tears. “I can’t handle being around the house without Dad here. I’m going to visit my friend Judy in California. It’ll give me time to sort things out.”

“Why can’t you do that here?”

Her eyes narrowed and she pressed her lips together. “I knew you’d say that. Why does it matter? Gil and Beth aren’t here, either.”

“Bethany is working, and Gil is fighting for custody of his daughter.”

“And I’m fighting for my sanity.” She shook her head, scowling. “I knew you wouldn’t understand. You’re not like the rest of us.”

He planted his hands on his hips. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You don’t feel like we do. You’re not emotional.”

He winced. Gemma had said the same thing. Didn’t they understand he felt just as deeply as anyone else? He simply chose not to expose his emotions for the world to see.

Tori reached out and touched his arm. “I’m sorry, Linc. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I know you’re hurting, too. See how upset I am? I need to get away.”

“You mean run away. Like Mom.”

“It’s not running away, it’s stepping aside and trying to deal with the grief.” She slipped her arm around his waist. “It’s too fresh here, Linc, too raw. I need to get some perspective. That’s why Mom went to Aunt Mary’s. It’s too hard to sort through the pain when you’re surrounded by memories.”

“Some of us have to stay and deal with the realities.”

“You’re the big brother. You can handle anything.” Tori patted his cheek. “I already told Mom. I’ll keep in touch, promise.”

“What about the real estate office? I thought you were running it while she’s gone.”

“Mom said to close it down. Business is slow. Besides, she’ll be home in a few days.”

Linc walked his sister to the front porch. He’d never felt as helpless, like a catfish floundering on a dock. The harder he tried to keep the family together the faster they seemed to pull away. It didn’t make any sense.

Tori stopped on the porch and faced him. “I love you, big brother. We all depend on you. Now that Dad is... You’re our rock.” She wrapped him in a warm hug.

Did Tori have any idea the weight of that responsibility? “You’ll be home for Thanksgiving, won’t you?”

“I don’t think I could celebrate without Dad here. It will be too awful.” She glanced over his shoulder and smiled.

He looked around and saw Gemma standing at the edge of the sidewalk holding the registration forms. “Done already?”

“Evan is eager to be on the team.”

“Gemma, this is my baby sister, Victoria. Tori, this is Gemma Butler, she’s...”

“Taking over Mom’s job. I know.” She stepped forward and shook Gemma’s hand. “Nice to meet you. Mom thinks you’re very talented. I can’t wait to see all the changes you’ll make. It’s about time we expanded our Christmas events. It’s the happiest time of the year and we barely do anything.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Linc started to protest, but Tori said goodbye and hurried to her car. Even Tori knew about the new tenant. Gemma handed the paperwork to Linc. “Your sister seems very nice.”

“She’s leaving. She can’t handle being around memories of Dad.” He hadn’t meant to blurt that out.

“Oh. Were they close?”

“Very. She’s the youngest so—” He shrugged. “You know how dads and their baby girls are.”

“No, actually I don’t.”

Linc looked at her. There was an emptiness and a hint of sadness in her eyes. “You’re not close to your father?”

“No. Is that all you need? I’ve attached a check.”

Linc looked at the papers. “Yeah. That should do it.”

“Fine. I’ll get directions to the ball field later. Did you find the key?”

The businesslike tone of her voice said she was eager to be away from him. “No. I haven’t had a chance to look. I didn’t expect you back so soon. I’ll let you know when I do.”

“Good. I’d like to get started. I’ve got a lot to organize.”

She walked away, leaving Linc with a lot of questions. What changes? The over-the-top stuff he’d seen in her drawings? What was wrong with their events the way they were now? And why was he always the last one to know anything lately? Even Tori, who’d been a virtual recluse these past weeks, had known about Gemma and their mother’s plans to step down from the committee. He’d had enough. Time to get involved.

He walked back inside, another question dogging his heels. What was behind the cold tone in Gemma’s voice when she mentioned family? And why did she never talk about the boy’s father?

* * *

Gemma sorted through her papers and notes Wednesday afternoon as she waited for the town square business owners to start arriving at the courthouse conference room. Her nerves tingled with excitement as she worked. This was her joy, the thing that gave her satisfaction and fulfillment. She couldn’t wait to get started.

Glancing at the door, her confidence sagged. What if no one showed up? What if the owners refused to participate in the celebrations? Closing her eyes, she offered up a quick prayer for patience and greater faith. The Lord had set her on this path, which meant He had a plan. She just needed to trust it would work out. Operative word—trust. Not an easy thing to do.

“Is this the Christmas meeting?”

Gemma smiled at the gentleman who entered the room, her doubts melting away like snowflakes. “Yes, it is.”

Within the next few minutes a good portion of the forty store owners on the square filed in. She stepped to the lectern, encouraged at the turnout. With little time before the start of the holiday season, it would take everyone’s involvement to pull off the four weekend events she had designed.

“Welcome. I’m Gemma Butler. I’ve spoken with some of you by phone and met a few of you. Thank you for being here this afternoon. I know meeting in the middle of the day is difficult for you, but we don’t have much time to get these events organized. We’ll meet again next Thursday evening. I’ll have a more detailed plan drawn up at that time.” Gemma smiled around the room. “Keep in mind the key ingredient is enthusiasm and determination. And of course a lot of elbow grease.”

A man in the front row spoke up. “I don’t mind the work, but I don’t have the money to spend on lots of decorations.”

“I understand that, and we do have a budget that will help you with some of the expenses. Mainly I want to work with each merchant to craft a unique holiday display that will reflect your business. Our goal is to draw people to Dover to learn about your shops, to expose them to the unique personality of the town and make them want to make future trips to Dover to spend their time and their money.”

A woman raised her hand. “I’m an insurance agent. Putting up a tree in my front window isn’t likely to gain me any new clients. I’m reluctant to spend too much time on Christmas events that won’t help my bottom line.”

“That raises a good point. I’d like you to think of this on a larger scale than one business. It’s true some of your businesses lend themselves to the holidays more than others—the dress shops and gift shops, for example. But if visitors see how your community works together for the good of all, think what kind of message that sends. That would make Dover a place I’d want to visit, perhaps even come to live, and that would benefit every business in town.”

Agreeable murmurs traveled through the room. “I’ve heard about the way this town comes together. One of the first things I heard was the way everyone worked together recently to get the library open on time. And I understand you all participated in a home-rebuilding project to help a local family. That’s the kind of dedication we need now. Let me run through the events quickly. One for each December weekend. Though the Chamber will mainly be responsible for the events in the first two.”

Gemma shuffled the papers in front of her. “Week one will be the Dover Glory Lights kickoff, a special lighting ceremony to start the season. Instead of each store doing their own lights, there will be an overall plan for the downtown. All the lights will be hung on the buildings, over the streets around the square, and the decorations for the courthouse park will be set up. On Friday night, vendors will offer food and drink and at one point, all the lights downtown will go dark. Then we’ll throw the switch and turn on all the decorations at once. It will be breathtaking. People will come from miles to see the large light display.”

A woman on the aisle nodded. “That’s true. We drive all the way to Natchitoches, Louisiana, every year to see those lights along the Cane River.”

“Exactly! And the second weekend in December will be our open-house weekend to showcase our businesses with our decorated windows. I’d like you each to be thinking of a way to create a Christmas window display that will evoke the spirit of the season and your company. There will be a contest for the top five windows. Visitors can vote here in town or online. Davis Blaylock at the Dover Dispatch is offering two months’ free advertising for the winners.”

A voice from the back called out, “I could sure use that.”

Gemma spent the next forty-five minutes answering questions and assuring people that her weekend events could be accomplished with cooperation, minimum of cost and plenty of professional help. As she concluded the meeting she sensed excitement in the air. A swell of joy filled her throat. The owners were in agreement that pumping up the holiday events was vital to recuperating some of the sales lost when the Southways plant closed down last year and tossed over a hundred people out of work.

Several owners stopped by to express their delight in the events and pledge their support. Now it was up to her to make the necessary arrangements and coordinate all the bits and pieces.

“What happened to the Christmas parade?”

Gemma started at the sound of the deep voice. Linc’s voice. It was hard to ignore once you’d heard it. Rich and smooth, it flowed along her nerves like warm honey. She looked into his blue eyes and suddenly found it difficult to swallow. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve been in the back, listening to your pitch.”

His intense navy blue eyes zeroed in on her, making her forget his question. “The parade?”

“It’s a tradition. Has been since I was a kid. We all looked forward to it each year. There’s going to be a lot of kids disappointed if it’s canceled.”

Linc’s tone suggested that she should reinstate it at once. But she knew what he didn’t. “I doubt that. According to the reports I have the parade has shrunk in size over the last five years, and attendance has fallen to a trickle.” She tapped an app on her cell and swiped to the right page. “Last year there were only three floats, a fire truck and the Santa float. One police officer was assigned for crowd control and the parade lasted barely fifteen minutes.” She smiled up at Linc. “Is that the tradition you’re referring to?” A muscle in Linc’s jaw flexed.

“I know you’re new here and you’re not familiar with our Christmas traditions. But we cherish our celebrations. We like the way it’s been done in the past. It works for us.”

She raised her chin and planted a hand on her hip. “Actually, it doesn’t work. Business has fallen sharply over the past three years. When Southways closed it got worse. The Chamber has hired me to turn things around by making Christmas in Dover more appealing to people who will spend money in the stores and restaurants.”

Linc crossed his arms and looked down his nose. “Surely you can come up with a compromise that will preserve our traditions and still attract tourists.”

“Like a parade?”

“Yes. My mother was in charge of that for years and everyone loved it.”

“Are you aware that there are six holiday parades around the area? Several in Jackson and the suburbs that are much larger and draw the bulk of the crowds. You have to give people more reason to come to Dover than just a puny parade.”

“What if we don’t want more people in Dover?”

“You’re a businessman—is that what you really want?”

“What I want is to keep our cherished traditions intact.”

“Traditions are habits with no meaning. Most people don’t even know why or how they got started.”

“You’re wrong. They are important rituals that remind us of our past, of our roots and our history.”

Gemma crossed her arms over her chest. “Really? Then, why does the courthouse put up a red star on the dome every year?” She almost laughed at the stunned look on Linc’s face. He clearly had no answer for her. “It was donated to the city in 1972 to honor longtime mayor Louis Carswell. Is that part of the history you cherish?”

She scooped up her satchel and headed for the door, eager to make her escape while Linc was still stunned. He quickly caught up with her.

“You’re deliberately twisting things.”

She stopped and faced him. “No. I’m pointing out the flaw in your reasoning. Tradition is useless sentiment. Comfort food for the brain. I’m here to create events that will bring joy and happiness to people, to let them have fun and experience Christmas to the fullest.”

“Are you talking about the commercial Christmas or the real one?

“Both.”

“Not possible.”

“Of course it is. If your heart is in the right place. Good night, Linc.”

Gemma walked to her car with a smile on her face. She was actually coming to enjoy these little skirmishes with Linc. It might be fun toppling some of that arrogance. What he didn’t realize was that every time he challenged her it only made her more determined to make the Dover Christmas celebrations the biggest and flashiest she possibly could.

Take that, Mr. Linc.

Chapter Four

Saturday morning was chilly and overcast with a brisk breeze that demanded a warm jacket and a scarf to protect against the cold. Gemma hardly noticed. Her attention was focused on the happy boy on the field. Never had she felt so proud and so grateful. Watching Evan play flag football had lightened her mood and confirmed her decision to take the Chamber job. He was having the time of his life. He’d taken the field hesitantly at first, but quickly found his footing and had played the game with enthusiasm. It had helped that his new school friend and neighbor, Cody, was on the team.

And she had Linc to thank. She watched as he paced up and down the sidelines cheering on the boys, calling out directions and letting loose with a whoop and a fist in the air when they scored. He’d surprised her. She’d expected him to be demanding and harsh if the boys failed to perform well. When he strolled past her this time, he smiled and gestured toward the field.

“Evan is a natural. Was his dad an athlete?”

Gemma’s good mood plummeted the way it always did when the subject of Evan’s father came up. She stared straight ahead, focusing on the red number two on her son’s back. “I have no idea.” She sensed his surprise, but after a moment he moved on down the sideline calling out to one of the boys.

The game ended in a tie, but none of the players seemed to care. Evan raced toward her with a huge smile on his face, revealing his crooked teeth. There were braces in his future. But she’d do anything, spend any amount to make sure he had a happy life.

Linc dismissed the boys from a short postgame meeting, and Gemma opened her arms for a hug as soon as Evan ran back toward her. “You were great, honey. Did you have fun?”

“It was awesome. I can’t wait for next week.”

Linc joined them, ruffling Evan’s hair. “Good job, buddy. You’re a real asset to the team.” He looked at her and smiled. “You ready to head to the storage area?”

They had ridden to the game with Linc this morning so he could show her the way. The fields were tucked away on the edge of Dover in what used to be a cotton field. She would have had trouble finding it alone. He also offered to drive her to the storage facility after the game.

“Yes. I just need to check with the Fenellis. They invited Evan to go with them to get pizza.”

As soon as she climbed into Linc’s truck she regretted agreeing to this arrangement. Evan had been with them this morning, and he and Coach, as Evan now called him, had discussed game strategy. Being alone with the man had her nerves firing and her palms sweaty—and had her questioning her lack of foresight. She stole a glance at her companion. No nerves there. He looked as cool as a cucumber, with his wrist resting on the steering wheel, eased back in the driver’s seat and head cocked to one side as if he didn’t have a worry in the world.

She suspected he did have things he was concerned about. It wasn’t hard to see that he grieved his father deeply. And her assistant, Leatha, had mentioned that with his brother Gil out of town, the entire company rested on Linc’s shoulders. It was one of the largest electrical contracting firms in the area, with jobs stretching from Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Orange Beach, Alabama. She knew firsthand the stress of running a company, but Fine Day Events hadn’t been nearly as large as Montgomery Electrical.

“So where is this storage facility located?”

“Across town. It used to be a drugstore before the owners sold it to the city. It got too hard to keep track of all the stuff needed for the events. Things kept getting lost, so Mom decided it would be easier to keep everything in one place.”

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