Her Christmas Hero (Home To Dover 6) (14 page)

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

T
he
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.”

“Everyone seems to be doing that but me.”

Gemma slipped her small hand in his, infusing him with strength and confidence.

“You will. Give it some time. You have your family. Whether they are here beside you or not, you know they love you. More important, the Lord loves you. Remember, He lost His earthly father, too. He understands your pain. I haven’t lost a parent, but you can always come and talk to me.”

Her invitation swelled his chest. He longed to pull her close and share every moment of his life with her. The thought sobered him instantly. He wasn’t ready to be rebuffed again so soon. His gaze landed on the crooked tree. He pushed off the sofa and stooped down. “This won’t take but a minute. Let me know when it’s straight.”

“Okay.”

Linc stretched out on his stomach, unscrewed one of the bracing pins, using his other hand to ease the truck back an inch or so.

“That’s it. Perfect.”

He scooted out, rolled over and got to his feet. Gemma was grinning. She reached up and brushed his hair, dislodging pine needles. Her touch sent a high-voltage charge through his body. He couldn’t deny his feelings anymore. Gemma was the woman he wanted to spend his life with. He felt at home here, with her. He reached out and touched her cheek. “Gemma, I—” Her eyes softened and she leaned toward him. Memory of the fear he’d seen the last time he kissed her washed through him like ice water. He was getting ahead of himself. Time to step away. “I’d better go.”

At the door he glanced at the tree again, smiling at the inspired idea that had just come to him. “I know where you can get some ornaments free of charge.”

“Where?”

“The ones my mom didn’t use this year. I’ll bring them back tomorrow.”

Gemma smiled up at him. “Why don’t you help us decorate? We need a tall person. I’ll make chili. I think it’s going to turn cold again tomorrow.”

“I’ll be here.”

Linc whistled softly as he walked back to the main house. An urge to jump up and click his heels together washed over him, but he probably would end up in an inglorious heap on the ground.

He couldn’t wait for tomorrow night.

* * *

Gemma cradled her mug of cocoa the next evening, watching the silly shenanigans taking place in her living room. Linc and Evan were testing the strings of lights for the tree, but somewhere along the way, Evan had decided decorating his coach with lights would be fun, and had wrapped a string of lights around Linc’s neck and across his chest, which had unleashed a fit of giggles in her son. The camaraderie between the two was a sight to behold. The sound of Linc’s laughter, deep and full, brought a strange rush of tenderness to her heart. He was always so serious—seeing him relaxed and happy pulled her heart closer to that cliff edge.

“Call me crazy, but I thought the lights were supposed to be on the tree.”

The guys’ laughter died away. Linc unwrapped the string of lights. “Your mom’s right. We need to get these on the tree or I’ll be here forever.”

The idea sounded good to her. Having Linc with them felt right.

Linc, devoid of lights, smiled over at her. “Are you picky about how the lights are placed on the tree?”

“No. And considering how impatient my son is, I think the toss-up method would be best. I’ll clean up in the kitchen while you do that, and then help you with the ornaments.”

When she returned to the living room, the lights were twinkling and Evan was happily hanging ornaments from the box Linc had brought. Curious about the type of ornaments the Montgomerys normally used, she lifted one from the box. It was a silver laser-cut Christmas tree made from thin metal material. Linc had explained that each of the five children picked a special ornament each year. She couldn’t imagine Linc choosing such a delicate item so she guessed this belonged to one of his sisters.