Her Christmas Hero (Home To Dover 6) (9 page)

“Mr. Linc and I worked on that play.”

Linc. He was becoming more and more a part of their lives and that made her uncomfortable. Sooner or later they would leave the cottage and she’d take a job elsewhere. How would Evan deal with that?

“Mom. Can I give Miss Francie a birthday party?”

Gemma stole a quick glance at her son. “What brought this on?”

“She asked me when mine was and she said hers is on Wednesday. I want to give her a party to show her how much I like her.”

“That’s very sweet, Evan, but that’s not much time to organize. Besides, she might have other plans.”

“No. All her kids ’cept Mr. Linc and her other boy aren’t home. She’ll be really lonely. Please, Mom?”

An old memory burned in her chest, heating the blood in her veins. She’d had a similar idea when she was Evan’s age. One that had ended in disaster and still pained her after all these years. “Who do you want to invite?”

“You and me. Coach and his brother, and Miss Caroline.”

It was typical of her son to include people he cared about. Gemma considered his request. Why not? Only six people. She could make a cake, serve ice cream and coffee. Keep it simple. She loved to entertain but rarely had the chance. “I suppose we could check with her.”

“No. It has to be a surprise. I have it all worked out, but I need help with the cake and stuff and you’ll have to call everyone.”

Gemma slowed to make the turn into the Montgomery drive. Francie had taken Evan to practices this past week since Gemma had been consumed with the myriad details in getting the events organized. She owed the woman so much. This job would have been much more difficult if she’d had to stop and pick up Evan each day. “Evan, you like Miss Francie a lot, don’t you?”

He nodded. “Can I tell you a secret? I pretend she’s my real grandma. She does cool stuff with me, and she never gets mad no matter what I do. Yesterday we walked along the creek and we found this big spot that was wide and deep, and she showed me how to skip rocks. Isn’t that cool?”

“Very cool, but you know to stay away from the deep—”

“I know, Mom.” Evan rolled his eyes. “Miss Francie already told me.”

Gemma couldn’t argue with her son’s observations. Francie was the perfect grandma. Nothing like her own mother, who had little use for her grandchild. Still, a surprise party was a pretty big request. She stopped the car beside the cottage.

“Please, Mom. I want to surprise her for her birthday.”

The knot that had started forming in her chest grew. But she wanted to reward Evan’s thoughtfulness. “I’ll think about it.”

Evan huffed out a disappointed breath before getting out of the car. It wasn’t the request that bothered her, it was the memories it had unearthed. It was the moment when she realized she was a disappointment to her mother.

She knew Francie wouldn’t react the same way, but the memories and the emotions an event like this brought up were still painful—and once released hard to conquer again. But this wasn’t about her—it was about Evan. She’d come to Dover to start fresh and the Montgomerys had opened their hearts and their doors to her and her boy. Her own reservations shouldn’t matter.

Tapping lightly on her son’s door, she peeked in and found him sitting on his knees in front of the window, arms resting on the sill, staring outside. She joined him, brushing aside the curtain. “It’s beautiful here.”

Evan nodded. “I like all the trees. They’re great for climbing.”

“I’ve been thinking about your idea, and if you really want to, we can give Miss Francie a surprise birthday party. But you have to help.”

Evan jumped up and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Thanks, Mom. I’ll help. I promise. When can we start? What do we do first—call people or should I make her a present?”

“Slow down, kiddo. Let’s go make a list. Then we’ll have to check with Mr. Linc to see if it’s okay.”

Evan dashed out into the other room; Gemma followed. Whatever bad memories this party might churn up, it would be worth it to see her son so happy. But what would Linc think of their request? Would he get on board or would he challenge every detail the way he did her Christmas events? She dismissed the thought. The only one she was concerned about pleasing was Evan.

The thought had barely formed when she realized it was a lie.

* * *

Wednesday evening, Linc darted behind Gemma’s cottage and onto the back porch. He didn’t want his mother to see him going inside and ruin the surprise. He tapped on the door, peering through the panes. Gemma stood at the counter. She turned and looked at him and his heart made a loud thump inside his chest. He stepped inside, wrapped in the enticing aroma of warm cake and fresh coffee. One look at Gemma wiped everything from his mind. Her green eyes were shadowed and dull, her lips pressed tightly together, and he suspected she was on the verge of tears. He approached her cautiously. “How’s it going?”

Gemma shrugged. “Fine. Awful.” She shook her head, sending her wavy hair floating around her shoulders. “I just need to make sure everything is perfect.”

Linc studied her more closely, trying to understand. “It’ll be okay. There’s no prize for perfection.”

Gemma suddenly pressed her fingertips to her lips. Her shoulders sagged and she bent forward slightly. She glanced over her shoulder at him, and the fear in her eyes tore at his heart. “Gemma, what’s wrong?” He went to her side, leaning against the counter, resisting the urge to hold her. He’d never seen her so distressed.

She sucked in a short breath. “I have too much to do. It won’t be ready and the party starts in half an hour. This was a big mistake. What if Evan has his heart broken the way I did?”

Linc laid his hand on hers. “What’s this about? You’re the woman who is single-handedly changing our entire Christmas. A simple birthday party for my mom shouldn’t throw you a curve.” Instead of his words encouraging her, they triggered a flood of tears. He guided her to the kitchen table, easing her down into the chair. He pulled another up close. “Gemma? Talk to me.”

“I should never have agreed to this, but I didn’t want Evan to be disappointed. I just hadn’t expected to feel so...” She glanced around the room as if looking for the right word. “So terrified.”

“Terrified of what?”

“That your mom won’t like the party. That Evan will be crushed, and that it will all turn out badly.”

Linc took her hand in his. She was shaking. “Gemma, my mom will love the party. Especially since it was Evan’s idea. Why would you think differently?”

Gemma grasped his hand a little tighter, as if drawing strength from his touch. He wanted to fix this for her somehow.

“I planned a surprise party for my mom when I was eight. The cook helped me make cupcakes with blue frosting. Blue was my mother’s favorite color.” She sniffed and wiped tears from her cheeks. “I spent hours designing place cards and streamers, I gathered up odds and ends to decorate the table. But when my mother saw what I had done, she was horrified. I tried to tell her I’d made everything special for her, but she only scolded me for wasting her time on such useless junk. That it would have been better if I’d spent the time studying.”

Linc’s heart was breaking. He could see the little girl hurt in her eyes, and the pain it had caused her over the years. He couldn’t begin to understand a mother who would dismiss the loving efforts of her child. His parents had both been proud of all their children’s accomplishments. He stood and pulled her up with him and into a comforting embrace. His gesture released a fresh wave of tears.

“We’ll cancel the party, Gemma. You’re too upset. Mom will never know.”

She shook her head, pulling back from his arms and wiping wetness from her cheeks. “No. Evan would be devastated. I can’t do that to him. I just have to get myself together.”

Linc brushed a few strands of hair from her face, wishing she would let him hold her again. “Gemma, Mom isn’t critical or picky. She’ll love the party no matter how it turns out. She’s more interested in the thought behind things. Like bringing a pie to a new tenant, that kind of thing.” He hadn’t meant the comment to be funny, but it brought a light to her eyes and a small smile to her lips.

“I know you’re right. I love your mom. I know she’ll be happy. I guess I let the past get the better of me. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m glad I was here to help. Do you want me to stay and help you finish up?”

“No. All that’s left to do is set the table.”

“Where’s Evan?”

“He’s in his room finishing his present for your mom. I’m sure he’d love to see you.”

“I’ll check in with him, and then I’ll be back for the big surprise.”

“Oh, how are you going to get her here? What about the cars parked outside? She’ll see them and wonder why Seth is here.”

“That’s why I came in the first place. Seth will park his truck behind the cottage. Tell your friend to do the same. Text me when you’re ready and I’ll make an excuse to leave the house. As soon as I get here you can call her to come help with something.”

“Okay.” She looked like a sad little girl, and he wanted to wrap her up in his arms again, but given the way his pulse raced each time she was close, that wasn’t a smart idea.

“Thanks, Linc. Sorry I fell apart.”

Linc tapped her chin lightly. “No problem. That’s what friends are for.” He made his way down the hall to the back bedroom. He did want to see Evan, but mainly he wanted to hang around for a while to make sure Gemma was okay. He’d never seen her so vulnerable, and it left an unfamiliar ache in his chest. He might not agree with her plans to change everything, but he’d come to appreciate her optimistic outlook. Seeing her so insecure and frightened concerned him. What had happened to make her that way? It had to be more than a failed birthday party as a child.

He’d been filled with an overwhelming need to protect her and make sure she never felt inferior again. How he could accomplish that, however, was a mystery.

Chapter Seven

H
appy chatter from the party in the living room followed Gemma into the kitchen as she placed the stack of used dessert plates on the counter. Closing her eyes, she leaned against the counter, releasing a sigh as the last threads of tension drained from her body. The party was winding down and none of her fears had materialized. In fact, everything had gone as planned. Why had she ever doubted?

Francie had been genuinely surprised and delighted with the party and especially appreciative of Evan. He’d made her a gift of leaves they had collected together on their walks in the woods and pasted on colored paper, outlined with glitter and tiny acorns they’d gathered. Francie had been moved to tears and placed the gift on the mantel for everyone to see.

The only uncomfortable aspect had been Linc. He’d kept a close eye on her. She’d been both touched at his concern and grateful that he hadn’t voiced it to her. In fact, he hadn’t spoken to her much at all. He seemed content to stand on the sidelines offering his silent support.

“You outdid yourself again.” Caroline carried a tray full of cups and glasses and set them on the counter. “That was a great party. No one is ready to leave even though we gobbled up all the goodies.”

Gemma smiled, enjoying the sense of lightness and peace that had eluded her for the past few days. “It was nice, wasn’t it?”

“Francie is beaming and she’s gushed over Evan. The little guy is floating on air.”

“I’m so grateful. I couldn’t have handled it if Francie had been upset.”

Caroline faced her. “Francie is not your mother.”

“I know.” She scraped the plates and set them in the sink. “The Montgomerys are special. I’ve never known a family like them.”

“One in particular.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Linc—he couldn’t take his eyes off you all through the party. I think he likes you. A lot.”

Gemma wiped her hands on a towel. “Oh, no, that’s because he stopped by earlier when I was stressing and he let me vent. We’re just friends.”

“Really? I thought you two were at odds over the Christmas events.”

“We are, but he doesn’t fight me anymore. He just doesn’t like what I’m doing.”

Caroline smiled and bobbed her eyebrows. “So you’re starting to like the guy, huh?”

“No. Well...” How
did
she feel about Linc? “I don’t hate him. He’s been wonderful to Evan, and he’s not cold and arrogant like I first thought. He’s reserved and very intuitive.” Curiosity widened her friend’s eyes. Oh, no. She did not want to try to explain the way Linc always seemed to know what she’s thinking. He couldn’t, of course, but that was the way she felt when she found him looking at her.

“That’s interesting. I used to think he was all male arrogance and pride. But after today, I think he’s kind of nice. Handsome, too.” Caroline fluffed her hair and struck a pose. “Now that I’m single, maybe I’ll make a play for him myself.”

The idea of Caroline and Linc dating sent a shot of heat through her veins. She was not jealous. She wasn’t. Scooping up a candy dish, she rinsed it and changed the subject. “You never told me why you broke off with Vince. I thought he met all the qualifications on your list.”

“He did, mostly.” Caroline put the cap on the cola bottle and placed it in the fridge. “Vince is nice, but he’s a little too laid-back. I want someone with ambition and drive.”

“I thought he owned a computer graphics company.”

“He does. Honestly, it’s the football thing I can’t deal with. He’s crazy about that dumb game. He even has season tickets to the Saints games and he wants me to go with him.”

Puzzled, Gemma stopped rinsing glasses and studied her friend. “But didn’t he agree to go to the ballet with you?”

Caroline glared. “Whose side are you on?”

“Yours. But don’t you think you’re being a little picky and unfair?”

“I will not compromise on my list.” She ticked off the points on her fingers. “He has to have a good job, good looks, a Christian, funny, athletic and he has to enjoy cooking, travel and the theater.”

Gemma giggled. “So you want to date yourself?”

Caroline rolled her eyes. “At least I’m out there trying. It wouldn’t hurt you to take a closer look at your expectations.”

“What does that mean?”

“I know you’ve been through a lot, and it’s hard for you to trust people, but that’s in the past. You can’t use that as an excuse to never love anyone again. There are a lot of nice guys out there. None of them are perfect, but neither are you.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“You know what I mean. Don’t close yourself off to someone who could make you happy because you’re waiting for him to let you down.”

“Mom. Miss Francie is leaving,” Evan said, interrupting Caroline’s speech.

Gemma hurried to the living room, receiving hugs and compliments from a beaming Francie. Seth gave her a high five and shook Evan’s hand, thanking them for the party. Francie carried the leaf art in her hands as if it was made of glass, promising Evan she’d put it in a place of honor. He asked if he could help and scurried out the door behind her.

Linc was the last to leave. He stopped in the doorway, holding her gaze a moment longer than necessary. Each time he looked at her she sensed the tether between them growing stronger. The idea sent a shiver along her spine. She didn’t want to be connected to any man.

“Mom loved the party. Thank you for making her happy.”

“You need to thank Evan. It was his idea.”

“I did, but you made it happen. You’re good at this, Gemma. You make things special.”

She tilted her head. She hadn’t expected a compliment. “Like Christmas events?”

“No comment.” He smiled, then walked across the porch and down the steps.

Gemma returned to the kitchen to find Caroline had finished cleaning up and was preparing to leave.

“Super party, girlfriend. I
will
hire you to plan my wedding when the time comes.” Caroline stepped onto the porch. Gemma glanced past her and saw Linc coming back across the lawn.

“Looks as though Mr. Linc wasn’t ready for the party to end.”

Gemma grimaced. “Don’t be ridiculous. He probably just forgot something.”

“Uh-huh. Like more time with you.”

Before she could respond, her friend chuckled and hurried to her car, waving at Linc on the way.

Gemma swallowed past the lump in her throat. What was it about Linc that always tied her in knots? Watching him walk toward her, his broad shoulders arching side to side as he moved, the long legs eating up the ground, filled her with a confusing mixture of anticipation and dread. If she could put a name to these feelings then maybe she could start to master her reactions. Yes he was good-looking, but more than that he was compelling, and at times intimidating, but she found gentleness beyond the facade that she couldn’t ignore.

She wrapped her arm around one of the porch posts. “I don’t have any more cake to give you.” He smiled, and the sudden weakness in her knees made her grateful for the wooden support.

Linc placed a hand on his flat belly. “No, thanks. Two pieces has done enough damage. I have an invitation for you.”

He stopped at the foot of the porch steps looking up at her, and for a moment she felt like Juliet on her balcony gazing down at Romeo. Okay, it was only four little porch steps, but the Romeo part was accurate. From this level she could see the waves in his dark hair, and the thick black lashes that any women would envy. She cleared her throat of the sudden dryness.

“Mom would like you and Evan to join us for Thanksgiving dinner.”

Not what she’d expected. “Oh. That’s very nice, but I wouldn’t dream of intruding on your family time.”

“She thought you would say that, and she told me to tell you that as friends living in the cottage, that qualifies you as family.”

A warm rush of affection made her smile. She could easily imagine Francie saying that. “Are you sure?”

Linc nodded, his blue eyes looking deep into hers. “The truth is there won’t be much family this year. Tori is staying in California. Bethany starts rehearsals for a new show the week before Thanksgiving and Gil’s tied up in Mobile. That just leaves Seth, me and Mom. We’re used to having a full table, so you’d be doing us a favor.”

“Sort of like stand-ins for your siblings?” She stifled a grin at the chagrined look on his face.

“No, I didn’t mean it that way.”

Gemma chuckled at his discomfort. He was always so controlled it was fun to shake him up. “All right. We’d be happy to accept your invitation. Evan will love it. I expect him to move his belongings into the main house any day now so he can be closer to Francie. He loves her.”

“The feeling is mutual. Evan has been a blessing to my mom. Having him around has given her something to focus on instead of Dad being gone.”

“Well, Evan needs her, too. So what do I need to bring? And should we dress up or is it a casual dinner?”

Linc came up the steps to stand beside her. “Church clothes are fine. But Mom usually goes all out. The good china, fancy tablecloth and silver. Flowers on the table, the whole nine yards.”

Something in his attitude brought a sudden realization. “It’s your favorite holiday, isn’t it?”

“I guess it is. I like having everyone together around the table. Christmas is great, but it’s hectic. Thanksgiving is family time.”

“Well, thank your mother again for inviting us.”

Linc looked at her, his gaze probing and searching, warming her blood and interrupting her heart rate.

“I will. I’m glad you agreed to come.”

Gemma sensed another meaning in his tone. A personal note. Was he glad that she would be there for his favorite holiday? What did that mean? Uncomfortable with his scrutiny, she lowered her eyes.

He started down the steps, then looked back. “I told you everything would work out. With the party, I mean.”

“Yes, you did. Thanks.”

“Any time.”

Gemma watched Linc until he disappeared into the main house. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t keep her original opinion of Linc firmly in place. She was coming to see he was a man of deep emotions, a man who loved his family and grieved the loss of his father. He also had a caring heart.

The only aspect of Linc that she couldn’t dismiss was his obvious need to be in charge and control those around him. It might be because he was the eldest and he took his responsibility to work and family seriously. But it could also mean his controlling streak was a part of his inherent personality—and was something to beware of. Time would tell.

Her cell phone rang as she was putting the last plate in the dishwasher. She glanced at the screen, bending forward and rubbing her temples. Her mother. Buoyed with the success of the party, she steeled herself and answered.

“Gemma, I haven’t heard from you in months. Are you still working at that electrical business? I hate to see you wasting your talents in an insignificant business in Mississippi. You have so much more to offer,” her mother said without so much as a hello.

Like touching a hot stove, old reactions kicked in. The sense of failure, the insecurities, the shame. She should never have answered the call. “No, Mother, I’m not working there anymore. I’ve taken a job with the local Chamber of Commerce. I’m in charge of their Christmas events.” Gemma braced for the scolding. The only thing worse than not being a successful accountant would be working events again. The long silence on the other end of the call pulled the knot in her stomach tighter.

“I see. Well, obviously your recent failures haven’t shown you that you’re on the wrong path. I guess it’ll take an even bigger fiasco to convince you that throwing parties for children and adults who would rather have a good time than better themselves isn’t a valid profession.”

Gemma fought back the tears. “I’m using the gifts God has given me, Mother. I’m sorry if that’s not good enough for you, but it’s good enough for me.”

“That’s the trouble, Gemma. You always had poor judgment.”

“Obviously we see things differently, Mother. I have to go.”

Gemma quickly ended the call. But her mother’s words lay like a shroud over her mood the rest of the evening, churning up a storm of doubt and recriminations. She hated that she couldn’t shake it off and let it go, but once the uncertainties bubbled up, it took a lot of prayer and self-determination to conquer them. One thing she was sure of was she was doing what she was called to do. She also knew the Montgomerys were a blessing she desperately needed. They were giving her a foundation on which to build her new life. Giving her hope that with the Lord’s help she could be the kind of parent Evan needed. She didn’t want her son to ever think he’d disappointed her or that something he did wasn’t up to her standards.

* * *

Linc closed the hymnal and slid it back into the holder as he sat down in the pew. He’d looked forward to being in church this morning. He needed clarity and strength to get through the week ahead. He’d been struggling since the call had come in late Friday afternoon. The Coleman project had been won by their largest competitor. He couldn’t remember the last time Montgomery Electrical had lost a job this size. What the loss of this job might mean to the business financially had tied a knot in his gut that he couldn’t shake and raised doubts about his abilities to run the company.

He knew he needed to turn the pain and grief over to the Lord, but that was one area where he struggled. Each morning he looked to the scriptures and symbolically handed his life over to the Lord. But by the time he cranked his truck to go to work, he’d taken it all back.

He darted a quick glance at Gemma, thankful she was sitting at the other end of the pew next to his mother this morning. He had enough on his mind without being distracted by her heady jasmine scent and the shimmer of her red-gold hair. The delicate lace blouse she wore set off her green eyes and added to her femininity.

Reverend Barrett began his sermon, and Linc listened intently for a word that would soothe his troubled spirit. His concentration wavered as his problems pushed to the forefront again. He loved this church and the town he’d grown up in, but he could no longer ignore the problems Dover faced. It needed more money to flow into its economy. They were trying to regroup after the Southways closure by expanding the Christmas celebrations.