Her Christmas Hero

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 (#ulink_9bc9991f-d15a-5099-b0e8-1f7f53ed1576)

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.