Her Christmas Hero (Home To Dover 6) Read Free

“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.