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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.
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?”
