I was—”
“In a hurry to get away. I got that.” Why was she so anxious to leave the home she’d shared with his father? She should be here, working through her grief, not running off to her sisters.
“I resigned from the Christmas Event Committee. I just can’t face it this year. So I recommended Gemma, and the Chamber of Commerce hired her. She’s going to be wonderful.”
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desktop. Trying to grasp the changes. “Mom, you’ve always done the Christmas events.”
“I know, but not this year. Surely you understand. With your father gone...”
“I know.” Nothing was the same with Dad gone. The world had tilted and they were all just trying to keep their balance. “When are you coming home?”
“I don’t know. Next weekend, maybe. Have you talked to Gil?”
“No. Have you?”
“Yes. His attorney is still digging through legal tangles, but he’s hopeful. The court should rule in his favor since he’s the legal parent.”
“Let’s hope so. We both know the court system can often make poor decisions. I’m praying they won’t this time.”
Linc heard his mom hum her agreement, then encouraged her once more to come home before ending the call and tossing the cell onto the desk. His gaze landed on the family photo sitting on one corner. A short while ago they were all together. Now they were missing their most important member. Losing his dad had made him realize how much he valued his family, how important it was to stay close and keep the ties strong.
Unfortunately, the opposite was happening. His siblings seemed to be drifting away and he didn’t know how to stop it. His sister Bethany had already left the fold years ago to pursue her dancing career in New York. Gil had moved to Mobile temporarily. Now his mother had quit her job and fled to her sisters. Seth was still here and so was his youngest sister, Victoria, but they’d been grieving, too, and he had no idea how to help them. He had no idea how to help himself. But his dad would have.
Pushing back from the desk, he stood and went to the window. He had a perfect view of the cottage, but saw no sign of the woman or boy. He searched his mind for a memory of her, but he couldn’t recall ever seeing her in the office. He’d look her up on the employee files—better safe than sorry.
Turning from the window, he thought about her gutsy behavior. She’d stood up to him. Most women smiled and flirted. There was something different about Mrs. Butler. She looked all soft and feminine in her white lacy top and simple tan slacks. But underneath she was strong. Which was surprising since she wasn’t very tall. Five-four tops. He stood an even six feet and she’d barely reached his shoulder.
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
