Free His Holiday Family by Margaret Daley Page A

against the counter next to Gideon.
    â€œShe doesn’t like crowds. Told Nana she would be just fine at her house. She planned on turning off her hearing aid and sleeping through the whole thing.”
    Her mother emerged from the mudroom, fingering her damp hair. “Actually, I don’t blame her. It’s getting wet out there, and she moves so slowly.”
    Gideon released a long breath. “I’d better head home then. Butch doesn’t like loud noises.”
    Kip giggled. “Butch is a funny name for a girly dog.”
    â€œHey, he’ll take offense if he hears you say that.”
    â€œYeah, and he might nip my ankle if he did.” Kip covered his mouth to keep his laughter inside.
    â€œWhy don’t you bring Butch and come ride out the hurricane here with us? I personally don’t like being alone in a storm.” Her mother averted her head, suddenly sliding her gaze away from Gideon.
    But Kathleen didn’t need to see her expression to know what her mom was up to. Gideon was an availablebachelor, and her daughter was available now. Bingo. Why not get them together? As that went through her mind, Kathleen said without really thinking about it, “I agree. You shouldn’t be alone. You’re injured. I wouldn’t want you to do anything to strain your cracked ribs.”
    â€œRight, Kathleen has a point.”
    â€œYeah, Gideon, please stay and bring Butch.” Kip took his hand and dragged him toward the mudroom where the rain gear was. “I’ll come with you and carry your dog.”
    â€œI think I’m being bulldozed by all of you.”
    â€œIf that means we’re ganging up on you, yep, we are. I don’t want to be the man of the house. I’ve never been in a hurricane.”
    Hearing Kip say that twisted Kathleen’s heart. Ever since his dad had died last year, he’d tried to be the man of the house because some of their friends in Denver had said that the job was his now that his father was gone. Although he’d only been eight, he’d taken the role seriously to the point of even bossing Jared around right after Derek’s death. That was what had started the fighting between them that had escalated when they’d moved to Hope.
    Gideon captured Kathleen’s gaze and held it for a long moment. For a brief time a connection between her and Gideon sprang up, taking her by surprise in its strength. They had spent the whole day helping each other and neighbors get ready for the hurricane. Even with his broken arm, he’d managed to participate fully in the preparations and get her sons involved, without any arguing.
    â€œIs it okay if Kip helps me bring Butch?”
    Kathleen’s throat swelled at the emotions sweepingthrough her—seeing the eagerness on Kip’s face, the compassion on Gideon’s as if he knew how much her sons needed a man’s influence. “Yes, but hurry.”
    Â 
    The clash of thunder boomed as Gideon unlocked his front door. The forty-mile-per-hour wind whipped his poncho about him. Kip huddled close, letting the house block some of it. The second the boy could he charged into the foyer, dripping water all over the tiles.
    He glanced down at the puddle forming on the floor. “Sorry.”
    â€œIf that is all this place gets, I’ll be happy. Butch!” Gideon headed toward the back.
    His bichon frise yelped, the sound coming from the den. When he entered, he saw the white curly tail sticking out from under the couch. “Butch, come on. We’re leaving.”
    The dog whined, trying to burrow deeper under the sofa.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” Kip moved toward Butch.
    â€œHe’s scared. Loud thunderstorms really bother him.”
    Kip stooped and bent down to look under the couch. “It’s okay, Butch. I’m scared, too. We can take care of each other. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
    His coaxing voice held a soothing