Free Her Christmas Hero (Home To Dover 6) by Lorraine Beatty

picking him up from school each day, and then working from home.”
    “Yes. Why?”
    “I know the job requires lots of face-to-face time with store owners and meetings with vendors. I have a suggestion. Evan and I hit it off. He’s a sweet boy, and I have lots of time on my hands now. I’d be more than happy to watch Evan after school each day, for as long as needed.”
    “Oh, Miss Francie, that’s really sweet of you, but that’s too much to ask.”
    “Nonsense. It would fill my days. I’m used to having family around, but the children are grown and living their own lives. I’d hoped for grandchildren by now, but the only one I have was taken from us when she was a toddler. I’m praying that Gil will bring her back to us soon.” Francie smiled and patted her arm. “You don’t have to give me your answer now. But I’m sincere in this offer, and I think Evan and I can help each other.”
    The warmth behind the woman’s offer tightened her throat. It was the perfect solution. “If you’re sure it wouldn’t be any trouble, then I’d like that. I’m sure Evan would, too.”
    “Wonderful.” Francie stood, a big smile on her face. “Oh, and don’t worry about ball practice. He can ride with Linc, and if he’s working late I’ll be happy to take him and watch the practice. I used to watch all the kids’ games.”
    Gemma found herself envious of the loving mother Francie was. From what she’d seen, she’d raised fine upstanding children. Tori was friendly and feisty. Seth was kind and helpful. Gil was honorable—fighting for his child. She knew nothing of the sister in New York, but she was obviously pursuing her dream with her family’s blessing. Linc—well, the jury was still out on Linc.

Chapter Five
    L inc strode out of the office Tuesday morning and took the stairs down to the shop, heading toward the workroom in the back. Laughter floated on the air. A woman’s laughter, and he thought he knew who it belonged to. But why was she here? He spotted Gemma and Seth huddled together in front of the workbench. Seth pointed to something on the surface and Gemma nodded enthusiastically. The rush of scalding heat sparking along his nerve endings caught him off guard.
    “Hey, bro.” Seth smiled and motioned him forward. “Come look at our project.”
    He moved closer, stopping beside Gemma and willing himself not to stare. She glowed with happiness. Her bright smile and sparkling eyes stole his breath. Her red-gold hair lay across her shoulder in one thick braid, contrasting with the blue sweater she wore over a denim skirt. Bright earrings bobbed against her neck as if mimicking her joy. His mouth went dry and he had to clear his throat to speak. “What project would that be?”
    “The Christmas wreaths for the street drapes we found in the storage building?”
    “Oh, right.” He’d forgotten about those. He stole another quick glance at Gemma, then looked down at the table. The metal wreath looked nothing like the way it had before. The heavy-gauge metal frame had been covered with lights and some kind of green plastic that looked like a dismantled cheerleading pom-pom.
    Seth nodded, a big smile on his face. “Watch this.” He inserted the plug into the outlet, illuminating the decoration. “How’s that? Pretty awesome, huh?”
    Linc had to admit it looked better lit, but it still resembled something a third grader made from a coat hanger and tissue paper. He doubted expressing his honest opinion would contribute much at the moment. He searched for something noncommittal to say. “Looks good.”
    Gemma grinned. “Better than good. He transformed it. I’m thrilled.”
    Linc fought to ignore the way Gemma’s delight washed through his senses, and eyed the strange-looking wreath. He couldn’t imagine people flocking to Dover to see something so tacky hanging overhead. “So are they all going to look like this?”
    “Oh, no.” Gemma’s smile widened. “Seth just put this together with