Lorraine Beatty - Her Christmas Hero

A Small-Town Christmas

Gemma Butler has a grand vision to transform Dover, Mississippi’s fledgling Christmas celebrations and bring visitors to the town. It’s also the single mom’s last chance to provide for her son and revive her event planning business. But Gemma’s not the only one with something to prove. Linc Montgomery has the weight of the family business on his shoulders. And he’ll go down swinging before he’ll let anyone disrupt the traditions he holds dear. Yet when a storm threatens to destroy the holiday, he’ll join forces with the beautiful planner and discover she just might be the love he’s been searching for.

“I’ve never shown anyone this place before.”

The vulnerability she saw in Linc’s expression tugged at her heart. “I’m honored. It’s a beautiful location. It would be a lovely family estate.”

“I’ve had plenty of offers to buy it. But I’ll never sell.”

“I can’t blame you. Living here would be wonderful.” Gemma slipped her hand into his, and he squeezed it gently, her breath catching with his gaze. There was a softness, a longing, as if he’d pulled back a curtain and allowed her to see something deeply personal.

“I wanted you to understand.”

“Why?” Did he want her to care?

What if she made another mistake? What if Linc wasn’t all he appeared to be?

No. She’d better douse this attraction with a bucket of common sense and keep her focus on the only things that really mattered. Evan and the Christmas events.

Then Linc smiled. Common sense vanished like morning mist in sunlight.

She was in big trouble. Big, big trouble.

LORRAINE BEATTY was raised in Columbus, Ohio, but now calls Mississippi home. She and her husband, Joe, have two sons and five grandchildren. Lorraine started writing in junior high and is a member of RWA and ACFW and a charter member and past president of Magnolia State Romance Writers. In her spare time she likes to work in her garden, travel and spend time with her family.

Her

Christmas Hero

Lorraine Beatty

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Relieve the troubles of my heart

and free me from my anguish.

—Psalms 25:17

To the best brothers anyone could ask for.

John, Steve, David and my sweet Ken.

Love you guys so much. You have blessed my life.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A Small-Town Christmas Gemma Butler has a grand vision to transform Dover, Mississippi’s fledgling Christmas celebrations and bring visitors to the town. It’s also the single mom’s last chance to provide for her son and revive her event planning business. But Gemma’s not the only one with something to prove. Linc Montgomery has the weight of the family business on his shoulders. And he’ll go down swinging before he’ll let anyone disrupt the traditions he holds dear. Yet when a storm threatens to destroy the holiday, he’ll join forces with the beautiful planner and discover she just might be the love he’s been searching for.

Introduction “I’ve never shown anyone this place before.” The vulnerability she saw in Linc’s expression tugged at her heart. “I’m honored. It’s a beautiful location. It would be a lovely family estate.” “I’ve had plenty of offers to buy it. But I’ll never sell.” “I can’t blame you. Living here would be wonderful.” Gemma slipped her hand into his, and he squeezed it gently, her breath catching with his gaze. There was a softness, a longing, as if he’d pulled back a curtain and allowed her to see something deeply personal. “I wanted you to understand.” “Why?” Did he want her to care? What if she made another mistake? What if Linc wasn’t all he appeared to be? No. She’d better douse this attraction with a bucket of common sense and keep her focus on the only things that really mattered. Evan and the Christmas events. Then Linc smiled. Common sense vanished like morning mist in sunlight. She was in big trouble. Big, big trouble.

About the Author LORRAINE BEATTY was raised in Columbus, Ohio, but now calls Mississippi home. She and her husband, Joe, have two sons and five grandchildren. Lorraine started writing in junior high and is a member of RWA and ACFW and a charter member and past president of Magnolia State Romance Writers. In her spare time she likes to work in her garden, travel and spend time with her family.

Title Page Her Christmas Hero Lorraine Beatty www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. —Psalms 25:17

Dedication To the best brothers anyone could ask for. John, Steve, David and my sweet Ken. Love you guys so much. You have blessed my life.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Dear Readers

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Linc Montgomery stepped out onto the front porch of his family home, inhaling the cool October air deep into his lungs. His gaze drifted over the green lawn that sloped to the tree line and beyond. The view never failed to siphon the tension from his body and soothe his soul. And he needed both right now. Leaning one shoulder against a fluted porch post, he prayed for strength to get through the day. The death of his father a month ago had shaken him to the core, and the grief at times was overwhelming.

He growled and exhaled a heavy sigh at the sound of an approaching car. He couldn’t handle another well-wisher dropping off food that probably wouldn’t get eaten. He appreciated their kindness and concern, but he didn’t have it in him today to make nice. A nondescript domestic silver sedan appeared between the old oaks that lined the long winding driveway. He didn’t recognize it. In a town the size of Dover, Mississippi, it was easy to identify a person by the car they drove.

Linc straightened and shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans, struggling to dig up a smile and a grateful attitude. The car drove past the main house and pulled to a stop a hundred yards away in front of the cottage that stood under the oak grove. The cottage had been his grandmother’s home in her later years, and was used infrequently as a guesthouse now. No one was supposed to be there.

Jogging down the front steps, he strode across the lawn, watching as a woman and a young boy emerged from the sedan. She walked confidently onto the porch and unlocked the front door. He had no idea what was going on, but he wasn’t about to let it continue.

“Hey!”

The woman let the boy enter the cottage but didn’t respond to his call. He quickened his steps. “Hey. What are you doing?” He reached the steps before she could disappear inside. “This is private property.”

She turned to face him and he felt a stunned moment of awareness. Her emerald-green eyes were bright and inquisitive. Her strawberry blonde hair was held back on the sides with barrettes, allowing the wavy strands to tumble down behind her shoulders. He yanked his thoughts back into place. “You have no right to be here. So I suggest you hand me the key and leave.” The green eyes darkened and she raised her chin, a slight smile touching her lips.