Ginger the cat is the centerpiece of a lucrative entertainment and merchandising empire. A blue Christmas seems certain when his owner Katherine passes away right before Thanksgiving.<br><br>Katherine’s will appoints her loving and loyal groundskeeper Baily as executor, leaving estranged grandson Del livid. Since Del wasn’t around, it’s stipulated he must spend thirty days under the same roof as Ginger and Baily to get to know the cat as a loving companion, not just a commodity, in order to share in any inheritance.<br><br>As the men bond over the weeks leading into Christmas, Baily is unaware Scrooge-like Del is sneaking around, searching out cash and other valuables. Will they be able to make nice once Baily discovers Del’s naughtiness? Which list does Ginger end up on? And what will Katherine’s last gift to each man mean to their future?

Ginger Bread

“Right. Meenie got excited at the sound of that,” Baily said, “and so it stuck. She and Apollo aren’t the type of dogs who draw in prospective owners, due to age, look, demeanor. Both are mutts, and not too attractive some have said.”


“Only pretty things matter,” Del muttered. “Pansy had that line of dialogue once, when everyone was falling in love but her.”


Del shrugged. “I did…Life experience.”


“I think Pansy’s beautiful, and so are these dogs. They raced Apollo, his first owners did. He’s a greyhound. Now, they’re both chill, not really into putting on a show. I know how that goes.”


Baily shook his head side to side, that his only response. “Miss Kitty and I discussed bringing the two pups home. Ginger doesn’t mind their company. They eat, sleep, walk, and cuddle, like him. Why wouldn’t they get along? Of course, now, I don’t know where home will be.”


Chapter 12