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

Del got down on his belly to slip a hand under the tasseled end of the red and gold area rug. “I feel something furry. I hope it’s a toy.”


There was fur in the small of his back and at the top of his butt. I was looking, Baily, too.


“We live in the woods and do have mice on occasion,” he said. “Mice or something bigger that finds its way down the chimney and out the fireplace, there.”


Del shot backwards, right into the tree, rocking it hard enough to bring the angel down from the top.


“Look at that. Angel topper it is.” It had landed on his head. “Let me straighten it for you.” Baily turned it upright. “That’s better.”


From Del’s head, Baily gently moved his hand down a bit. “You have your grandmother’s eyes.”


“Ginger’s when you’re curious or mischievous, comparable to the trees when we’re outdoors amongst them, and your Grandmother’s when you smile.”


Chapter 18