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

“Perfect.” Baily walked away. “As for what I did before I landed here…I did nothing and everything. I started out in New York and worked my way west doing short-term jobs and sleeping in my truck. I didn’t think I wanted anything more than that, any sort of connection. Connections usually end in pain. That’s the way it works.” Baily picked up and studied the recipe card. Despite my lack of experience when it came to reading, I thought he was holding it way too close to his face, to hide more tears, perhaps. “I never imagined spending seven years in one place. Never.”


“Longest home I ever had.” He set down the index card. “I have to go…do something.”


As Baily raced up the stairs, Del took a seat beside me on the window bench. “He’s a good guy, huh?”


Yes. I looked toward the top of the landing, feeling as if I should be there, yet stilled by the responsibility of keeping an eye on Del, something some might see as laziness.


Chapter 20