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

“Maybe we hang out just because I enjoy your company, Baily, because it’s nice.”


“Well, there’s no point to that, really,” he told Del. “Can I go?” When Del said nothing, Baily did.


“No. Wait.” Then, Del did speak up. “I…I thought you enjoyed being with me, too.”


“Never mind.” Baily took another step.


“Fine. I need something else, though.”


I thought he wasn’t going to, but Baily stopped again, right before he would have disappeared at the top of the landing. He took a breath, turned, and came partway back down. “What?”


“The, um, the guesthouse key. Anne is coming by this afternoon. We’re bringing the cats for a visit, like a home check. My wish is they’ll be able to stay, but I don’t want to get my hopes up. It’s late and all, with Christmas just three days off, now. I might need to bug you again for some cleaning products, too.”


“Everything’s in the mud porch closet, vacuum, rags, a mop, Windex and paper towels…”


Chapter 29