Her Christmas Protector by Terri Reed Page A

to an emotion or thought.
    She tried to analyze what she was feeling. She was attracted to Luke, there was no denying that. In her eyes he was everything a man should be, handsome, but not too pretty, gentle, yet with a quiet strength that made her feel protected. He’d been sensitive to her feelings so many times. He’d earned her trust.
    But she couldn’t allow herself to fall for him. He was a port in the storm of her life. And one day Dottie wouldn’t need her any longer and Luke would return to his military career. And she’d…
    She pushed aside her confusion and concentrated on the photo album.
    “This is my Blake.” Dottie pointed to a picture of a handsome man holding a small infant.
    The resemblance between Luke and his father was uncanny. Faith touched the image. “You must miss him a great deal.”
    “Yes, I do. He was a good husband and father. Luke is a lot like him.”
    Faith smiled to hear the subtle suggestion in Dottie’s voice. She didn’t have to work too hard to know Dottie wanted her son to settle down and start a family. It’s what every mother wanted for her children. Faith had no doubt he’d make a fine husband and father.
    “Luke was an adorable child.”
    “That he was. He was also headstrong and willful.” Dottie chuckled. “I can’t wait for the day when he has his own kids and I can sit back to watch the fun.”
    She could picture Luke holding an infant, his strong, gentle hands cradling the tiny body. “Luke will make a good father.”
    “Do you like children, Faith?” Dottie’s steady gaze pinned her to the sofa.
    “Yes, but…I don’t have a lot of experience with them.” Almost none. Vinnie had refused to start a family, and now she was very thankful. Adding a child to the situation would have been so unfair to the child. But in the future? She dared not even dream that far ahead.
    “Do you like my son?”
    Dottie’s blunt question startled her. “Uh, yes. I do like Luke. He’s a decent man.” Not to mention caring, sensitive and attractive.
    “I think he likes you, too.” Dottie’s wistful expression made Faith’s heart pound.
    “He’s a good employer,” Faith said, hoping that would put their relationship in perspective, for both her and Dottie.
    Dottie’s slight smile told her she wasn’t convinced.
    “What are you two doing?” Reva hovered just inside the doorway from the kitchen, a bucket of cleaning supplies in her hand. The tight pink sweater she wore optimized her cleavage.
    Surprised to see Reva and thankful for the distraction, Faith answered, “Looking at some old photos.” She hesitated a moment, sympathy for the other woman twisted in her chest. “Would you care to join us?”
    Reva’s expression shifted, and for a brief moment, Faith saw longing in her gray eyes. She understood what it was like to be on the outside looking in, wanting to belong.
    How many times had she herself looked at Vinnie’s family and wanted to belong? They’d never let her in. And in retrospect, she was again thankful. Had she been attached to his family, would she have had the courage to flee when she needed to?
    “Oh, Luke has shown me those before,” Reva said airily, her chin going up slightly as if challenging them to dispute her.
    “That was nice of him,” Faith offered with compassion aching in her heart.
    Reva smiled tightly and moved away from the door but instead of going back into the kitchen, she disappeared down the dark hall.
    “I’m surprised she came back.” Dottie sighed. “I wish she’d get her own life.”
    Now that Faith knew Reva’s situation and had heard Luke tell her the exact same thing, the wariness Faith had felt for Reva evaporated. “She seems lonely.”
    The shrill sound of the phone echoed through the house.
    “Would you mind getting that, dear?” Dottie leaned back in her chair.
    “Sure.” Faith stood.
    Just then Reva came sailing back into the room. “I’ll get the phone,” she threw over her shoulder before