It Really IS a Wonderful Life: The Snowflake Falls but Hearts in Love Keep a Home Warm All Year Long by Linda Wood Rondeau Page B

her to safety. He stood tall and the waves couldn’t knock him down. From then on, she knew Daddy would always be there when she needed him.
    Isn’t that what fathers were supposed to do?
    Devon had been a good father, but he couldn’t be there for Josh or Emma either. If she were in trouble, who could she call out to?
    Jamey’s face flashed before her. Shouldn’t it be Gabe’s?

Chapter Fifteen
      
    Midweek already and no rehearsal tonight. Gabe hovered over his new red Porsche like a boy with his first toy fire engine. He opened the door and rubbed the hood before getting in. “Be sure to let your father know how much I appreciate his help. The guy he recommended gave me a terrific deal.”
    He reminded her of Devon when he’d come home with his Cavalier. “Fall’s the best time to buy a car,” he’d said, as if he’d found the secret to eternal youth.
    “That’s what Daddy thinks.”
    Devon’s proud smile vanished, and Dorie realized she had stolen his moment.
    The cold burrowed through her coat and into her bones. Best to put an end to the gushing so they could be on their way. “It’s beautiful, Gabe.”
    He took Dorie’s hands in his. “I’ll try not to go on and on about the Porsche. After all, this is your night. I’m proud of you for landing a job. Salary’s a little low, but you’ll work your way up the ladder in no time.”
    Should she mention Daddy got the job for her? On the other hand, why bother? Considering Midville’s grapevine, Gabe probably already knew. He let the car idle while he fiddled with various dashboard gadgets and set the radio on soft music. He looked at the plush seats like Daddy eyed a set of Calloway golf clubs.
    Gabe seemed one with his car … should she break into his thoughts? She waited a few more minutes, then asked, “Where are we going?”
    His face gleamed like Josh’s did when he handed her a batch of wild flowers. “There’s a restaurant I thought you’d like up on Route 30, about ten miles out. It has a big picture window overlooking Ghost Lake.”
    “That’s an odd name for a lake. Is it haunted?” As soon as she asked the question, she knew the history lesson would follow.
    “Great story - how it got its name.”
    She offered him a smile of encouragement. “Please do tell.” If possible, Gabe puffed up a few more notches. “Back in the 1920s, a bootlegger named Bad Henry Logan lived in that area of the Adirondacks. Rumor has it Bad Henry ran into the hills to hide from the Feds. There he discovered the purest lake this side of heaven, so pure that Henry got down on his knees and repented of his evil ways. He became a preacher and told how the Holy Ghost found him at that lake. Folks shortened the name to Ghost Lake after Henry died in 1943.”
    “Now I know you’re joking.”
    “It’s the truth.”
    “It sounds like a nice place. You didn’t have to go to all this bother, though. The West End Café would be fine.”
    Gabe squeezed her hand. “Nothing’s a bother for you, Dorie. We won’t have to hurry home either. I called your mother, you know. I told her I wanted to take you out to celebrate your new job and that we might get in late. She said not to worry and that she’ll crash on the couch if she gets tired.”
    Had Mom made her own decision to agree, or had she been victimized by Gabe’s charm?
    His smile vanished, his eyes probing hers. “You know, the job isn’t the only reason I wanted to take you out tonight.” She expected his kiss and allowed it. And it might have been long and passionate if she hadn’t hit her knee on the gearshift.
    “Ouch!”
    “I guess I didn’t think about kissing when I bought this car.” He sat back against the seat and closed his eyes. “I’m falling in love with you, Dorie.”
    Her body sagged, and words wouldn’t come. True, she hoped they would become more than friends. Love? Perhaps in time.
    “You don’t have to say anything. I know your feelings aren’t the same as mine, but