Homecoming Hero at the Christmas Inn (Lights of St. Augustine #2)

Chapter 1

HOLLY

Holly’s heart still pounded in her chest as she watched Trinity refuse to let go of Gabe, her small arms wrapped around his neck like she might never release him again.

The dining room filled with the soft sounds of movement as everyone gradually remembered that cookies and cocoa were waiting, but Holly couldn’t take her eyes off her son.

He looked older, more weathered than when she’d last seen him almost three years ago—had it really been that long?

The Florida sun had nothing on wherever he’d been stationed—his skin carried that particular bronze that came from desert heat and endless days under unforgiving skies.

“Baby girl, you’re gonna have to let me breathe sometime,” Gabe said, but his voice carried only warmth, no real complaint. His hand moved in slow circles on Trinity’s back, the same soothing motion Holly remembered from when Trinity was a toddler with nightmares.

“Five more minutes,” Trinity mumbled into his shoulder, and everyone in the room laughed, the sound breaking the spell of frozen wonder that had held them all.

“How about we sit down, and you can still hold onto me?” Gabe suggested, shifting Trinity’s weight. Holly caught the slight grimace that crossed his face, there and gone in an instant, but a mother’s eyes missed nothing.

Isabella had already moved to the table, arranging plates and napkins with the efficiency of someone who’d done this a thousand times.

The cookies were works of art, snowflakes dusted with pearl sugar, trees piped with perfect green frosting, stars that sparkled with edible glitter.

Steam rose from the pot of cocoa, filling the air with the scent of chocolate and cinnamon.

“These look amazing, Isabella,” Charlie said, reaching for a snowflake. “You’ve outdone yourself.”

“Wait until you taste them,” Isabella replied, but her attention had shifted to Christopher, who stood slightly apart from the group, looking uncertain about where he fit in this family reunion.

The moment of awkwardness was broken by the sound of clicking nails on hardwood. Duke appeared in the doorway, his massive frame pausing as he assessed the room full of people. His tail started its slow wag, building momentum as he recognized familiar faces and spotted new ones.

“Duke!” Trinity finally released her father, dropping to her knees as the Great Dane bounded toward her. The dog’s enthusiasm sent her tumbling backward, laughing as he covered her face with kisses.

Gabe instantly reached for his daughter but stopped when he realized the only danger Trinity was in was being licked and loved to death by the huge puppy.

“Easy, boy,” Jane called, but she was laughing too. Duke’s joy was infectious, his whole body wiggling with excitement as he moved from person to person, demanding attention from everyone.

“Now that’s a dog,” Christopher said, kneeling to meet Duke at eye level. The Great Dane immediately pressed his huge head against Christopher’s chest, nearly knocking him over.

“He thinks he’s a lap dog,” Logan warned, but it was too late. Duke had already decided Christopher was his new best friend, trying to climb into his lap despite being roughly the size of a small pony.

“I can see that,” Christopher laughed, struggling to stay upright as Duke’s weight threatened to topple him completely.

Julie moved through the chaos with the grace of someone who’d managed family gatherings for decades.

She placed a gentle hand on Gabe’s shoulder, her eyes bright with unshed tears.

“Welcome to the Christmas Inn, both of you,” she added, including Christopher in her warm gaze. “We’re so glad you’re here.”

“Thank you for accommodating us at such short notice, Mrs. Christmas,” Gabe said, standing to greet her, holding out his hand, only to be trapped in a hug by Julie.

“None of that Mrs. Christmas business. I’m Julie.” She turned to Christopher, who’d finally managed to get Duke to sit, though the dog’s tail still swept the floor in wide arcs. “That goes for you, too, young man.”

Christopher smiled and embraced Julie in a warm hug, making Holly’s grin widen. Christopher was like a second son to her and had spent most of his school years with them as his parents travelled a lot, being war correspondents.

Jack stepped forward, his handshake firm and welcoming. “Good to finally meet you, Gabe. Your mother talks about you constantly.” His eyes crinkled at the corners, and he turned to Christopher. “And you must be Christopher?”

“That’s right,” Christopher answered, shaking Jack’s hand. “This is a great place you have here.”

“Thank you,” Jack said.

Logan added his own greeting, clapping Gabe on the shoulder with the easy familiarity of someone who understood military bearing. Charlie hugged her nephew tightly, whispering something that made him smile.

Jane hung back slightly, one hand on Duke’s head as the dog leaned against her leg. She offered a quiet “Welcome to the inn,” that carried weight Holly couldn’t quite identify. There was something in the way Jane looked at Gabe, a recognition perhaps, of someone else who’d carried loss.

Trinity had reclaimed her position at her father’s side, her hand firmly grasping his. “Dad’s hurt,” she announced to the room with the matter-of-fact tone children used for important news. “He’s wearing a special boot.”

Holly’s eyes dropped immediately to Gabe’s right leg, noticing now what she’d missed in the emotion of the moment. A medical boot, the kind that spoke of recent injury, not quite healed.

“It’s nothing serious, Mom,” Gabe said quickly, reading the concern that must have shown on her face. “I landed badly and cracked my fibula.” He patted the boot. “This keeps it steady while it heals. Another few weeks and I’ll be good as new.”

“He’s downplaying it,” Christopher said, his tone carrying the steady certainty of someone who’d been there. “He broke his leg saving three civilians. The landing was bad because he shielded a kid with his body when a wall came down.”

“Christopher,” Gabe warned, but there was no real heat in it.

“They should know,” Christopher replied simply. He looked at Isabella, who’d been refilling cocoa cups. “Thank you for helping set this up. The surprise was perfect.”

Isabella’s cheeks flushed slightly. “It was nothing. I’m glad I could help.” Her eyes moved to Trinity. “It’s nice to see Trinity really smile.”

“So much for none of us being able to fit in more cookies.” Jack glanced at the empty cookie plates, then at Julie with amusement. “I think we’ve demolished Isabella’s hard work in record time.”

“They were irresistible,” Julie said, dabbing at her lips with a napkin and glancing at Isabella. “Thank you, dear. This was exactly what we all needed.”

“Dad, there is so much to do here, at the inn, the island, and St. Augustine…” Trinity’s voice rang with excitement, but died as she glanced at his foot. “But you might not be able to do any of it.”

“Nonsense,” Gabe said, ruffling her hair. “That’s what the boot’s for. So I can do things with my girl.” He pulled her into his arms, hugging her tight, and tears stung Holly’s eyes as she watched the scene.

She was still a little awestruck that her baby was home.

“Are you sure, Dad?” Trinity replied with complete seriousness.

“Because we’ve been really active since we got here.

There’s all the Christmas stuff to do and…

” Her eyes widened, reflecting her excitement.

“I’m helping Jane decorate,” she looked at Jane and smiled, “and get the ballroom ready for the Winter Ball that we’re hosting on Christmas Eve. ”

“Oh?” Gabe said, his brows lifting. “That sounds very fancy.”

“And fun,” Trinity added.

“Yeah, that too,” Gabe said, laughing, and squeezed her again. “I’m just so happy to be home with you, baby girl.”

“I’m happy you’re here too, Dad,” Trinity’s voice dropped. “I hope this isn’t a dream and I wake up with a tummy ache and you’re actually not here.”

“I’m here,” Gabe assured her, and then just to prove it, started to tickle her and set her off in squeals of delight.

“Be careful of your father’s foot,” Holly said, moving closer to the two of them. “If he hurts it again, he really won’t be able to participate in all the fun.”

“He started it,” Trinity accused with a big smile.

“Guilty,” Gabe owned up and turned to his mother. “How are you holding up, Mom?”

“I’m actually doing great,” Holly said and realized she meant it.

“This place has been good for me, Trinity, and even your Aunt Charlie.” She glanced at her sister, who was engaged in conversation with Jack, Logan, and Isabella, with Christopher at the center.

Julie and Jane sat watching and taking in all the excited chatter.

“You do seem happy, Mom,” Gabe told her, taking Holly’s hand and giving it a loving squeeze. “I’m glad you came here for Christmas.” He looked around. “It feels almost magical and like…”

“Home?” Holly added.

Gabe frowned and nodded. “Yes.” His frown deepened. “Is that weird?”

“Not at all,” Holly said, shaking her head. “I felt that way as soon as I walked through the door.”

“Gabe…” Christopher turned and stopped. “Oh, sorry, Holly….”

“No,” Holly held up her hand. “Please, go ahead. I need a bathroom break.”

Holly stood and walked to the door. Turning back, she felt her heart swell as she watched them together.

Her son was home, injured but whole, and her granddaughter glowed with a happiness Holly hadn’t seen in months.

Around them, this makeshift family they’d found at the Christmas Inn welcomed them with open arms and easy laughter.

For this moment, everything was perfect.

The conversation in the dining room had grown louder, voices overlapping in that comfortable chaos of family, and Holly felt the sudden need for a moment of quiet.

She slipped through the doorway unnoticed, Trinity’s animated voice telling Christopher about her shell collection fading behind her as she entered the lobby.