(Complete) Michael Bassett will do anything to protect his daughter even if it means sending her away. Soon he finds his trips east mean more than just seeing his daughter, because with each one he gets closer to the mysterious woman he wants to sav...
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A/N If you haven't read Blending Christmas, you won't really know these characters, except as Sam's parents from Resolutions.
When Bryan appeared at his door, he embraced Mike immediately. "Why didn't you call me?"
"I figured I'd wait. Did Darlene tell you?"
They had arrived late the night before and his friend wasted no time getting to him. Alison was behind her husband and when Bryan let him go, she embraced Mike. Hers was quicker, but he appreciated her support.
"Yeah, but Sam got wind of it. Some old friends were fishing to see what he knew. You know former chief's son, the new chief's daughter."
"Christ, you heard about it in Maine! Where's Sam?"
"With Linda's mother. Where's Anna? Dee told me about Shelby."
It was a dark time when Bryan's first wife, Linda had lost her battle with cancer. Bryan's son Sam was two years older than Anna and always looked out for her before Bryan moved him away.
"Shelby's rejection broke Anna's heart. She's still sleeping or hiding."
"I can't believe what they did to her car!"
"What?" Mike ran to his window a peered out onto his driveway. There was spray paint on Anna's car. He felt his anger rise. "What does it say?"
"Lots of things... slut, whore, worse..."
"I'm calling Jake! There's coffee. Help yourselves." He waved his hand in that direction as he stepped outside with his phone to his ear. He couldn't believe that people would be so mean. He had lived in this town his whole life and it was turning against him and Anna - poor Anna.
Jake promised to come by and Mike returned to find Anna in Bryan's embrace. When he released her, Mike put a protective arm around her.
"Honey, someone vandalized your car. I'm sorry. I wish I knew why everyone is turning against us." Looking up a Bryan, he said, "I walked in the diner and the place went silent. It was breakfast time, so I had a good forty eyes staring at me."
"What happened?"
"Tina greeted me so they all knew I have her support. The crew is supporting us, but the people for him are more vocal."
Anna spoke up. "There is a 'Save Mr. Volpe' website. They're saying mean and awful things."
"What? You're a student at that school aren't their rules about that?"
Alison said, "That's bullying."
"I'm dropping out of school."
Mike felt his anger rise. He reminded himself to focus it on those heartless people and not Anna. "You can't let this ruin you. You need an education."
