Read Online A Family for Christmas (Contemporary Romance Novella) by Helen Scott Taylor - Free Book Online

not succeeding at all well. Almost everywhere he went in the house reminded him of her, and at night when he tried to sleep, thoughts of Eve overwhelmed him with longing. He'd been surprised how little Polly had mentioned Eve, been grateful for it actually.
    Polly sniffed the pillow and then patted it. "Here, Daddy. This smells of her. Come and lie down here with me."
    Tom had purposely not changed the sheets on the spare bed yet. He'd planned to do it in a week or two when time had done its work and his memories of Eve were not so sharp.
    Without making a conscious decision to move, he found himself beside the bed. He should pick his daughter up and take her to her own room.
    Polly patted the pillow again. "Sniff it, Daddy."
    This was a bad idea. He leaned down and pressed his nose into the pillow. The light floral fragrance of Eve's hair surrounded him. He was instantly transported back to the car rental place, the feel of her silky hair against his hand, her body in his arms, her soft lips beneath his. He stifled a groan that was half longing and half frustration with himself for being so stupid.
    "Lie down, Daddy."
    He climbed on the bed and stretched out beside his daughter. She cuddled up to him, and he wrapped an arm around her, hugging her close. Eve's sweet perfume surrounded them, almost as if she were there with them in spirit, a part of their family.
    How could he feel this strongly about the woman when he'd only known her for a couple of days? She had worked her way under his skin and started to make inroads into his heart. This was the last thing he wanted. Life had been simple before she turned up. Now he was confused about what he should do.
    "I want Eve to come back," Polly whispered.
    Tom rubbed his eyes. Eve had texted him on Monday evening to say she'd been offered the partnership with her firm. She wasn't likely to give up such an opportunity so she could live closer to them. "Eve's got a life of her own, pumpkin."
    "I want Eve to be my mummy."
    A band of pain tightened around Tom's chest at the yearning in his daughter's voice. He turned on his side and looked into eyes the same color as his own. "You know I love you enough for two people, Polly."
    "I know you love me, Daddy. But I still want a mummy." She laid her small palm on his cheek and patted him gently. "It doesn't mean I don't love you, Daddy. I just want a lady to do girl things with me." She held up her comb and her Barbie as if that explained everything.
    Had he been fooling himself to think he could raise his daughter alone? They'd bumped along well together, still did. He couldn't bear the thought of a woman coming into Polly's life only to walk away when she got bored with the responsibility of a little girl.
    But hadn't he himself thought how different Eve was from Karen? He pressed a hand over his eyes and instantly thoughts of Eve filled his head, her fragrance fueling longings he had tried so hard to suppress. It wasn't only Polly who missed her. Eve had been like a breath of summer in the middle of winter, brightening up the house with her smiles and kind words.
    He couldn't deny the truth any longer. Watching Polly and Eve together, it was obvious his daughter needed a woman in her life. Tom had done his best to get the girly stuff she wanted. Painting the bedroom pink and sticking fairies on the furniture had kept her happy for a short while. He played Barbies with her, and he could put her hair in a ponytail and add some flowery clips, but French plaits were a step too far. How long before she got interested in fashion and nail polish and other girly stuff? And then there was puberty to deal with.
    "If you marry Eve, she can be my mummy."
    "Eve's got an important job, pumpkin. She has to live a long way away."
    "But you haven't asked her to marry you."
    "Polly, she'd say no."
    "She wouldn't." Polly dug in her pocket and pulled out a crumpled piece of card. "Look." She handed it across. It was one of Eve's business cards with her