Read Online Christmas Dinner (Crimson Romance) by Robyn Neeley - Free Book Online

closely behind. “I’m tired and still in shock. I don’t know what I’m saying.”
    They passed by a long window. Tiny pink and blue blankets caught her eye. She peered in at the newborn babies sleeping inside their cribs and rested a hand on the glass. How tiny they were. Brad’s would soon be in there too. Her eyes welled up again at that realization.
    Tate’s hands were on her shoulders, twirling her around. “Oh, no you don’t. Not again.” He gently laid a finger under each eye. They caught her tears. “I know this is hard, but you’ve got to stop playing the victim, Ace.”
    “I know. I am trying to get a grip.”
    He raised an eyebrow.
    “Really, I am. It’s not like I’ve been pining over him. I knew it was over. It’s just hard seeing that he’s moved on. I mean, first he’s engaged. Now he’s going to be a father.”
    “Well, technically, I think the pregnancy came first.”
    “Still, it was only two years ago. Did you see the way he looked at her? He’s completely smitten.” She sighed. “Who can blame him? She’s gorgeous.”
    “She’s not that pretty.”
    “You really think so?”
    “I like blondes.” He reached behind her and gently yanked her ponytail. “Spunky ones.”
    She laughed. “Apparently not at summer camp that year.” Her heart began to tighten, and she turned away and looked back at the newborns. She really had meant what she said—she wasn’t pining over Brad. But why hadn’t he seen his future with her? Was she not wife material?
    “Mandy!”
    Amanda recognized that voice and spun on her heels. Her younger brother approached them. “Alex!” She hugged him. “Oh, I’m sorry.” She pulled back and brushed the last of her tears with the back of her hand. “Didn’t mean to get you wet.”
    “Is everything okay?” Alex cocked his eyebrow and studied Tate.
    “Fine. Everything’s fine,” Amanda said. “Alex, this is Tate Ryan.”
    “Mom said you were bringing someone home.” He extended his hand, but shot Amanda a questioning look.
    Tate shook it. “Hey, I’m going to go grab us some coffee. Can I get you anything, Alex?”
    “No, I’m headed out. The cafeteria’s on the first floor, to the right.”
    “Thanks, Tate,” Amanda said.
    “Be right back.” Tate strolled down the hall.
    She turned to Alex. “It’s been a long day.”
    “You sure you’re all right?” He stared off in Tate’s direction, watching him get on the elevator.
    “I will be.” She squared her shoulders determined not to let her heartache show. “How’s Quinn?”
    “She’s good. There’s our niece.” He pointed to a tiny baby in the middle wrapped in a pink blanket.
    Amanda peered in the window again. They’d all known Quinn was having a girl. Their sister could never keep a secret. “Oh my gosh! When was she born?”
    “12:01 A.M. ”
    “She’s a Christmas Eve baby! How fitting for the Turner family.” She and Alex stood in silence for a few minutes watching the sleeping baby.
    “Where’s Quinn?”
    “Room 322. Mom and Dad just left.”
    “She must be exhausted.”
    “She could use some sleep.” He zipped up his jacket. “So how long have you been dating?”
    “Dating?”
    “Tate?”
    “Oh, right. Since June.”
    “Really?” Alex frowned. “Isn’t this the co-anchor you can’t stand?”
    Crap!
How could have she forgotten? She’d confided in Alex on more than one occasion that she thought Tate was arrogant and that he got on her nerves. This could ruin everything.
    Play it cool, Amanda
. God, she wished she were better at thinking on her feet. She’d never admit it to Tate, but he probably could give her a few pointers. It was like the teleprompter jam all over again.
    She took a deep breath.
Here goes nothing
. “That was before I got to know him. He really is quite wonderful.”
    There. That wasn’t so hard. She didn’t need Tate to swoop in and save the day.
    Alex raised an eyebrow. “Really, but didn’t you just say last week you