Free A Family for Christmas (Contemporary Romance Novella) by Helen Scott Taylor Page B

Tom said, "Barbie took over my place in the snakes and ladders game."
    A disbelieving laugh burst from Eve. "Con, please don't tell me you're upset because a doll's beating you?"
    Her brother gave her a sheepish smirk. "Okay. Maybe I overreacted."
    Eve glanced at her sister-in-law who had her hand clamped over her mouth, trying not to laugh. They shared despairing eye rolls.
    "Men," Eve muttered affectionately.
    Tom tickled her middle and she squirmed away from him.
    "What about men?"
    "Nothing." She ran out of his reach, giggling. "Time for the presents, I think."
    "Presents." Polly jumped up, knocking the snakes and ladders board and scattering the counters, making who was winning a moot point. "I want to hand them out."
    They all dutifully took seats around the fire, then Polly fetched the brightly wrapped presents from beneath the Christmas tree and passed them out. "This one's for you, Uncle Connor." She handed across a box covered in pink paper decorated with angels. "I wrapped it for you."
    "And very well wrapped it is," he said.
    "You don't mind glittery pink angels then?" Tom said.
    "I have a twin sister," Connor reminded him.
    "Ah, of course." Tom put his arm around Eve's shoulders. "Then I'm sure you'll have no trouble when Jasmine wants to comb your hair and decorate it with little bows."
    Connor laughed. "No problem at all, mate. Eve used to practice putting makeup and nail polish on me."
    Tom went pale and Eve patted his hand. "Don't worry, darling. I'm sure we can spare you that trial."
    Once all the presents were unwrapped, Eve made a cup of tea. They settled in front of the fire. A relaxed, easy atmosphere fell over the room as they chatted.
    Tom pulled out a small box wrapped in gold paper with a bow on top, and offered it to her.
    "Another present for me?" Eve pressed a hand to her chest. Tom had already given her a beautiful pair of diamond and sapphire earrings that now adorned her ears.
    "Yes. For you, love," he said. "Open it."
    Eve's heart thudded as she ripped the paper away to find a jewelry box. Her gaze rose to meet Tom's, and he smiled with encouragement. She lifted the lid to reveal a stunning marquise-cut diamond ring. "Oh, Tom, it's beautiful, is it a…" Her pulse raced in anticipation with just a touch of uncertainty.
    "Of course it is, darling." Tom slid off the sofa and went down on one knee in front of her. He pulled out the ring and set the box aside. "Eve, my love, will you marry me?"
    "Yes, oh, yes." Eve fell into Tom's arms, laughing as she peppered his face with kisses. Polly squealed with excitement and jumped on them. Eve was vaguely aware of Connor and Lilly clapping as Tom's lips touched hers. How she loved this man who had rescued her from the snow and from her lonely life.
    As she sank deeper into his embrace, Polly danced around them singing, "I've got a mummy for Christmas."
    Eve put her lips to Tom's ear. "And I’ve got a family for Christmas," she whispered.

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If you enjoyed A Family for Christmas , you might also enjoy these other books by Helen Scott Taylor

    Unbreak My Heart

    Praise for Unbreak My Heart

    "Any lover of traditional Harlequin/Mills and Boon novels will especially adore this novel." Heather Hiestand
    *
    "So many tender, touching moments that will make you laugh, cry and sigh." Charlotte
    *
    "Unrequited love, characters from opposite sides of the tracks, family, and poignant scenes make this romance