A Daughter for Christmas Read Free Page B

don’t know what to do anymore.”
    He smiled, the crinkles at the sides of his dark green eyes deepening. “I hope it helps you.”
    â€œSo do I.” Rachel sipped her coffee, a visual link between them.
    â€œWho are you?” Taylor asked from the doorway into the kitchen, her attention riveted on Max.

Chapter Two
    A t the sight of his daughter, Max tensed. His heartbeat thundered in his ears, drowning out what Rachel said to Taylor. All he could see was that the young girl looked just like his ex-wife, except the child had his green eyes. The same shape, long lashes. Until now he’d only seen a picture of Taylor, but it had been grainy, from a distance. The fact that Taylor was a mixture of him and Alicia further disconcerted him.
    Rachel fixed her gaze on Max. “This is our new neighbor. He’ll be working with Dr. Reynolds.”
    â€œTaking Dad’s place?” Taylor folded her arms over her chest.
    Her words cut through the haze about his thoughts. Pierced his heart. “It’s nice to meet you.” This was his daughter. One denied him for years. He willed a smile to his face, but his lips quivered from the strain of trying to maintain a nonchalant front. Nothing felt blasé from the lump in his throat to the knot in his gut.
    â€œAre you gonna be in Dad’s office?”
    Although the question was directed at him, Rachel hurriedly said, “Hon, Dr. Reynolds needs help. The practice is too much for one man.”
    â€œBut—but…” Taylor snapped her mouth closed and stabbed her mother with a fierce expression. Tears filled her eyes.
    Max started to rise, the urge to comfort stronger than his common sense.
    Rachel beat him to his feet. “Honey, no one can take your father’s place.”
    But I’m your dad. The words lodged themselves in his throat, choking off his breath. With his teeth gritted, he remained seated and forced air into his lungs while Rachel made her way toward Taylor.
    The teenager backed away and spun around. Her footsteps quickly receded.
    Rachel pivoted. “I’m sorry. I need to talk with her.”
    â€œGo. I understand.”
    When Rachel disappeared, Max sank back in the chair. His hand shook as he lifted the mug to his lips. For a few seconds, he’d wanted to shout the truth at Taylor and Rachel. But immediately as the urge inundated him, he knew that would be the worst thing to do. Taylor was fragile emotionally and the news could do so much damage. As much as he wanted to be a father, he would not do it at the cost of his daughter’s emotional well-being. He had to think about when and how—nothing rash.
    Â 
    Rachel pushed open the door. An empty bedroom greeted her. Where was Taylor? She’d heard her stomping upstairs.
    Then a noise drifted to her. Rachel stepped farther inside and tilted her head, listening. The sobs came from the closet. Taylor hadn’t hidden in there for over two years. The last time was when she’d first heard the newsthat her father had died. Rachel moved toward the door that stood ajar a few inches and pulled it toward her.
    In the darkness Taylor huddled in her comforter wrapped around her. She clasped it and her legs to her body. When the light from the bedroom invaded the closet, Taylor lifted her head for a few seconds, then curled farther in on herself and continued to cry.
    The sound ripped through Rachel, leaving her defenseless in the wake of her child’s sorrow. She knelt next to Taylor and laid her hand on her daughter’s arm. “Taylor, no one is trying to erase your father’s memory. No one can take away the fact he was your dad and a special man. Dr. Reynolds needed help, and Dr. Connors has decided to join him. When your father died, it left a hole in the medical community in Tallgrass that needed to be filled.”
    Tear-glistening eyes trapped Rachel. “You’ve forgotten him. You don’t talk about him