All I Want For Christmas by Ann Roth Read Free Book Online

tired. But Daddy wanted to play. We played with my dollhouse. Then we did puzzles. We played catch with my Nerf ball. Then Daddy read from my Amelia Bedelia chapter book.”
    â€œAll that? My goodness.” G. G. shook her head. “That sounds wonderful.”
    Instead of agreeing, Maggie heaved a sigh, leaned her elbow on the ottoman and rested her cheek on her fist. “Daddy always wants to play with me. He doesn’t have anybody else to play with.”
    She looked so forlorn—and so adorable. Tina bit back a smile. “I think maybe you should be grateful. My father worked long hours. We didn’t get much time together.”
    â€œMy daddy used to work all the time. But then we moved here, and now he doesn’t.” She sat down on the rug, crossing her legs Indian style. “Sometimes I want to play with Sam and Gina, but I’m scared that if I do, he’ll be sad.”
    Tina understood, because she had felt just as responsible for her own father’s happiness. Apparently Maggie was headed down the same road. Tina felt for the little girl.
    G. G. murmured her understanding. “I’m sure he doesn’t know how you feel, honey. You should talk to him.”
    â€œNo.” Maggie shook her head. “My daddy needs me.” G. G.’ s expression was weighted with concern. “You’re a very special little girl, and he’s so lucky to have you.”
    True, but Tina was sure he’d be upset if he knew Maggie was staying away from her friends so that her daddy wouldn’t be lonely. Someone ought to tell him. She made up her mind to do that herself—today. The thought of seeing Ryan made her happier than it should have.
    â€œDoes he know you’re here?” she asked.
    Looking guilty, Maggie shook her head. “He said I could play outside.”
    â€œBetter call him, so he doesn’t worry.” G. G. nodded at the phone on the end table.
    â€œDo you know your phone number?” Tina asked.
    The little girl scrambled up and shot her an incredulous look. “Of course I do.” She moved to the phone, dialed and then listened. “Hi, Daddy. I’m at G. G.’ s.”
    â€œAsk him if he wants to come for dinner,” G. G. said.
    What? Wondering what she was up to, Tina eyed her. Suddenly busy with her tea bag, G. G. refused to look up.
    Actually, dinner wasn’t a bad idea. It would give Tina the chance to tell Ryan what Maggie had said—provided they could talk out of his daughter’s earshot. And maybe she’d also gain some insight into why he was alone.
    She wouldn’t think about her attraction to him or anything else.
    â€œPlease?” Maggie pleaded into the receiver. With a stricken look she hung her head. “Daddy says it’s too much trouble. He says no, thank you.”
    â€œGive me that phone.” G. G. held out her hand. “It’s no extra work at all,” she told Ryan. “We have a lovely chicken casserole, courtesy of Linda Sewell, so there isn’t much to do. Tina doesn’t mind making a bigger salad or setting the table for two more people, do you, dear?”
    Tina shook her head.
    â€œShe says it’s fine,” G. G. said. “Why don’t you come at six-thirty. Yes, we’d love another pan of those brownies. Yes, I’ll tell her.”
    When she hung up, her face was pale and pinched. “Your dad says to come home soon for a nap.”
    â€œBut I’m not tired. Can I stay a teensy while longer? Pretty please, with raisins and brown sugar?”
    Torn between concern for G. G. and wanting to spend a little more time with Maggie, Tina fiddled with the spikes in her hair. “G. G.’ s tired, Maggie. Maybe you should go home now.”
    â€œDon’t worry about me. I’ll be fine after I take my pain pill and lie down. Just help me to the bathroom first.”
    â€œWhile you rest, I’ll rake the backyard,” Tina