From Russia With Love by Coble Colleen

Author:Coble, Colleen [Coble, Colleen]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781937515362
Published: 2013-07-08T04:00:00+00:00

eight

Tatiana pressed cold fingers against her burning cheeks. Her eyes felt gritty. Why should sentimental words about a Heavenly Father reduce her to such a state? Still, Gabe’s words had hit home. She felt so alone, so bereft of anyone who cared about her. But she’d taken care of herself and Irina this long; she could continue to do so. No invisible God was going to put food in front of them.

Peeking in on Irina, she found her playing with a set of Playmobile firemen. She watched her daughter for a moment. The toys seemed somehow appropriate. Sometimes she felt like she was in a burning house, running toward the cool air of freedom while flames of poverty and hardship raced to consume her. She shrugged at her fanciful ideas.

“There you are, my lamb. Are you ready to watch your Barney video?” She sat on the edge of the bed and touched Irina’s tight curls. Americans had no idea of the luxuries they enjoyed, things like well-stocked grocery stores and a selection of children’s videos that was mind-boggling. And she and Irina were actually here. The thought sent a wave of profound relief through her.

Irina nodded, then crawled into her lap and nestled her head against her chest. She corked her thumb in her mouth, and Tatiana gently pulled it out. “You’re tired. How about a bath, and you can watch Barney in bed for a little while?”

She bathed Irina and popped her into her footed sleeper with Pooh on the front, then carried her to bed.

Irina rubbed her eyes. “Where is Daddy? He will read me a story.”

“He is busy with the guest. I shall read to you.” How did she get Irina to call Gabe by his name? The longer she thought of him as Daddy, the harder it would be to make the break that had to come.

Irina’s face wrinkled, and she began to wail. “He promised.” Tatiana tried to shush her before she disturbed anyone downstairs, but her sobs grew in intensity. A full-fledged tantrum was brewing.

A shadow loomed at the door. “I come to read a story, and I find you wailing like a banshee. If that’s the kind of welcome I get, I’ll just go back downstairs.” Gabe stepped into the room and put his hands on his hips.

Irina hiccuped and rubbed her wet eyes. “Mat said you were too busy to read.”

“I’m never too busy to read to my favorite girl.” He began to rifle through the books in the bookcase beside the bed. “Which one will it be tonight?”

Tatiana watched him pull out a copy of a story about Tigger. He was so good with Irina. Someday he would be a wonderful father. Too bad it wasn’t with Irina and more children of their own. She dropped her eyes at the sting of tears.

Gabe tucked the covers under Irina’s chin and opened the book. His baritone voice sent shivers up Tatiana’s spine, and she had a strange sense that this scene would

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