Colton's Christmas Baby Read Online Free PDF

started on the den, Max’s barking alerted her that a car had pulled up into the drive. Her mother. Perspiring and grungy, and knowing she could use a break, Eve went to the front door and opened it wide.
    â€œYou’re out bright and early on a snowy morning,” she said brightly.
    Bonnie Gene’s gaze swept over her daughter. “It’s not morning. It’s well after noon.”
    â€œWell, good afternoon then.” Eve wiped her hands on her sweats. “You caught me in the middle of cleaning. What’s going on?” Moving aside, she waited until her mother entered before closing the door.
    â€œI have fantastic news!” Bonnie Gene gushed the moment she stepped inside. Sweeping into the foyer in her usual dramatic fashion, she eyed Eve’s pitiful attempts at Christmas decorating before focusing back on her daughter.
    â€œYou are not going to believe this. Guess what I’ve arranged?”
    â€œI’m almost afraid to ask.”
    â€œCan the sarcasm.” Too excited to note—or care about—Eve’s less-than-enthusiastic reaction, Bonnie Gene clapped her gloved hands together. “I’ve set you up on a blind date.”
    â€œNot another blind date,” Eve protested.
    â€œThis is not an ordinary blind date—it’s the coup de grâce of all blind dates! You are going out with Gary Jackson!”
    â€œWho?”
    â€œYou know, Gary Jackson the attorney? He just moved here a few months ago and I know for a fact all the single girls want to go out with him. He’s tall, handsome and—”
    â€œFull of himself.” Eve dragged her hand through her hair. “Mother, we agreed. No more blind dates.”
    â€œ You agreed. I said nothing. And listen, this one is too good to be true. You can’t pass this up.”
    â€œDoes he even know?”
    Bonnie blinked. “What?”
    â€œDoes this Gary Jackson even know he has a blind datewith me? Remember, the last guy you set me up with and forced me to go on a date with had no idea. I was never so embarrassed in my life.”
    â€œOh, for Pete’s sake.” Bonnie Gene rolled her eyes. “It all worked out, if I remember correctly.”
    â€œNo, it didn’t. He was a stalker, mother. I had to get Wes Colton involved. Thank goodness that guy left town.”
    Removing her coat, Bonnie Gene wandered into the great room, standing in front of the fire. “Ahhh. That feels so good. Listen, both Gary’s mother and I went through a lot of work to arrange this. I’d really appreciate you going on this date. As a favor to me.”
    The old guilt trick. Eve refused to fall for it. “No.”
    â€œCome on. What else do you have to do?”
    Eve crossed her arms. “Do you really want a list?”
    Dropping down onto the couch, her mother sighed, removing her gloves and scarf and loosening her coat. “You know I only want what’s best for you.”
    â€œYes, but you’ve got to stop this obsessive trolling to find me a husband. I’m nearly forty. I can find my own man.”
    â€œOh, can you?” Bonnie Gene pounced. “Then tell me, what have you been doing to try and meet someone?”
    â€œHere we go again. Mother, don’t start.”
    â€œFine. But you know I want grandchildren.”
    If ever Eve had been tempted to reveal her pregnancy, now would be the time. But her mother would broadcast the news all over town and right now, with the Mark Walsh fiasco in full swing, the last thing Honey Creek needed was more scandal. Nope, Eve just wanted to get through the holidays before dropping her bombshell.
    â€œI know you want grandchildren, Mother. You’ve informed me of that nonstop for the last ten years.”
    â€œWell, then,” Bonnie said brightly. “Since I’ve already arranged this date, will you please go?”
    Bonnie Gene looked so contrite, Eve softened. As she always did. Sucker.