Her Festive Baby Bombshell

by Jennifer Faye

  The stiff line of Finn’s shoulders eased. “He doesn’t think it’s anything urgent?”

  She shrugged. “He said I needed to make an appointment and see my OB/GYN as soon as possible just to be sure.”

  “Then that’s what we’ll do. We’ll be out of here by this evening.”

  “What? But we can’t. What about the trees and stuff at the helipad?”

  “I just got the motivation I need to clear it. So you call your doctor and see if they can squeeze you in for tomorrow, and I’ll call my pilot and have him fuel up the jet. We’ll leave tonight.”

  “But you don’t have to go. I know you don’t want to be in New York for the holidays.”

  “That was before.”

  “Before what?”

  “You know.”

  Her gaze narrowed in on him. “No, I don’t know. Tell me.”

  “Before you and me...before the babies. We agreed we were going to give this thing a go and this is me doing my part. You haven’t changed your mind, have you?”

  He cared enough to spend the holidays with her in the city. Her heart leaped for joy. Okay, so she shouldn’t get too excited. She knew in the long run the odds were against them, but Christmas was the season of hope.

  * * *

  Things were looking up.

  Finn stared out the back of the limo as they inched their way through the snarled Manhattan traffic. He could at last breathe a lot easier now. The babies and their mother were healthy. It was indeed growing pains. The doctor told them to expect more along the way.

  Signs of Christmas were everywhere from the decorated storefronts to the large ornaments hung from the lampposts. As he stared out the window, he saw Santa ringing a bell next to his red kettle. It made Finn wish that he was back on the island. And then, without a word, Holly slipped her hand in his. Then again, this wasn’t so bad.

  She leaned over and softly said, “Relax. You might even find you like the holiday.”

  “Maybe you’re right.” He had his doubts, but he didn’t want to give her any reason to back out of their arrangement. He only had until the first of the year to convince her that they were better off together than apart.

  “We turned the wrong way. This is the opposite direction of my apartment.” Obvious concern laced Holly’s words. “Hey!” She waved, trying to gain the driver’s attention. “We need to turn around.”

  “No, we don’t,” Finn said calmly. “It’s okay, Ron. I’ve got this.”

  “You’ve got what?” She frowned at him.

  “I’ve instructed Ron to drive us back to my penthouse—”

  “What? No. I need to go home.”

  “Not yet. You heard the doctor. You have a high-risk pregnancy and your blood pressure is elevated—”

  “Only slightly.”

  “She said not to overdo it. And from what you’ve told me, your apartment is a fifth-floor walk-up with no elevator.”

  “It... It’s not that much. I’m used to it.”

  He wasn’t going to change his mind about this arrangement. It was what was best for her and the babies. “And then there’s the fact that your mother is out of town. There’s no one around if you have any complications.”

  “I won’t have any.” Her hand moved to rest protectively over her slightly rounded midsection. “Nothing is going to happen.”

  “I sincerely hope you’re right, but is it worth the risk? If you’re wrong—”

  “I won’t be. But...your idea might not be so bad. As long as you understand that it’s only temporary. Until my next appointment.”

  Which was at the beginning of the new year—not far off. “We’ll see what the doctor says then. Now will you relax?”

  “As long as you understand that this arrangement doesn’t change anything between us—I’m still not accepting your proposal.”

  He wanted to tell her that she was wrong, but he couldn’t. Maybe he was asking too much of her—of himself. He couldn’t promise her forever.

  An ache started deep in his chest.

  What if he made her unhappy?

  Maybe he was being selfish instead of doing what was best for Holly.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  IT DIDN’T FEEL like Christmas.

  Holly strolled into the living room of Finn’s penthouse. There was absolutely nothing that resembled Christmas anywhere. She knew he avoided the holiday because of the bad memories it held for him, but she wondered if it would be possible to create some new holiday memories.

  She’d been here for two days and, so far, Finn had bent over backward to make her at home. He’d set her up in his study to monitor the final stages of Project Santa. And so far they’d only encountered minor glitches. It was nothing that couldn’t be overcome with a bit of ingenuity.

  That morning when she’d offered to go into the office, Finn had waved her off, telling her to stay here. Meanwhile, he’d gone to the office to pick up some papers. He’d said he’d be back in a couple of hours, but that was before lunch. And now it was after quitting time and he still wasn’t back.

  Perhaps this was the best opportunity for her to take care of something that had been weighing on her mind. She retraced her steps to the study where she’d left her phone. She had Finn’s number on it because he refused to leave until he had entered it in her phone with orders for her to call if she needed anything at all.

  Certain in her plan, she selected his number and listened to the phone ring. Once. That’s all it rang before Finn answered. “Holly, what’s the matter?”

  “Does something have to be the matter?”

  “No. I just... Oh, never mind, what did you need?”

  “I wanted you to know that I’m going out. There’s something I need to take care of.”

  “I’m almost home. Can I pick something up for you?”

  “It’s more like I have to drop off something.”

  “Tonight?” His voice sounded off.

  “Yes, tonight.”

  “I just heard the weather report and they’re calling for snow. A lot of it.”

  Holly glanced toward the window. “It’s not snowing yet. I won’t be gone long. I’ll most likely be home before it starts.”

  “Holly, put it off—”

  “No. I need to do this.” She’d been thinking about it all day. Once the visit with her family was over, she could relax. It’d definitely help lower her blood pressure.

  Finn expelled a heavy sigh. “If you aren’t going to change your mind, at least let me drive you.”

  He had no idea what this trip entailed. To say her family dynamics were complicated was an understatement. It was best Finn stay home. “Thanks. But I’m sure you have other things to do—”

  “Nothing as important as you.”

  The breath caught in her throat. Had he really just said that? Was she truly important to him? And then she realized he probably meant because she was carrying his babies. Because she’d asked him straight up if he loved her and he hadn’t been able to say the words.

  “Holly? Are you still there?”

  “Um, yes.”

  “Good. I’m just pulling into the garage now. I’ll be up in a minute. Just be ready to go.”

  She disconnected the call and moved to her spacious bedroom to retrieve the Christmas packages and her coat. Her stomach churned. Once this was done, she could relax. In and out quickly.

  She’d just carried the packages to the foyer when Finn let himself in the door. She glanced up at him. “You know I can take a cab.”

  “I told you if you’re going out tonight, I’m going with you.”

  “You don’t even know where I’m going.”

  “Good point. What’s our destination?”

  “My father’s house.
I want to give my sisters the Christmas presents I bought while we were in the Caribbean.”

  He scooped up the packages before opening the door for her. “So we’ve progressed to the point where I get to meet the family.” Finn sent her a teasing smile. “I don’t know. Do you think I’ll pass the father inspection?”

  She stopped at the elevator and pressed the button before turning back to him. “I don’t think you have a thing to worry about.”

  His smile broadened. “That’s nice to know.”

  “Don’t get any ideas. In fact, you can wait in the car. I won’t be long.”

  “Are you sure you want to take the presents now? I mean Christmas isn’t until the weekend after next.”

  “I don’t spend Christmas with them. I usually spend it with my mother. But after talking with my mother and aunt, I decided to give them something extra special for Christmas—a cruise.” It would definitely put a dent in her savings, but it was worth it. This was her mother’s dream vacation.

  “That was very generous of you.”

  Holly’s voice lowered. “They deserve it.”

  “And what about you?” When she sent him a puzzled look, he added, “You deserve a special Christmas, too. What would you like Santa to bring you?”

  “I...I don’t know. I hadn’t thought about it.”

  The elevator door slid open. Finn waited until Holly stepped inside before he followed. “You know without your mother around, perhaps you could spend the time with your father.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

  Finn had no idea about her family. Thankfully she’d thought to tell him to stay in the car. She didn’t want to make an awkward situation even more so.

  * * *

  Something was amiss, but what?

  Was she really that uncomfortable with him meeting her family? Or was it something else? Finn glanced over at Holly just before he pulled out from a stop sign. The wipers swished back and forth, knocking off the gently falling snow.

  The sky was dark now and all Finn wanted to do was turn around. He wasn’t worried about himself. He never let the weather stop him from being wherever he was needed. But it was different now that he had Holly next to him and those precious babies. He worried about the roads becoming slick.

  “We’re almost there.” Holly’s voice drew him from his thoughts.

  It was the first thing she’d said in blocks. In fact, she hadn’t volunteered any details about her family. Why was that?

  As he proceeded through the next intersection, Holly pointed to a modest two-story white house with a well-kept yard that was now coated with snow. “There it is.”

  He pulled over to the curb and turned off his wipers. “You’ve been awfully quiet. Is everything all right?”

  “Sure. Why wouldn’t it be?”

  “You haven’t said a word the whole way here unless it was to give me directions.”

  “Oh. Sorry. I must be tired.”

  “Sounds like a good reason to head back to the penthouse and deal with this another day.”

  “No.” She released the seat belt. “We’re here now. And I want to get this over with.”

  “Okay. It’s up to you.”

  When he released his seat belt and opened the door, she asked, “What are you doing?”

  “Getting the packages from the trunk.”

  She really didn’t want him to meet her family. Why was she so worried? He didn’t think he made that bad of a first impression. In fact, when he tried he could be pretty charming. And if they were going to be a family, which they were because of the babies, he needed to meet her father. He was certain he could make a good impression and alleviate Holly’s worries.

  With the packages in hand, he closed the trunk and started up the walk. Every step was muffled by the thin layer of snow.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” Holly remained next to the car.

  He turned back and noticed the way the big flakes coated the top of her head like a halo. “I presume we’re taking the presents to the door and not leaving them in the front yard.”

  “There’s no we about it.”

  “Listen, Holly, you’ve got to trust me. This will all work out.”

  “You’re right. It will. You’re going to wait in the car.” Her tone brooked no room for a rebuttal.

  Just then there was a noise behind him. “Who’s there?” called out a male voice. “Holly, is that you?”

  She glared at Finn before her face morphed into a smile. “Yes, Dad. It’s me.”

  “Well, are you coming in?”

  Obediently she started up the walk. When she got to Finn’s side, she leaned closer and whispered, “Just let me do the talking.”

  Boy, she was really worried about having him around her family. “Trust me.”

  He wasn’t sure if she’d heard his softly spoken words as she continued up the walk. He followed behind her, wondering what to expect.

  They stopped on the stoop. Her father was still blocking the doorway. The man’s hair was dark with silver in the temples. He wore dark jeans and a sweatshirt with the Jets logo across the front. Finn made a mental note of it. If all else failed, maybe he could engage the man in football talk—even though he was more of a hockey fan.

  “Who’s at the door?” a female voice called out.

  “It’s Holly and some guy.”

  “Well, invite them in.” And then a slender woman with long, bleached-blond hair appeared next to Holly’s father. The woman elbowed her husband aside. “Don’t mind him. Come in out of the cold.”

  Once they were all standing just inside the door, Finn could feel the stress coming off Holly in waves. What was up with that? Was she embarrassed of him? That would be a first. Most women liked to show him off to their friends. As for meeting a date’s family, he avoided that at all costs. But Holly was different.

  “Here, let me take your coats.” Holly’s stepmother didn’t smile as she held out her hand. She kept giving Finn a look as though she should know him but couldn’t quite place his face.

  “That’s okay.” Holly didn’t make any move to get comfortable. “We can’t stay. I... I brought some gifts for the girls.”

  “Suzie! Kristi! Holly’s here with gifts.”

  “I hope they like them. I saw them while I was out of town and thought of them.”

  “I’m sure they will.” But there was no conviction in the woman’s voice. “You can afford to go on vacation?”

  Holly’s face paled. “It was a business trip.”

  “Oh.”

  Her father retreated into the living room, which was off to the right of the doorway. A staircase stood in front of them with a hallway trailing along the left side of it. And to the far left was a formal dining room. The house wasn’t big, but it held a look of perfection—as though everything was in its place. There was nothing warm and welcoming about the house.

  Finn wanted to say something to break up the awkward silence, but he wasn’t sure what to say. Was it always this strained? If so, he understood why Holly wouldn’t want to spend much time here.

  “Who’s your friend?” Her stepmother’s gaze settled fully on him.

  “Oh. This is Finn. He’s my—”

  “Boyfriend. It’s nice to meet you.” He held out his hand to the woman.

  “I’m Helen.” She flashed him a big, toothy smile as she accepted his handshake. “I feel like I should know you. Have we met before?”

  “No.”

  “Are you sure?” She still held on to his hand.

  He gently extracted his hand while returning her smile. “I’m certain of it. I wouldn’t have forgotten meeting someone as lovely as you.”

  Her painted cheeks puffed up. “Well, I�
��m glad we’ve had a chance to meet. Isn’t that right, Fred?” And then at last noticing that her husband had settled in the living room with a newspaper, she raised her voice. “Fred, you’re ignoring our guests.”

  The man glanced over the top of his reading glasses. “You seem to be doing fine on your own.”

  “Don’t I always?” the woman muttered under her breath. “Lately that man is hardly home. All he does is work.” She moved to the bottom of the steps and craned her chin upward. “Suzie! Kristi! Get down here now!”

  Doors slammed almost simultaneously. There was a rush of footsteps as they crossed the landing and then stomped down the stairs.

  “What do you want? I’m busy doing my nails.” A teenage girl with hair similar to her mother’s frowned.

  “And I’m on the phone.” The other teenager had dark hair with pink highlights.

  “I know you’re both busy, but I thought you’d want to know that your sister is here.”

  Both girls glanced toward the door. But they were staring—at him.

  Both girls’ eyes grew round. “Hey, you’re Finn Lockwood.” They continued down the steps and approached him. “What are you doing here?”

  His stomach churned as they both batted their eyes at him and flashed him smiles.

  “He’s your sister’s boyfriend.”

  Surprise lit up both sets of eyes. “You’re dating her?”

  He nodded. “I am. Your sister is amazing.”

  “I brought you some gifts.” Holly stepped next to Finn. “I found them when I was in the Caribbean and I thought you would like them.”

  Each girl accepted a brightly wrapped package.

  “What do you say?” prompted their mother.

  “Thank you,” they muttered to Holly.

  “I’m Suzie,” said the blonde.

  “And I’m Kristi.”

  Helen stepped between her daughters. “Why don’t you come in the living room and we can talk?”

  “We really can’t stay.” Holly glanced at him with uncertainty in her eyes.

  He smiled at her. “Holly’s right. We have other obligations tonight, but she was anxious for me to meet you all.”