Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 118693 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 593(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118693 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 593(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
My mother shook her head. “Finn darling, you don’t have to do that. I’ve already talked to Rick. He’s not going to threaten you or your job. There is no reason to walk away from what you love.”
Gazing down at me with the most adoring look in his eyes, Finn winked at me. “I’m not walking away from what I love. I’m walking toward it.”
For the first time in my life, I felt completely and utterly wrapped in a blanket of pure bliss. My hand rested on my stomach. It was our little secret for now. One that tied us together in the most beautiful way imaginable.
“Wait. Did you say ‘fiancée’?” my father choked.
Finn had asked me to marry him over a shared bowl of grape Jell-O three hours ago. I cried, of course, then said yes. It was spontaneous, just like Finn. And I thought it was perfect. But if I knew him, he would have something else planned within the next few days.
“Finn asked me to marry him, and I said yes.”
Tears pooled in my mother’s eyes as she rounded the bed and dragged Finn in for a hug. Then she made her way over to me.
“Oh darling, don’t try to move—your rib.”
After she kissed and hugged me, she moved her mouth to my ear and whispered, “If you keep touching your stomach, everyone will figure it out.”
My eyes widened in shock. “Your secret is safe with me.”
Our eyes met. “I love you, Mom.”
“Oh, my sweet baby girl, I love you too.”
When she stepped back, I turned to my father. He wore a scowl. “I’m not asking for your permission or your blessing.”
“I see that,” he mumbled.
My chin trembled as I tried to keep talking. “But I would really like it, Dad. And until you’re ready to give it to me and apologize for what you did, I won’t be a part of your life.”
“Oh, Rory. No, you don’t mean that,” my mother whispered.
The sadness in my mother’s voice caused my heart to ache. But when my father turned and walked out of my hospital room, it broke. And I wasn’t sure if this time it could be healed.
Rory
New Year’s Eve
“We’re going to be late, Rory, if you don’t hurry up!”
Checking my makeup once more in the mirror, I smiled and pulled my hair up in a ponytail. “Coming!” I called out. One last look at the dress pants and sweater and I was satisfied. Finn had requested I dress casual-nice, but warm. That meant he had something up his sleeve.
Flash was at my feet, like always, gazing up at me. “How do I look?”
He barked, and I laughed. “Let’s go, buddy. Daddy and I have a dinner date to get to.”
I heard Regina’s voice as I made my way into the living room. Paul was already in the kitchen whipping up something for Flash to snack on.
“Don’t worry, Finn. Flash will be fine.” Regina said.
“I’m not worried. I was simply saying to make sure he goes out before you put him in for the night. And don’t forget he likes that blanket; he can’t sleep without the blanket.”
I could tell Regina was trying hard not to laugh. “I’ve watched this dog a million times. Why is tonight different? What in the hell is wrong with you?”
She stopped talking, and her eyes went wide.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Uh, nothing…I was just thinking you’re going to be late for dinner if he doesn’t stop fussing about the dog, that’s all.”
With a smile, I bent down and hugged Flash. “Be a good boy for Regina and Paul.”
Finn followed my lead; except he snuck in a kiss when he didn’t think anyone was watching.
After a short cab ride, we were being seated at one of my favorite restaurants, Legal Sea Foods. Finn ordered the Bang Bang Cauliflower, which we both devoured in minutes.
“Damn, that stuff is good,” Finn said as he licked his finger.
“So other than that it’s New Year’s Eve, what’s the occasion for dinner tonight, especially since we’d agreed we’d stay in tonight?”
His smile, and those dimples, about blew me out of the chair. Finn’s emerald eyes lit up with excitement.
“Can’t a guy take his girl out to dinner?”
“Of course he can.”
Finn reached for my hand and squeezed it. “Have you heard from your dad?”
My smile faded. “No. Mom said he asks about me all the time, but he hasn’t reached out to me.”
“He’ll come around, Éan.
I forced a smile and agreed. “I know he will.” But deep in my heart, I was beginning to wonder if he ever would.
“I’m so full!” I said as I placed my hand over my stomach. “I’m pretty sure the baby liked the rainbow trout!”
Finn chuckled. “Good. How are you feeling? You tired? Feel like a walk?”
I took his hand in mine. “I’ve never felt better, and a walk would be amazing.”