“Good. It sounds like you have everything under control.”
The fact that they worked well together was another thing they could build on. It would give their marriage a firm foundation. Because he just couldn’t open his heart—he couldn’t take that risk again.
A gust of wind made a shutter on the house rattle, jarring Finn from his thoughts. It was really picking up out there. So much for the sunshine in paradise. It looked like they’d soon be in for some rain.
“Finn, we need to talk.” The banging continued, causing Holly to glance around. “What was that pounding sound?”
“I think it’s a shutter that needs tightening.”
Holly closed her laptop and set it aside. She got to her feet and moved to the window as though to inspect the problem. “Do you have a screwdriver and a ladder?”
“Yes, but why?”
“I’ll go fix it.”
“You?”
She frowned at him. “Yes, me. If you haven’t noticed, I’m not one to sit around helplessly and wait for some guy to come take care of me.”
“But you’re pregnant and have doctor’s orders to rest. You shouldn’t be climbing on ladders. I’ll take care of it later.”
She sighed loudly. “I’ve been following his orders and I’m feeling much better. But if you insist, I’ll leave the house repairs to you. Besides, there’s something else we need to discuss.”
“Is there another problem with Project Santa?”
“No. It’s not that.” She averted her gaze. “Remember how I asked you for a letter of recommendation?”
Why would she bring that up now? Surely she wasn’t still considering it. Everything had changed what with the babies and all. “I remember.”
Her gaze lifted to meet his. “Have you made a decision?”
“I didn’t think it was still an issue.”
“Why not?”
“Because you won’t be leaving Lockwood, unless of course you want to stay home with the babies, which I’d totally understand. They are certainly going to be a handful and then some.”
“Why do you think I won’t leave to take that new job?”
Finn sent her a very puzzled look. “Because you’re carrying the Lockwood heirs. And soon we’ll be married—”
* * *
“Married?” Holly took a step back.
What was Finn talking about? They weren’t getting married. Not now. Not ever.
“Of course. It’s the next logical step—”
“No.” She shook her head as her heart raced and her hands grew clammy. “It isn’t logical and it certainly isn’t my next step. You never even asked me, not that I want you to or anything.”
“I thought it was implied.”
“Implied? Maybe in your mind, but certainly not in mine. I’m not marrying you. I’m not going to marry anyone.”
“Of course you are.” His voice rumbled with irritation.
“This isn’t the Stone Age. A woman can be pregnant without a husband. There are plenty of loving, single mothers in this world. Take a look around your office building. You’ll find quite a few. But you won’t find me there after the first of the year.”
Had she really just said that? Oh, my. She’d gotten a little ahead of herself. What if he turned his back and walked away without giving her the recommendation? And she didn’t have the job. It was still iffy at best. And without her position at Lockwood to fall back on, how would she support herself much less the babies and her mother?
“You’re really serious about leaving, aren’t you?”
She nodded, afraid to open her mouth again and make the situation worse.
“Do you really dislike me that much?”
“No! Not at all.” In fact, it was quite the opposite.
She worried the inside of her lower lip as she glanced toward the window. The wind had picked up, whipping the fronds of the palm trees to and fro. She did not want to answer this question. Not at all.
“Holly?” Finn got to his feet and came to stand in front of her. “Why are you doing this? Why are you trying to drive us apart?”
“You...you’re making this sound personal and it isn’t.” Heat rushed up her neck and made her face feel as though she’d been lying in the sun all day with no sunscreen.