Her Festive Baby Bombshell

Finn recalled the other night when he’d been snuggled with Holly on the couch. They’d been discussing friends and he’d said he didn’t have any. Was this Holly’s way of showing him that he wasn’t alone in this world? That if he let down his guard, this could be his?

“Finn, there you are.” Holly rushed up to him. “I have some explaining to do.”

“I think I understand.”

Her beautiful eyes widened. “You do?”

He nodded before he leaned down. With his mouth near hers, he whispered, “Thank you.”

And then with all of his—their—friends around, he kissed her. And it wasn’t just a peck. No, this was a passionate kiss and he didn’t care who witnessed it. He was in love.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

HOLLY COULDN’T STOP SMILING.

A 1950s big-band tune echoed through the enormous lobby of the Metropolitan Museum. It was Holly’s first visit and she was awed by the amazing architecture, not to mention the famous faces in attendance, from professional athletes to movie stars. It was a Who’s Who of New York.

It also didn’t hurt that she was in the arms of the most handsome man. Holly lifted her chin in order to look up at Finn. This evening was the beginning of big things to come—she was certain of it.

Finn’s gaze caught hers. “Are you having fun?”

“The time of my life. But you shouldn’t be spending all of your time with me. There are a lot of people who want to speak with you, including the paparazzi out in front of the museum.”

“The reporters always have questions.”

“Did you even listen to any of them?”

“No. I don’t want anyone or anything to ruin this evening.”

“You don’t understand. It’s good news. In fact, it’s great news. Project Santa was such a success that it garnered national attention. The website is getting hit after hit and tons of heartfelt thank-yous from project coordinators, outreach workers and parents. There have even been phone calls from other companies wanting to participate next year. Just think of all the children and families that could be helped.”

Finn smiled. “And it’s all thanks to you.”

“Me?” She shook her head. “It was your idea.”

“But it was your ingenuity that saved the project. You took a project that started as a corporate endeavor and put it in the hands of the employees and the community. To me, that’s the true meaning of Christmas—people helping people.”

His words touched her deeply. “Thank you. I really connected with the project and the people behind the scenes.”

“And that’s why I think you should take it over permanently. Just let me know what you need.”

Holly stopped dancing. “Seriously?”

“I’ve never been more serious.”

This was the most fulfilling job she’d ever had. She didn’t have to think it over. She knew this was her calling. Not caring that they were in the middle of the dance floor, she lifted on her toes and kissed him.

When they made it to the edge of the dance floor, Finn was drawn away from her by a group of men needing his opinion on something. Holly smiled, enjoying watching Finn animated and outgoing.

Out of excuses, Holly made her way to her family. It was time she said hello. She made small talk with her stepmother and sisters, but her father was nowhere to be seen. As usual, they quickly ran out of things to say to each other and Holly made her departure.

On the other side of the dance floor, Holly spotted her father dancing too close with a young lady. He was chatting her up while the young woman smiled broadly. Then her father leaned closer, whispering in the woman’s ear. The woman blushed.

The whole scene sickened Holly—reminding her of all the reasons she’d sworn off men. They just couldn’t be trusted and it apparently didn’t get better with age.

Her stepmother was in for a painful reality check when she found out that she’d been traded in for a younger model just like her father had done to Holly’s mother. The thought didn’t make Holly happy. It made her very sad because she knew all too well the pain her half-sisters were about to experience.

Deciding she wasn’t in any frame of mind to make friendly chitchat, she veered toward a quiet corner. She needed to gather herself. And then a beautiful woman stepped in her path. Holly didn’t recognize her, but apparently the woman knew her.