Her Festive Baby Bombshell

“Hi, Holly. I’ve been meaning to get a moment to speak with you.” The polished woman in a red sparkly dress held out a manicured hand.

“Hi.” Holly shook her hand, all the while experiencing a strange sensation that she should know this woman.

Her confusion must have registered on her face because the woman said, “I’m sorry. I should have introduced myself. I’m Meryl.”

Surely she couldn’t be Finn’s ex, could she? But there was no way Holly was going to ask that question. If she was wrong, it would be humiliating. And if she was right, well, awkwardness would ensue.

“If you’re wondering, yes, I am that Meryl. But don’t worry, Finn and I were over ages ago. I saw you earlier, dancing with him. I’ve never seen him look so happy. I’m guessing you’re the one to do that for him. He’s a very lucky man.”

At last, the shock subsided and Holly found her voice. “It’s really nice to meet you. Finn has nothing but good things to say about you.”

Meryl’s eyes lit up. “That’s good to know. I think he’s pretty great, too.”

Really? Finn had given her the impression that hard feelings lingered. Her gaze scanned the crowd for the man they had in common, but she didn’t see him anywhere.

“Ah, I see I caught you by surprise.” The woman’s voice was gentle and friendly. “You thought there would be lots of hard feelings, but there aren’t. I assure you. Finn is a very generous and kind man. He just doesn’t give himself enough credit.”

“I agree with you.”

Holly wanted desperately to dislike this woman, but she couldn’t. Meryl seemed so genuine—so down to earth. There was a kindness that reflected in her eyes. Why exactly had Finn let her get away?

“And the fact that you were able to get him to attend his very own ball is a big credit to you.”

“His ball?”

The woman’s eyes widened in surprise. “I’m sorry. I said too much.”

“No, you didn’t.” Holly needed to know what was going on. “Why did you call this Finn’s ball? As far as I know, he’s never even attended before this year.”

“I thought he would have told you, especially since he just told me that he intends to marry you.”

“He told you that?”

The woman nodded as her brows scrunched together. “Anyway, I do the leg work for the ball, but he’s the drive behind it. It’s not made public but the ball is done in memory of Finn’s mother and brother. He says that he remains in the background underwriting all of the associated expenses because he’s made a number of unpopular business deals as far as the press is concerned, but I think it’s something else.”

The thought that this woman had insights into Finn that Holly lacked bothered her. “What do you think his reasons are?”

“I think the ball reminds him of his family and for whatever reason, he carries a truckload of guilt that he survived and they didn’t.”

And that was where Holly was able to fill in the missing pieces, but she kept what Finn had told her about his past to herself. She knew all about his survivor’s guilt. And now she realized how much it’d cost him to come here tonight.

But what other secrets was he keeping from me? Tears stung the backs of her eyes. Stupid hormones. “There appears to be a lot I have to learn about Finn.”

“I’m not surprised he didn’t mention it. Finn doesn’t open up easily.”

Just to those that are closest to him. Holly finished Meryl’s statement. After all of their talk about being open and honest with each other, he let her come here not knowing the facts. He’d lied to her by omission. Now she wondered what else he was keeping from her.

“I...I should be going.” Holly was anxious to be alone with her thoughts.

“Well, there I go putting my foot in my mouth. Sorry about that. Sometimes when I’m nervous I talk too much.”

“It’s okay. I’ve really enjoyed talking with you.”

Meryl’s eyes lit up as a smile returned to her face. “I’m really glad we met. I think we might just end up friends, of course if you’re willing.”