Her Festive Baby Bombshell

“I’d like that.”

But as they parted company, Holly didn’t think their friendship would ever have a chance to flourish. She doubted they’d ever run into each other again.

She turned to come face-to-face with her father. He was the very last person she wanted to speak to that evening. “Excuse me.”

Her father stepped in front of her. “Not so fast. I did a little research into that boyfriend of yours. And I think I should get to know him better.”

Not a chance. Her father caused enough destruction wherever he went. She wasn’t going to give him a chance to hurt Finn.

Holly pointed a finger at her father. “You stay away from him.”

Her father’s eyes widened with surprise. “But it’s a father’s place to make sure the guy is worthy of his daughter.”

She clenched her hands. “And you would be an expert on character and integrity?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I saw you—everybody saw you flirting with that young woman who’s what? My age? How could you?”

“I didn’t mean for it to happen.”

“You never do.”

Her father at least had the decency to grow red-faced. “You don’t understand—”

“You’re right. I don’t. I have to go.”

She rushed past her father. Suddenly the walls felt as though they were closing in on her and it was hard to breathe. She knew not to trust men. Her father had taught her that at an early age. And he’d reinforced that lesson tonight.

What made her think that Finn would be different? No, he wasn’t a womanizer, but he was a man. And he only trusted her so far. Without complete trust, they had nothing.

Except the babies, which she’d never keep from him. But they didn’t have to be together to coparent. Because she refused to end up like her mother and blindsided by a man.

The fairy tale was over.

It was time she got on with her life—without Finn.

She headed for the door, needing fresh air.

* * *

What in the world?

Finn had caught glimpses of Holly and Meryl with their heads together. His gut had churned. Nothing good will come of that.

He tried to get away from a couple of gentlemen, but they were his partners in an upcoming deal and he didn’t want to offend them. But for every excuse he came up with to make his exit, they came up with a new aspect of their pending deal that needed further attention.

He should have forewarned Holly that Meryl would be here. But honestly, it slipped his mind. Between the news of the babies and then Holly’s surprise holiday gathering at the penthouse, his thoughts were not his own these days.

He breathed easier when the women parted. But the next time he spotted Holly, she was having a conversation with her father and if the hand gestures and the distinct frown were anything to go by, it wasn’t going well.

“Gentlemen, these are all great points. And I look forward to discussing them in great detail, but I promised my date I wouldn’t work tonight.”

The men admitted that they’d made similar promises to their wives. They agreed to meet again after the first of the year. With a shake of hands, they parted.

Finn turned around in time to witness Holly heading for the door. He took off after her, brushing off people with a smile and promising to catch up with them soon. It wasn’t in him to be outright rude, but his sixth sense was telling him Holly’s fast exit was not good—not good at all.

He rushed past the security guards posted at the entrance of the museum, past the impressive columns, and started down the flight of steps. Snow was starting to fall and Holly didn’t have a coat. What was she thinking?

When he stepped on the sidewalk, his foot slipped on a patch of ice. He quickly caught his balance. He glanced to the left and then right. Which way had she gone?

And then he saw the shadow of a person. Was that her? He drew closer and realized the person was sitting on the sidewalk. His heart clenched. He took off at a sprint.

When he reached Holly’s side, he knelt down. “Holly, are you all right?”

She looked up at him with a tear trailing down her cheek. “No. I’m not.”

“Should I call an ambulance?”

“No.” She sniffled. “I just need a hand up. I... I slipped on some ice.”