The Expectant Executive

“Are you all right?” Jessie interrupted anxiously.

“I’m fine, sweetie.” Fin hoped her smile was reassuring, but she was so nervous, she couldn’t be sure. “In fact, when I saw the doctor last week, she said I’m in perfect health.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Jessie asked, clearly confused.

“It’s not a problem as far as I’m concerned.” Fin couldn’t help but smile. “It was a shock at first, but I’ve had time to get used to the idea and I’m actually quite happy about it.” Taking a deep breath, she met her daughter’s curious gaze head-on. “I’m pregnant.”

Jessie’s eyes widened and she covered her mouth with her hands as she let loose with a delighted little cry. “Fin, that’s wonderful.” She shook her head. “I didn’t even know you were involved with anyone.”

“I’m not…exactly.” The next part of her announcement was what Fin had dreaded most—telling Jessie who the father was. “Travis is the father.”

Jessie’s mouth dropped open and she stared at Fin for several long seconds. “My dad? Your baby’s father is my dad? My dad, Travis? Travis Clayton?”

Fin nodded slowly. She couldn’t tell if Jessie kept repeating Travis’s name out of shock or revulsion.

“It was that night at the Silver Moon, wasn’t it?” Jessie guessed, her expression giving nothing away. “The two of you left the party to go into the barn to check on that mare and new colt.”

Nodding, Fin tried to explain. “I gave Travis a hug to show my appreciation for raising and taking such good care of you and…it just happened.”

“This is wonderful,” Jessie said suddenly, leaping forward to throw her arms around Fin. “I suspected that something was going on between the two of you.”

Leaning back, she beamed. “I could see the attraction from the moment you met.”

“You’re not upset?” Fin asked cautiously as she hugged her back.

Jessie shook her head and sat back to give her an encouraging smile. “I’ll admit that it’s a huge shock, but I’m thrilled for both of you. I know how much you missed getting to see me grow up and Dad is the best father, ever. This baby is extremely lucky to have the two of you for parents.”

Relief washed through Fin at Jessie’s emphatic tone, leaving her feeling weak and emotional. “I’m so glad to hear you aren’t upset.”

“Why would I be upset? I’m ecstatic that I’m finally going to have a sibling,”

Jessie said, grinning from ear to ear. “And I’ll bet Dad is excited beyond words.” She stopped suddenly. “You have told him, haven’t you?”

Fin nodded. “I discovered that I’m pregnant last week, while he was in town visiting and getting the last fitting for his tux.” She purposely omitted they were together when she’d taken the pregnancy test and the fact that they’d spent the night before making love.

“I wonder why Dad hasn’t said anything.”

“I asked him to let me tell you about the baby because if our predicament upset you, I wanted the brunt of your anger directed at me,” Fin explained. “I thought if I took the majority of the blame it would keep from damaging your relationship with your father.”

Jessie reached out and took Fin’s hands in hers. “That is so sweet of you. But I’m in no way upset by this.” She grinned. “Far from it.”

Fin felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. “You don’t know how many times I’ve wanted to talk to you about this, but there was never a good time.”

“Everything has been so busy with the wedding and all, I’m surprised we were able to find time to have dinner this evening,” Jessie agreed, nodding. “Have you told anyone else?”

“No. We felt that you should be the first to know.”

“I know I’m just full of questions,” Jessie said, her expression turning serious, “but have you made any decisions about how you’re going to raise the baby? Are you going to try to share the responsibility?”

“It’s only fair that we do.” Fin sighed. “But I have no idea how we’re going to work this out.”

“You have Charisma and I can’t see Dad leaving the Silver Moon to move to New York,” Jessie said, shaking her head.

“We’re going to review our options while he’s here for the wedding and hopefully come up with a workable plan.” Smiling, Fin reached out to hug her beautiful, understanding daughter. “Keep your fingers crossed that we find a solution and that when we make the announcement about my impending motherhood the rest of the family is as enthusiastic as we are.”