The Expectant Executive

Tears filled Fin’s eyes as she watched Travis, looking incredibly handsome in his black tux, escort their beautiful daughter down the sweeping staircase at The Tides. Jessie was utterly stunning in her pure white satin-and-lace wedding gown and if the captivated look on Cade’s face was any indication, the groom thought so, too.

Glancing over at her mother and Patrick, Fin was thankful they’d welcomed their long-lost granddaughter back into the Elliott clan and insisted the wedding be held at their estate in the Hamptons. All things considered, it was the very least they could do for Jessie.

When Travis walked his daughter down the aisle between the rows of chairs assembled in the large living room, Fin’s heart went out to him as he kissed Jessie’s cheek, then stepped back for Cade to take his place beside her. It had to be one of the most difficult things Travis had ever had to do—placing the care and happiness of his beloved child in the hands of someone else.

“That was tough,” he whispered, his voice gruff as he sat in the seat beside her to watch Jessie and Cade exchange vows.

Unable to get words past the lump clogging her throat, Fin reached over to give his hand a gentle squeeze. She wasn’t at all surprised when he held onto it as the ceremony proceeded.

By the time Jessie and Cade had been pronounced husband and wife and everyone started making their way to the heated tent that had been adjoined to the family room to accommodate the reception, Fin needed a few moments alone to collect herself. “If you’ll excuse me, Travis, I think I need to freshen my makeup.”

“I could use a couple of minutes myself,” he said, his need for solitude reflected in his tight expression and the gruff tone of his voice. “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll step outside to catch my breath.”

“I’ll see you a bit later,” she said, kissing his lean cheek.

As she stood watching Travis walk to the front door, she couldn’t help but wonder what it felt like to have a father who loved his child as much as Travis loved Jessie. She’d never had that, never known what it was to have a father who loved unconditionally. Placing her hand over her stomach, she knew her baby was extremely lucky to have Travis for his or her father.

“Fin, are you feeling well? I noticed you look a bit pale.”

At the sound of the soft Irish lilt beside her, Fin glanced over at Maeve Elliott. “Mom, could we speak in private?” she asked, deciding there was no time like the present to tell her mother about the baby.

A look of alarm widened Maeve’s soft green eyes and Fin knew her mother anticipated bad news. “Of course, dear.” Leading the way into the library, she closed the door behind them. “What is it, Finola? What’s wrong?” The use of Fin’s given name was an indication of the level of Maeve’s concern.

“There’s nothing wrong,” Fin said, placing her hand on her mother’s arm to reassure her. “Actually, everything is the way it should be for the first time in twenty-three years.”

The worry lines creasing her mother’s kind face softened into a smile and she gathered Fin into her arms. “‘Tis the way I feel, too, Finny.”

Fin held onto her mother for several moments before she led her over to the tall leather armchairs facing the fireplace. “Please sit down, Mom. I have something I need to tell you.” When they were both seated in the comfortable chairs, Fin met her mother’s questioning gaze. “I’m pregnant. I’m going to have a baby with Jessie’s adoptive father, Travis.”

Maeve stared at her a moment before covering her eyes and breaking into soft sobs.

A feeling of déjà vu swept over Fin. Her mother’s reaction was much the same as it had been the night Fin had told her she was pregnant with Jessie. The only difference between then and now was that Patrick wasn’t present for this announcement.

“I had hoped you would be happy for me this time,” Fin said, sighing heavily.

“But it appears that I’ve once again disappointed you.”

“Oh, no, Finny.” Her mother reached out to take Fin’s hands in hers. “My tears are those of joy. You never got to hold Jessie, to watch her grow into a beautiful young woman. ‘Tis past time that you got to hold and raise a wee babe of your own.”

“I should have been allowed to raise Jessie.” Try as she might, Fin couldn’t keep her bitter tears in check. “Why, Mom? Why didn’t you stop Patrick from forcing me to give my baby away? You of all people should have known what it felt like to lose your child. To have her taken away without being able to…stop it from happening.” Struggling to control her voice, she shook her head. “Didn’t you feel as if your heart had been ripped from your chest when Anna died?”