The Expectant Executive

“None,” she said, shaking her head. She concentrated on the phone in her hand so he wouldn’t see the disappointment she felt at his concern for her pregnancy and not her.

She could feel his eyes watching her for several long moments before he finally cleared his throat and hooked his thumb over his shoulder toward the dresser.

“I’ll take your breakfast back to the kitchen and keep it warm for you. Let me know when you get off the phone and I’ll bring it back up.”

“Thank you,” she mouthed as Chloe answered on the other end of the line.

While her assistant went through the spiel of which office she’d reached and whom she was speaking to, Fin watched Travis glance her way once more as he carried the tray from the room. She could tell he wasn’t happy that she was conducting business instead of resting, but he was wisely keeping quiet about it.

“Chloe, it’s Fin,” she said, interrupting the young woman.

“Where are you? Why aren’t you here at the office? Is everything okay?” The rapid-fire questions were typical Chloe.

Smiling, Fin answered, “I decided to take a weekend trip to Colorado.”

“Ooh, you went to see Jessie’s father, the cowboy, didn’t you?”

“Yes.” She listened for a moment as Chloe gushed about how handsome Travis was and how thrilled she was to hear about the baby before Fin interrupted. “Is Cade in his office?”

“He and Jessie arrived an hour ago, disappeared into his office and they haven’t been seen since.” Chloe giggled. “You know how newlyweds are.”

Fin winced. She hated having to be the one to break up their bliss, but this was a business call. She needed to speak to him as his boss, not his new mother-in-law.

“Transfer this call to his office.”

“When are you coming back, Fin?” There was an excited edge to Chloe’s voice and Fin could tell her assistant had something she wanted to share.

“Probably not for a couple of weeks.”

Chloe gasped. “You’re kidding, right?”

“Unfortunately, no.” Pinching the skin over the bridge of her nose, she tried to ward off the tension headache that threatened. “Now, ring Cade’s office for me.”

She’d put just enough firmness in her voice to let Chloe know that the social part of her call was over.

“Cade McMann.” From the slight echo, Fin could tell that he was using the speakerphone.

“Cade, it’s Fin. I have something I need you to do.”

“Do you need me to come down to your office?” he asked.

Fin sighed. “It wouldn’t do you any good. I’m in Colorado.”

“You’re with Dad at the ranch?” Jessie asked excitedly.

“Yes.”

“How long have you been there? Are you staying for a while?” Jessie’s excitement seemed to be building.

“Three days. And yes, I’ll be staying for the next two weeks.”

“Two weeks!” Cade’s voice forced Fin to hold the phone away from her ear. “With the competition as tight as it is you’re not going to be here?”

“First of all, calm down and listen.” When it came to Charisma, taking charge and getting results were second nature to her. “You’ll be acting editor-in-chief until I return at the end of the month, Cade. Don’t let anyone slack off on the push to bring profits up. Have Chloe give you a daily report of what she learns from the accounting department. And go over all ad copy with a fine-tooth comb to make sure it’s in order before you send it to production.”

“Anything else?”

“Call me every day and let me know how we’re doing.” She paused. “I don’t have to tell you how much I want to win this competition.”

“No, Fin. You’ve made it clear from the start how important this is.” There was a long pause and she could tell he was trying to figure out how to word his next question.

“What?”

She could almost see him blow out a frustrated breath. “You haven’t taken a vacation in years. Why now? Why couldn’t it have waited until January after you’ve won the CEO position?”

“Believe me, I’d be there if I could.”

“Fin, what’s wrong?” The concern in her daughter’s voice touched her as little else could.

“I’m fine, sweetie. Honest.” Explaining what had happened and the doctor’s advice, she added, “But I’m not so sure about your dad.”

“He’s hovering, isn’t he?” Jessie guessed. “He doesn’t like not being in control and when something like this happens, he always makes a big fuss.”