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Tears pooled in my mother’s eyes as she rounded the bed and dragged Finn in for a hug. Then she made her way over to me.
“Oh darling, don’t try to move—your rib.”
After she kissed and hugged me, she moved her mouth to my ear and whispered, “If you keep touching your stomach, everyone will figure it out.”
My eyes widened in shock. “Your secret is safe with me.”
Our eyes met. “I love you, Mom.”
“Oh, my sweet baby girl, I love you, too.”
When she stepped back, I turned to my father. He wore a scowl. “I’m not asking for your permission or your blessing.”
“I see that,” he mumbled.
My chin trembled as I tried to keep talking. “But I would really like it, Dad. And until you’re ready to give it to me and apologize for what you did, I won’t be a part of your life.”
“Oh, Rory. No, you don’t mean that,” my mother whispered.
The sadness in my mother’s voice caused my chest to ache. But when my father turned and walked out of my hospital room, my heart broke. And I wasn’t sure if this time it could be healed.
Chapter 52
Rory
TWO MONTHS LATER
NEW YEAR’S EVE
“We’re going to be late, Rory, if you don’t hurry up!”
Checking my makeup once more in the mirror, I smiled and pulled my hair up into a ponytail. “Coming!” I called out. One last look at the dress pants and sweater and I was satisfied. Finn had requested I dress casual-nice, but warm. That meant he had something up his sleeve.
Flash was at my feet, like always, gazing up at me. “How do I look?”
He barked, and I laughed. “Let’s go, buddy. Daddy and I have a dinner date to get to.”
I heard Regina’s voice as I made my way into the living room. Paul was already in the kitchen whipping up something for Flash to snack on.
“Don’t worry, Finn. Flash will be fine.”
“I’m not worried. I was simply saying to make sure he goes out before you put him in for the night.”
I could tell Regina was trying hard not to laugh. “I’ve watched this dog a million times. Why is tonight different? What in the hell is wrong with you?”
She stopped talking, and her eyes went wide.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Uh, nothing…I was just thinking you’re going to be late for dinner if he doesn’t stop fussing about the dog, that’s all.”
With a smile, I bent down and hugged Flash. “Be a good boy for Regina and Paul.”
Finn followed my lead, except he snuck in a kiss when he didn’t think anyone was watching.
After a short cab ride, we were being seated at one of my favorite restaurants, Legal Sea Foods. Finn ordered the Bang Bang Cauliflower, which we both devoured in minutes.
“Damn, that stuff is good,” Finn said as he licked his finger.
