Page 44 of The Complication with the Best Man

The warm feeling flowing throughout my entire body should probably sound the alarm bells for me, but instead, I lean into the feeling. I’m not going to have to be a single mom. My eyes get watery. “Thank you, Finn. That makes me really happy.”

He doesn’t say anything, just swallows hard and nods.

“Where are you staying in the meantime until you find a place?”

He sighs. “Honestly, I’m not sure yet. I was going to look for something more budget-friendly than Glacier Point Resort, seeing as I have a child on the way, and I’m about to be unemployed.”

My brain spins with possibilities of how I can help fix either one or both of those situations. It’s the least I can do when this man is leaving behind everything and hasn’t even asked me for a paternity test. Then it comes to me. “I might be able to help.”

He rolls his eyes playfully. “Let me guess, you have a relative who can pull some strings for me to either get a job or lodging.”

“Well… kind of. My uncle Kingston has worked at the Anchorage Fire Department forever, and he could definitely put in a good word for you. There and at the local station.”

Finn chuckles. “Is there no end to the Bailey clan?”

“Not really.” I pat my stomach. “And it’s about to get bigger between Palmer and myself.”

He shakes his head. “So which family member owns a cheap motel for me to stay in?”

“I can do better than that.” I smile broadly. “You can live with me.”

seventeen

FINN

Her words are like a record scratch, bringing all my thoughts to a standstill.

She can’t be serious. Live with her?

“Just until you find a place of your own,” Harper continues. “It’s a small town, and there aren’t a ton of options, but we can figure it out. In the meantime, you can stay here for free.”

“Why would you do that?”

She gives me a “come on” look. “You’re upending your entire life, Finn. It’s the least I can do.”

“What about your roommate?”

She looks as if maybe she hadn’t considered that. “Good point. Let me talk to her first.”

While her offer is well meaning, it’s an example of how impulsive this woman can be. What if she wakes up tomorrow and doesn’t want me here?

“Unless you don’t want to.” She holds up both hands. “No pressure.”

I try to picture it, being in close proximity with her every day knowing how attracted I am to her. But I’m not an animal. Surely, I can control myself, and it wouldn’t be forever. Just until I can find a place.

“If your cousin is okay with it, I would appreciate it. But I promise I’ll find a place as soon as I can.”

“I’m sure she’ll be okay with it.” She smiles. “Plus, money you save goes to the baby.” She laughs, her hands falling to her stomach.

I follow her movement, wishing she was mine so I could cradle where my baby is growing. I wonder what it’s like to go through life like Harper does, always assuming that everything will work out for the best. At least that’s how it seems she is. I guess I don’t actually know her that well, which is something I need to rectify since she’s going to be the mother of my child.

“I’ll admit that I don’t know a lot about pregnancy. Is there anything you need from me?”

She twists her mouth to the side as if she’s considering, and I wait for some smartass comment. “I have an appointment with my aunt later this week to make sure everything is okay with the baby and to figure out a due date. You can come along if you’d like.”

My adrenaline spikes. “Could there be something wrong with the baby?”

She holds up a hand. “Relax. It’s just a part of the process, nothing to be concerned about.”

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