Page 43 of Holiday Haven

Alec sent a questioning glance at Andrea, who hastened to reassure him. “It’s no problem having Shannon stay with us. You know she's always welcome.”

“Thanks.” Fatigue and sorrow etched deep grooves in Alec's face. “I'd like to stay here with Jillian.”

Adam pushed away from the wall stepping further into the room. “Alec, I know how you feel. Losing a baby, even one that hasn't been born yet, is difficult. I want you to know the loss will get easier over time. At least it did for me.”

The varying shocked expressions on his family's faces made him realize what he just said. For the first time in a year, he'd mentioned his son.

“You lost a baby Adam?” Amber pulled away from her husband, eyeing him curiously. “Who was pregnant?”

“Danielle.” He shoved his hands into his pockets, debating telling them the rest. But he couldn't quite bring himself to explain how it had been all his fault. “I’m sorry Mom and Dad. Danielle was eighteen weeks pregnant when we were in a car accident last year, right before Christmas. Our son was stillborn.” He glanced at his father. “The hospital chaplain baptized him. I named him after you. Abraham Joseph Monroe.”

“Oh, Adam. Why didn't you tell us?” his mother asked. “We would have been there for you.”

“Danielle didn't want anyone to know.” As he looked and his family, he realized how much heed needed their support back then. And now. It was unfair of Danielle to ask him to keep it quiet. The way his family surrounded Alec and Jillian had driven the point home. “Not all her fault, though,” he added. “I couldn't talk about it either.” Overwhelming guilt had kept the secret festering in his heart. “I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner.”

“You don't have to apologize to us,” Alec said, giving Shannon one last hug before rising to his feet. “But you know we would have been there for you no matter what.”

Adam nodded but couldn't speak.

“I need to get back to Jillian, but thanks for telling us.” Alec looked thoughtful. “You've made me feel better that Jillian and I have each other to get through this, which is more than you had.”

That much was true. He knew Alec and Jillian’s love would draw them closer during this time of crisis. They'd support each other, which would only help to ease the pain.

The opposite of what he and Danielle had experienced. Their relationship had been on the rocks and losing their son had been the final straw.

Alec's gaze shifted to something behind him. He turned in time to see Krista standing in the doorway of the waiting room, her gaze stricken.

She'd heard every word.

He inwardly winced. This was not good. He should have told her first.

“Krista,” he began, moving to cross over to her. She spun on her heel and hurried away from him.

Straight toward the elevator at the end of the hall.

* * *

Fighting tears,Krista quickened her pace, anxious to get far away from Adam.

He'd never told her Danielle had been pregnant. Hadn't told her about losing his son. Or even mentioned his son’s name. Not once in the time they'd spent together.

What else had he kept from her?

“Krista.” She heard Adam behind her but didn't trust herself to turn around. She was afraid she'd end up settling for whatever scraps he'd chosen to give her.

She deserved better. Her head knew that much, although her heart felt as if it had been ripped from her chest and shredded into tiny bits.

When she reached the elevator, the doors opened, allowing several people to step out. She slipped past them then quickly pressed the button to go down. When the elevator didn't move fast enough, she stabbed the button to close the doors even as Adam called her name again.

He wasn't quick enough. The doors closed and the elevator began to slide downward. Alone, she sagged against the wall, burying her face in her hands, her eyes burning with tears.

She couldn’t face him. Not now and maybe not ever. Well, she couldn't avoid Adam forever, as she was a pediatric nurse and would likely end up caring for his patients. But she still needed time to marshal her defenses against him.

Time to convince herself the wisest choice would be to get over him, once and for all.

* * *

She didn't go straight home. Staringat the four walls in her empty apartment didn't hold much appeal. Instead, she headed to the mall, losing herself among the harried Christmas shoppers.

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