Oh, this was not good.“Are you saying youwantto be a part of this child’s life?”
“Damn straight I do.I want to know every appointment, every ultrasound…” Those blue eyes flashed with such emotion she had to look away.“Everything.”
A person could say they were going to do anything, but then they actually had to do it.How long would Ian keep his word?Katie pushed aside the possibility that he might carry through and what that would mean, and asked the only question that mattered right now.“So, where does this leave us?What are your plans?”
He studied her as though he could see right into her head.“Plans?Well, once you send me your appointments, I’ll sync up our calendars, and we’ll go from there.”
Sync up our calendars?Like a business meeting?“Okay.”
“I’m moving back into Max and Grace’s house, and I’ll work from there.”
“For how long?”She tried to keep her expression blank as she waited for the words that would change their lives.While she expected some sort of non-answer, she did not anticipate what he said next.
“Until…whenever.There is one more thing.”
Nausea rolled over her, and it had nothing to do with the baby and everything to do with Ian Finnegan’s presence.“What else could you possibly want?”
“Call me strange and old-fashioned, but I want the baby to have my name.”
“Oh.You want me to put your name on the baby’s birth certificate?Are you sure?”
Those blue eyes turned to steel.“I’m sure.I want to get married…as soon as possible.”
“Married?To you?”She grabbed the edges of the chair, fought the dizziness that threatened to swallow her.“Why?People don’t need to be married to coparent.What matters is loving your child and being there for him or her.”
“I understand that, but my parents won’t.I might not want the family money, but I’ll make damn sure my child gets it.The only way to do that is to get married.”He pulled out his phone, scanned it.“Can you check your calendar and see when you’re available?We can get the marriage license and talk to Mimi about performing the service.”
“Are you crazy?I’m not going to marry you.”
“Oh, but you are.You see, if you refuse, I’ll have to make it difficult for you.Maybe I move out of town, and we have to do a 50-50 share.I wouldn’t like that, and I’m sure you wouldn’t either.It’s not like we have to sleep together because obviously, you’re not interested.We’ll share the same house, either here or you can move into Max and Grace’s.Once the baby comes, we’ll decide what to do.”
“Why are you doing this?”
“I know I hurt you, and I know you’re probably never going to forgive me.I didn’t want to accept it, but I was coming to terms with it.That all changed the minute Jack told me I was going to be a father.If you can’t accept that, then wewillhave a problem because Iamgoing to be a part of my child’s life.”One last look before he said, “Check your schedule and get back to me.I’ll contact Mimi about the service.”
It had beenfive days since Ian had last seen Katie.She’d tried to argue about the marriage, but he’d stood firm.Mimi Pendergrass would officiate, Jack and Dolly would stand in as witnesses, and the ceremony—if you could call it that—would take place at the Heart Sent.
Ian’s parents had tossed out comments over the years about what his eventual wedding would look like.
We’ll rent out an entire floor for the reception.
And what about the ceremony?You could have it at the Cathedral…
Imagine that?
I know a jeweler.
Ian’s mother would tear up, clasp her hands together.It will be magnificent.
His father would drop in one of his favorite words.Unforgettable.
Small sigh.I know a cellist.Her mother’s in the garden club.
Why not bring in the whole symphony?
Of course, the wedding would include a personal chef, orchids, doves,anda helicopter.It didn’t matter that he hadn’t introduced them to a prospective bride, or even a girlfriend.This was their dream and their vision, and they would not be disappointed or dissuaded.Afterall, hadn’t Stafford Nelson Finnegan carved out a marriage and a standing in society based on appearance, bloodlines, and social standing?
What would they say if they knew Ian’s future bride didn’t possess lineage, family money,oran elevated social standing?And more, said “bride” was carrying his child and didn’twantto marry him?
