“Yes.”
There was a long silence. Finn studied the pictures for so long I almost interrupted him to move the conversation along. Finally he surprised me by asking, “What if I want thepackagedeal?”
“Then I’d tell you to think long and hard about that because, as you’ve probably figured out by now, I’m a pieceofwork.”
He laughed at that, harder than I might haveliked.
“Look, Finn. I’m not trying to disrupt your life all over again. I understand that you’re with another woman now, and I’llrespectthat.”
Finn shifted to his right side and studied me long and hard before removing a strand of hair from my face and whispering, “I’m with you, Emma. I alwayshavebeen.”
My eyes brimming with tears, I asked, “What doesthatmean?”
“It means that even though,or maybe because, you ripped my damn heart out, I haven’t moved on with anyone else. Rachel’s not my girlfriend; she’s Vanessa’s daughter. She wants more, but you know, you screwed me up too much for anything more than friendship, so thanksforthat.”
“You’rewelcome?” I answered inquestionform.
My attempt at humor could have gone terribly wrong, but Finn always was a fan of my sarcasm, and he gave me the laugh I was hoping for. Boldly, I reached out and traced my finger over his face. It really was as swoon-worthy as the day I met him. His merciful eyes held understanding and patience. Where did that reserve of forgiveness come from? Why would he be willing to give me the second chance I so clearly didn’t deserve? Leaning over, I brushed my lips past his. Finn didn’t move or pull me in, he just lay there propped on his elbow and let me takethelead.
“Forgive me,” I whispered. “Pleaseforgiveme.”
Finn’s hand tangled into my hair, and he pulled my head toward him and his lips pressed hard onto mine. His approach was equal parts aggression, yearning, and forgiveness. Wrapping my arms around his back, I leaned into him and crushed my mouth to his. We assertively reacquainted ourselves with one another, although I truly had never forgotten his touch, or his lips. Lying on the steps in a heavy embrace, we were lost in each other’s hungering lips. I wanted him… and I could have him, if I justletgo.
“I. Forgive. You,” he said between kisses. “But don’t ever do that to meagain.”
“I won’t. Ipromise.”
“I’m tired ofwastingtime.”
“Metoo.”
In one fluid motion, Finn stood and pulled me to my feet. “Then we make a commitment right here, right now. No more games. You and me, Emma… one hundred percent. It’s everything ornothing.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, I answered, “I wanteverything.”
* * *
Lyingin his arms on my couch, with Finn’s hand on my belly and my cat curled up contently on my lap, I felt for the first time in years that I was finally back in control. My fears would have to take a backseat to this newreality.
“Finn?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you want to move in with me andCynthia?”
He sat up a little straighter, his demeanor suddenly serious. “Look, I’ll move in with you on twoconditions.”
“Okay.” I tensed in preparation. Was it too soon after my total and complete betrayal of his trust to ask for such athing?
“One: we give the damn cat a break. From now on I’m callinghimTheo.”
I nodded, relieved at where his conditions were going. I could handle that one, even though I wouldn’t honor it. “You can call him whatever you want. Right,Cynthia?”
“Oh, okay, I see where ultimatums willgetme.”
“What’s number two?” I asked, tugging on his sleeve to refocus hisattention.
“Well, that goes somewhat hand in hand with number one, and this will not be compromised. Your dad’s not allowed anywhere near the baby until we have it safelynamed.”
