“Hannah?” Finn’s voice is soft, but it cuts through my humming.
“Hmm?” I grab a cloth and begin to wipe down the small table.
“I think we need to talk.” My hand stills and I turn to face him. Those words are rarely followed by anything good. His face is serious as he looks at me. I abandon the cloth on the table and give him my full attention. It takes him several seconds to speak. When he does, his words are clear and concise.
"You're fired."
"What?"
Finn takes a deep breath but doesn't look away from my face. "I've thought a lot about this," he says, "And I don't want you to manage the Jester anymore."
His words are a gut punch. The air leaves me in a rush, and I drop into the empty chair behind me. The Jester has been my home for the past 7 years. Even after Liam and I moved out of the little garden cottage, it still felt like home. I belong there. The idea of not driving down the oak-lined driveway every day and seeing the big house as I crest the hill is almost unthinkable. What is Finn saying? After my confession earlier, I’m even more confused. I don't know what emotion is strongest. I'm shocked, confused, hurt, speechless. It takes me a moment to realize he's still speaking. And that he’s smiling.
"A long time ago, you told me that you were grateful for everything I did to help you," he says. "That I'm a good man and that I was just being kind. Sure. That was part of it, I guess. But the truth is that I was being selfish. I wanted to keep you nearby. Working alongside me. I didn’t want to give you up. I figured if I gave you enough to do that you'd stay. Because you love a challenge and you love helping people. And you love The Jester. So, I just kept giving you more responsibilities. And you kept meeting every single challenge. But it's not fair to you.
"You shouldn't be stuck in that job when you can do so much more. You've worked for me for over 7 years. And you've been amazing. You've handled everything I've ever thrown at you. But I think it's time for you to move on to something else. Watching you these past few weeks, I realize how selfish I've been. You deserve more than managing someone else's business. I can tell you want more, even if you won't admit it. I've seen you manage everything from a 200-guest wedding to a 4-guest tea party. And you make every single person feel like it's their special day, regardless of how important the event is. That's where you shine. You’re amazing. You shouldn't be stuck in that office. You've got so much more to offer."
I'm shocked, but it's an idea I've considered in the past. I love to plan events and I'm good at it. Besides, I've been doing it for years in an unofficial capacity. The more I think about it, the more I love the idea. My mind races over a dozen different reasons it can’t work or might fail. But I can’t deny that one fact shines brightest in my thoughts. I want this.
"Besides," Finn says, interrupting my racing thoughts. "I have no intention of giving you up. You belong with me. And you're the one who didn't want people to think you were sleeping with your boss."
"So, you're firing me instead?"
He shoots me that lopsided grin that never fails to make my stomach flip-flop. I’ve seen every inch of this man naked and his smile still makes me giddy. He shrugs. "All relationships have issues."
I suppress a smile of my own and cock one eyebrow at him. "Seriously?"
Finn's face turns serious again. "Hannah, I love you. I'd happily live the rest of my life with you managing the Jester if I thought that was where you belonged. But you can do more. You deserve more. I've seen how happy you are coordinating weddings and parties. You light up. I know you love it."
My mind is reeling. Did he just say he loves me?
"Back up," I whisper, heart racing. "What was that first part?"
Finn stands and crosses the room to where I’m sitting, his eyes never leaving mine.
"I said I love you, Hannah," he says. "I'm in love with you. I’m sorry it took me so long to say it. I’m a little slow sometimes.” He smiles again. “I also love that boy sleeping down the hall. He’s an amazing kid. When I think about my future and my life, I can’t picture it without you two in it. Whatever you decide to do, none of that will change.”
My heart feels like it might jump out of my chest. I suck in a deep breath and smile at this amazing man who not only loves me, but who loves my son and wants to be there for both of us. It’s more than I ever thought I’d have. The emotion threatens to swamp me, so I try to inject a teasing tone into my words.
"Whatever I decide, huh? I thought you said I was fired."
"Well," he says, taking my hands and pulling me to my feet. "I know how stubborn you can be." He kisses me lightly, taking the sting from the words. "So, yes. It's absolutely your decision. I'll stand behind you, no matter what." He smiles and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “God, I wish you could see how amazing you are.”
I feel my heart clench as I look into his blue eyes. I twine my arms around his neck, pressing against the length of his body. Finn’s hand cups my cheek, his touch gentle.
"Thank you," I say, feeling my eyes prick with tears.
Finn's
