Free Deadly Addition (Hardy Brothers Security Book 9) by Lily Harper Hart Page B

enough of that for one lifetime.
    “I didn’t know what you would say,” Emma admitted. “We’ve never really talked about anything like this.”
    “No,” Finn said. “That doesn’t mean I didn’t have a right to know.”
    “I was always going to tell you,” Emma said. “I was just trying to build up the courage.”
    “Because you were afraid of what I was going to do?”
    “Because I was afraid of what I was going to do,” Emma said. “I’m scared to be a mother.”
    “Because of your mother?”
    “Because of my family,” Emma corrected. “I come from … bad stock.”
    Finn’s heart pinched. “I don’t believe that for a second,” he said. “You’re the sweetest … and kindest … and warmest person I’ve ever met. You’re not bad stock. You had bad things happen to you, and your parents are assholes. That doesn’t mean you’re bad.”
    “I hope not,” Emma said. “The thought that I could … be them … it just kills me.”
    “Emma.” Finn reached over and pulled her to him, fighting off his own tears as Emma buried her face in his chest. “You’re so tired, sweetie. Come on. Let’s go to bed.” He scooped her up in his arms. “We’ve got a lot of stuff to plan for. We don’t have to do it all tonight. We don’t have to talk it all over tonight.”
    “Do you hate me?” Emma’s voice was muffled against his chest.
    “I could never hate you, Emma. You’re just exhausted. You’ll feel better in the morning. I promise. We both will.”
    Finn carried her into the bedroom, tucking her under the covers before climbing in behind her. He wrapped her in his arms, holding her tight as her body shook.
    “Sleep, sweetheart,” Finn said. “Everything is going to be okay. Just … everything is going to be okay.”

Nine
    “So, how was Finn after the whole fiasco at the clinic?” Mandy asked.
    They were in a small diner in downtown Mount Clemens the next day, and everyone was curious to hear how things had gone once Mandy and James left Finn and Emma to their own devices. Since they were gossipy, Mandy, Ally and Sophie had spent hours on the phone with one another the previous evening.
    “He was calm,” Emma said, sipping from her glass of water. “He was very calm.”
    “That’s good, right?” Sophie asked.
    “I don’t think he’s done processing yet,” Emma said.
    “How are you?” Ally asked. She was usually the excitable one, but now she was deathly serious. “You look tired. Did you sleep last night? You have to sleep. You need at least eight hours every night. Ten is better.”
    “I don’t know why I bought that book,” Mandy grumbled. “I forgot we have the walking pregnancy guru in our midst.”
    “You bought a book?” Ally asked.
    “The doctor says Emma is anemic,” Mandy said. “She also said she’s not eating enough calories in a day – which I think we already knew.”
    “I have to … .”
    Mandy cut her off. “You’re a model, we get it. You’re also a person. You need to eat.”
    “I ordered a salad,” Emma protested.
    “You’re supposed to have fattier foods.”
    “I’ll get fat fast enough,” Emma said. “Then things will be just perfect.”
    “You’re not going to get fat,” Ally countered. “You’re going to have a baby. Stop being … obnoxious.”
    “That’s rich, coming from you,” Emma shot back.
    Ally arched an eyebrow. “I see the hormones are here.”
    Emma sighed. “I’m sorry for snapping at you. That wasn’t fair.”
    “I deserved it,” Ally said.
    “No, you didn’t,” Emma said. “You’re so sweet. You’re always so sweet.” Her eyes filled with tears.
    “Oh, hormones,” Ally said, patting her hand. “You’re going to be fun for the next eight months.”
    “Ally,” Mandy scolded. “She’s been through hell over the past twenty-four hours.”
    “She’s been through hell her entire life,” Sophie corrected. “Both of you need to back off. She needs space, and understanding.”
    “Thank