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“I know, but it’s nothing to kid about. I’m sure Finley is scared,” Oliver said, his expression serious.
“If you think so, then you don’t know Finley. He always deals with things head-on, and he will with this too,” I asserted, crossing my arms.
“Maybe not. Knowing you’re having a child changes you,” Oliver said, his tone reflective.
“You act like you know. Is this how you’re going to act when I get pregnant?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“No, because we won’t have children until after we’re married,” he replied, his voice firm.
“That’s true since our wedding is seven months away. If I got pregnant now, I would still be pregnant in July,” I said, half-joking.
“Is that supposed to be a joke?” Oliver asked, his irritation evident.
“Jesus Christ, Oliver, why so sensitive?” I snapped, feeling my frustration rise.
“I’m just feeling for your brother,” he said, his voice softening.
“I’ll talk to him later this week. I know he’s stressed about his company,” I said, trying to shift the focus.
“Why?” Oliver asked, curiosity piqued.
“He’s working on several projects at once for clients, and a couple of the apps are giving him issues,” I explained.
“So, he doesn’t need the added stress of a baby,” Oliver concluded.
“You men act like you have it so hard. We’re the ones that have to carry the baby, gain weight, have our hormones all messed up, and breastfeed,” I said, rolling my eyes.
“And we’re right there with you. The good ones are anyway,” Oliver responded, his eyes softening as he reached for my hand.
“I hope so,” I said, squeezing his hand, feeling a bit more reassured.
I settled back into bed and turned on the television. The next day I planned to call my brother and give him a piece of my mind. I hated to see Sadie upset.
“I’m not ready to be a father,” Finley said, his voice tight with strain.
I had finally managed to get him to answer after four attempts. "Stop being a dick. You’re twenty-eight."
“I’m so busy with work, and there’s no need for name-calling,” he growled.
His voice sounded more strained than usual, and my instincts told me there was more to this. “Finley, is there anything else wrong?”
“Why would you think that?”
I laughed lightly. “I’ve known you my entire life. I know when something is wrong.”
He hesitated, then sighed. “Finances. I know Sadie needs stability, but I’m not sure I can afford my apartment. I put almost my entire inheritance into my business.”
“What about the contracts and VC money you received?”
“Contracts don’t pay until I finish the applications. The VC money went to expanding the business. I spread myself too thin.”
Are you afraid of losing the business? What about a loan?”
“Loans are maxed out. I can’t borrow anymore. If I sell my apartment, that would give me several hundred thousand dollars to bolster the company, but we would have to move to a smaller place. I don’t want to do that to Sadie.”
“So, this really isn’t about not being ready to be a father. You’re worried you’ll disappoint Sadie?”
“You told me enough about what she had when she grew up. Her family is nice, but I know they struggle. Sadie talks about helping them. Their house needs work, and her parents are hoping the triplets get some type of scholarships.”
