“I never would have thought that. Never,” he repeated. “I’ve seen your samples. I’ve heard the passion in your voice when you discuss each detail. Maybe you had an advantage because he knew you, but if you weren’t any good, you wouldn’t be here. Robert wouldn’t offer a pity job.”
Harper rested her hands on his wrists at either side of her face. “You sound like you know him.”
Ethan stared for a second before he shrugged. “I know people like him. I’m a businessman myself. We don’t hire out mega jobs just to make someone feel good.”
“I didn’t want you to think—”
Ethan’s lips covered hers for the briefest of moments before he eased back. “Stop. I think you’re amazing. Your work ethic, your ideas, everything. Be proud of what you’re doing. Confidence will get you everywhere.”
That sounded like something Carmen would say. Maybe Ethan coming into her life had happened for a reason. Maybe he was exactly what she needed, exactly when she needed it.
Maybe she was falling too hard for him when she wasn’t completely sure if he could ever feel the same.
“I assume you didn’t tell your dad about the baby.”
Harper shook her head. “I thought I would wait. There was a lobby full of people, and it just didn’t seem like the right time. I will at dinner.”
She didn’t know if her father would even care. She wanted him to take part in her child’s life, especially considering he’d missed out on the first two decades of hers. But would he even want to? That was the question and one she feared the answer to.
“What’s on your mind?” Ethan asked. “You have those worry lines between your brows.”
“How do you know I’m worried? Those are just wrinkles.”
Ethan kissed her forehead. “I know because they were there when you were looking at those marble samples and muttering to them.”
Harper couldn’t hold back her smile. “You think you know me so well.”
His hands eased to her shoulders and gave a gentle squeeze. “I do know you. So, what are you worried about?”
“I just want him to be part of this baby’s life,” she admitted. “I didn’t know who Robert was until I was twenty. I’d never met him. My mother was, and still is, quite the free spirit. She’d always told me my father wasn’t interested in being a dad, so I let it drop. But then I just wanted to know. I wanted to give him the chance to see me for himself. So, Mom told me his name, and I looked him up. He didn’t seem too thrilled to have a child when I met him, but we’ve been talking and getting together a few times a year ever since. I just wish...”
“You want a relationship.”
Harper nodded. “I’m probably being foolish, I know. What grown woman begs a man for attention? I guess all the time we lost can’t be made up, and I can’t make him want to be a parent—much less a grandparent. Some people just aren’t cut out for that job.”
Ethan pulled her into his arms and wrapped her in his warmth, his strength. Harper rested her head against his chest, seeking his comfort, wanting so much more.
There was such a fine line between being hopeful and being realistic. She teetered on the brink of falling over into foolishness.
If Carmen were here, she’d be giving the best advice. Harper would give anything for one more conversation with her sister.
“I don’t have the answers,” he murmured against her ear. “But know that I’m here. This baby will know both parents love her.”
Harper eased back, smirking, her brows raised. “Her?”
Ethan’s mouth quirked into a grin. “I have a feeling the baby is a girl. I see her with your smile, your eyes. She’s the most beautiful child.”
Harper’s heart swelled at hearing him talk about their child. He’d thought about the baby—he’d thought so much that he’d pictured her.
Stifling a yawn, Harper laid her head on his chest. Ethan’s hands roamed up and down her back as he kissed her head.
“Go lie down,” he urged. “I’ll make sure you’re not disturbed. That way you’ll be refreshed for our dinner.”
Harper smiled into his chest. “I don’t know the last time I took a nap.”
“Then I’d say you’re long overdue.” Ethan cupped her shoulders and pulled back. “Rest for as long as you want. You’ve got to stay healthy for our baby.”
The baby. Yes. Maybe he only cared for her because of the baby. After all, that’s the reason he proposed, right?