“Hi!” Katie said again as she opened their front door to let in another party guest that Sunday morning. She had lost count now and her face hurt from smiling. Her aunt hugged her. “Aunt Aleen, thank goodness.” Katie held on a moment longer, her aunt’s signature scent, light and comforting, loosened Katie’s hunched shoulders.
“Everyone here?” Aunt Aleen said. Katie nodded in response. “Sorry I’m late. Late night.”
“Surprise, surprise,” Katie said.
Her aunt patted her arm. “Shall I go be entertaining, or do you need me in the kitchen?”
“Dad’s regaling everyone with some story now. Fin’s in the kitchen.”
“Can you believe I haven’t seen him yet and he’s been here a whole week?”
They strolled arm in arm into the kitchen, where Fin stacked plates and glasses.
“Fin, you young devil, let me see you.”
Fin stopped and grinned at Aunt Aleen. Katie watched, a little envious of her aunt’s easy way with men. Probably helped to be as brash and beautiful as Maureen O’Hara--tall, red hair, green eyes, porcelain skin, the quintessential Irish beauty.
“Aleen, more beautiful than ever. If we could bottle what you have…”
“Yes, I’ve heard it before.” Aunt Aleen hugged Fin, who returned the favor with vigor. Katie narrowed her eyes. Aunt Aleen pulled away and put her hand on Fin’s cheek with an odd, almost sad look in her eyes.
“You’re so like your father.”
Fin took her hand, moved it from his cheek, but still held it. “No, see?” Fin broke out in a broad grin.
“I’ve seen him like that too, long ago.”
Fin’s smile disappeared.
Aunt Aleen stepped back. “Sorry, you two. My little sister is fifty today, you’ll have to forgive me. Wish she wasn’t so honest about her age, I’ve got to own up.”
“No one could find fault with you,” Fin said.
“I need to take you with me everywhere. I know, you’re too busy. I better get in there and make sure Pat hasn’t driven anyone away before we’ve even eaten brunch.” Aunt Aleen waved and glided out. Katie rearranged things. Everyone would be in soon to load up their plates.
“I didn’t think my aunt knew your dad for so long,” Katie remarked as she and Fin worked.
“She and my mom were friends before my parents married. Maybe they met then.”
“She’s never mentioned it.”
“None of them like to talk about the past.”
“I’d like to hear about it,” Katie said.
“Maybe not.” Fin stopped and studied her.
“Why?” Katie folded a napkin over the basket of blueberry muffins.
“You know how you feel about Rose, how you want to keep her from hearing about certain things? I think your family, and mine, feel that way about you.”
“I…but I’m not a girl anymore.”
“I know.” Fin stared at her. She tingled all over.
Her parents came in, holding hands, followed by the Dunbars, Rose, Mrs. Knight and her latest gentleman friend, a few other friends of her parents’, and Aunt Aleen. Katie turned and helped guide their guests before making herself a plate and joining everyone in the living room. As usual, her dad dominated the conversation, though Rose garnered her share of attention. Katie picked up a few glasses and plates, unobtrusively making her way into the kitchen. She stopped short of the door, shocked to see her aunt encircled in Mr. Dunbar’s arms. Aunt Aleen glanced up at him as he wiped tears off her cheeks. Katie held her breath.
“Thirty two years, Dun. Will it ever change?”
“I’m sorry, Álainn,” he said, pulling her closer, his hands on the small of her back.
“Aunt Katie!” Rose called from the hall. Aunt Aleen and Mr. Dunbar turned, breaking apart when they saw Katie. He ran his hands through his hair, black as his expression, while Katie’s cheeks felt as red as her aunt’s appeared.
“I’ll take those, Katie,” she said, taking the plates from her.
Katie left. She did not see that. Maybe Fin was right. Maybe she didn’t want to know.
Chapter Six
“Fin,” his mom whispered while they sat next to each other in the living room. The Dillons’ house seemed lived in, maybe a bit worn, but Fin relaxed here, unlike the cold showplace his parents’ house was, except the kitchen. “Won’t you talk to your father?”
“No,” Fin said. His father entered the room, followed by Katie and Rose. Only Rose acknowledged him. She bounded over. “How’s my girl?” he said as she leaned into him. He kissed the top of her head.
“Okay,” she said. Her voice was quiet.
“Rose,” his mom said, clasping Rose’s hand, “would you mind staying here until dinner? Grandma Mavis said it would be nice. But they’ll be going up to San Francisco soon, so you’d need to stay with Uncle Fin or Aunt Katie.”
Rose smiled and hugged Fin. He let the conversations and laughter in the room drown out the whisperings of want which had been getting louder this last week. A tangled mess of envy and confusion choked him. He’d never experienced the like before and he didn’t expect he’d ever be jealous of his own brother. But he was. “I’ll watch her, Mom. What time should I have her to your house?”
“Five.”
“We’ll be there,” Fin said. He set his mouth in a determined line. If his father would see Fin was a man now, that he’d found a job he was good at, maybe they could reach some truce. Aleen breezed in and waved goodbye, giving hugs to Mavis, Katie, and Rose. Mrs. Knight and her friend left too, followed by Fin’s parents and the other guests. Katie and Rose walked upstairs with Mavis to help her finish packing.
“You taking off too?” Pat asked Fin.
“No, I thought I’d take Rose out.”
“You need a break more than Katie does. I know you haven’t had a moment to yourself, what with the hours you’ve been pulling at the pub and helping Mrs. Knight. Sure you won’t stay here?”
“I appreciate all you’ve done, but it’s time I found my place. You and Mavis have a good night.”
“Thanks, you’re a good lad.” Pat slapped his back. Fin stood taller. “One favor, though. If you’ll be going out after dropping Rose off, won’t you try and get Katie to stay at your parents? I don’t like her here alone at night.”
“I’ll be here. But if you’d rather--” Pat might not trust him to be alone with Katie. His own father wouldn’t.
“That’s fine then. You watch out for our girls.”
Fin nodded. Sweat prickled his back. Whatever Katie thought of her dad, however mean he may be to her, Fin saw Pat loved her fiercely. And he trusted Fin with her, as he entrusted him with the legacy of his pub. Fin tensed. His whole life tested him lately, everyone seeming to evaluate him, but he needed most to prove to himself he could be different.
After everyone had gone, Katie and Fin cleaned while Rose drew at the table. Calm settled in Fin’s limbs, almost a coziness. His brow furrowed. He didn’t quite know what to make of it.
“Well, Rose, what did you want to do? Should we give Aunt Katie a break and I’ll take you out?” he said, sitting next to her.
“No, I like you and Aunt Katie together. It’s almost as good as having Mom and Dad with me.”
“I thought we could go for a picnic at the park, now the weather’s better,” Katie put in. “Would that be okay?” Her voice caught slightly, as if she believed he’d say no.
“I love picnics! Can we make sandwiches? And cookies for dessert? You’ll come too, Uncle Fin?” Rose bounced up in her seat.
“Of course, wouldn’t miss it. We need to have you at Grandpa James’s by five, though.”
Fin and Rose made sandwiches while Katie packed the basket with utensils and snap peas, carrots, fruit, and cookies. Rose held her princess ball as Fin took the basket and they piled into Katie’s car. Fin watched Rose in the back seat. If he looked at Katie too much, he’d forget his promises.
At the park, Fin pushed Rose on th
e swing, they all went down the slide, played ball, and chased each other around. They rolled down the grassy hill on the far edge of the park. As they picked grass out of each other’s hair, Katie studied Fin. Her eyes dazzled him, the trusting, almost childlike way she gazed at him made him feel like the new man he strived to become.
“I’m hungry,” Rose said. He and Katie faced her. Fin hopped up and they went to unpack their picnic. While they ate, Fin examined everything in the park except what he yearned most to explore: Katie.
After lunch, they lay on the plaid blanket, finding shapes in the clouds. Fin made them laugh by finding goofy things, like Cinderella’s stepmother’s crooked finger or the tail the bobcat lost. Katie’s laughter floated though him, more effervescent than the best champagne.
“Oh,” she said, sitting up. “I need to get home. Michael’s coming by.”
“Back together,” Fin asked. He stood, attempting to combat the heaviness in his legs.
“No, he’s getting his things.” Katie packed the basket.
Fin smiled and grabbed Rose’s hand. As they walked out, Rose stopped for a drink at the water fountain. An old woman sat on a bench next to it. Fin had noticed her watching them earlier.
“You have a lovely family, dears,” the woman on the bench remarked. “It’s nice to see such loving parents. Your daughter looks very happy.”
Katie blushed and followed Rose, who skipped ahead down the path.
“Thank you,” Fin replied. “Enjoy your day.”
“Thank you, you too,” she said waving as he slowly walked away. Fin said nothing. But he knew as he watched Katie and Rose that he wanted the woman’s words to be true.
He jogged down the path, growling at Rose, who shrieked in pretend fear. Scooping her up, he laughed and followed Katie to the car.
Rose chattered away on the drive back but stopped when Katie pulled the car into the driveway. Michael stood by his Lexus, waiting with crossed arms and a frown. They all exchanged polite greetings but Fin raged inside, winds scattering debris, currents crackling like before a thunderstorm. Katie ran in to get Michael’s things. Fin ignored him and walked Rose over to Mrs. Knight’s. She agreed to take Rose for a bit. He jogged back across the street. Katie and Michael stood on the porch as Fin came up the path, listening to their conversation.
“I don’t want them back. I want you back,” Michael said.
“No, you want, I don’t even know. I don’t want to know,” Katie said.
“Who’s been influencing you? Fin? You shouldn’t listen to him--”
“Better me than you,” Fin said as he strode up the steps. “Don’t worry, Katie, Mrs. Knight took Rose in to meet her new kitten. Now then, Michael, why don’t you scamper along like a good lad?”
“I’ll leave when I’m ready. Take a hike, Fin,” Michael said.
Fin positioned himself between Katie and Michael. “I don’t think so. I’m going to stay right here.”
“Move,” Michael said, getting in Fin’s space.
Fin chuckled. “Wouldn’t want to muss your pretty face, would you?”
“Stop it, boys.” Katie inserted herself between them. “Michael, I have nothing else to say. We’re done.”
“Give me a few minutes, Katie.” Michael reached for her. Fin grabbed his arm, flipping it. He’d learned some useful things in prison. Michael pulled back with a wince, rubbing his wrist.
“No, that was my mistake last time,” Katie said. “Please leave.”
“He needs to.” Michael motioned to Fin.
“That’s it.” Fin grabbed Michael’s arm again and yanked him down the walk. They stopped. Fin edged closer. “I know about you and Maureen,” he whispered. “Think Katie’ll ever forgive you for wanting Maureen to have an abortion? Thank God she didn’t, especially since Rose isn’t yours.”
Michael’s cheeks colored almost purple with rage. “Damn you Dunbars,” he hissed. “Doesn’t matter. She won’t believe you.”
Katie walked toward them. Fin’s stomach clenched. If Michael ever called his bluff…he’d promised Fergus not to tell anyone about the paternity test.
“Goodbye, Katie,” Michael said. “If you change your mind, you know where I am.”
“She won’t,” Fin said. Michael hopped into his car and drove away.
“I don’t need you to fight my battles for me, Fin.”
“I know. I have so little fun these days, though, surely you won’t deny me?”
“I suppose if you put it that way…” Katie laughed.
Fin grasped her hand, Katie squeezed his. Longing and lust bubbled up, a hot spring, new and unexpected.
“Let’s go get Rose,” he said. Katie nodded and they walked over to Mrs. Knight’s, hand in hand.
Chapter Seven
“Banish the unwanted suitor, young Dunbar?” Mrs. Knight said. She led Fin and Katie into her living room, where Rose sat, dangling a string in front of a tiny grey kitten.
“We did, thank you,” Fin said.
Mrs. Knight inclined her head with a smile. Katie released Fin’s hand and glanced around. The room hadn’t changed much since Katie was Rose’s age. Mrs. Knight and her home had timeless elegance.
“We better go, Rose,” Katie said. “We need to change and go to your grandparents’.” Fin’s hand over hers had caused her head to throb, among other places. She had to think of something else, remember her duties and plans.
“Thank you,” Rose said to Mrs. Knight.
“Come back anytime. When you visit your uncle Fin, he can borrow Lancelot.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Knight, but my dad’s allergic to cats. I can bring her here next time she visits,” Katie said, puzzled when Mrs. Knight raised an eyebrow at Fin.
“She means once I move into the cottage in back,” he said.
“Fin has agreed to fix it up for me, in exchange for a reasonable rent. I said he could live there rent free, if he’d keep changing my light bulbs and all the little things he’s been doing, but he insisted.” Mrs. Knight smiled.
“When are you moving?” Katie tucked her hair behind her ears and tried not to frown. She’d be gone soon too. So why did she feel the urge to beg Fin to stay?
“Can I help?” Rose said. “Will you paint?”
“Yep,” Fin said. “I’ll be moving as soon as I get the place ready. If I can find the time, it shouldn’t take long. Thanks again, dear lady.” Fin kissed Mrs. Knight’s cheek. Katie felt simultaneously warm at how sweet he was and flush with jealousy that he’d kissed every woman of their acquaintance, young and old, but never her.
Once they returned home, Katie helped Rose get ready while Fin changed. She smiled at him. She couldn’t help it, the way he moved, confident and casual, in his dark Dockers and blue button-down shirt, the collar open, sleeves rolled, exposing the tiny black hairs of his arms and chest. Katie blushed as if exposed herself as he grinned back, like he knew what she had in mind.
“Come on, Rose,” he said. “Let’s get your things in the car while Aunt Katie changes.” He gave her a last glance as she went into her room. She bit her thumb. Katie had to file her nails; she’d been biting them again.
She tried to hurry, but she wanted to look pretty and feminine, so she took some time picking her dress, finally deciding on her white sundress with blue embroidery on the hem and white espadrilles. She fluffed her hair and blotted her lipstick before cautiously opening her door. She told herself over and over her feelings were ridiculous, pointless, but she couldn’t stop the pleasant jump in her tummy and warm tingling in her limbs. As Katie stepped down, Fin glanced up, his brow crinkled, his mouth soft, his eyes…yearning. Katie almost believed she floated down the stairs, her feet not touching the ground.
“You’re pretty, Aunt Katie,” Rose said as Katie smiled. Rose grabbed Fin’s hand. “Isn’t she?”
“Beautiful,” Fin said, still staring at Katie.
“Thank you.” Katie smiled. A tiny voice yammered at her that she was acting like a goof, Fin wasn’t sinc
ere. She stuffed it back like an unruly jack-in-the-box. “Ready?”
Rose tugged Fin’s hand, pulling him toward the door. “Let’s go,” she said. Fin followed her, opening the door, letting Rose and Katie go through. Katie couldn’t look at him or she might burst.
She drove over to the Dunbars’, her eyes never straying from the road. Rose chattered away in the backseat. When they got out at the Dunbars’, Fin led them in, his hand on the small of Katie’s back. Little pulses shot through her at his touch. She wanted to turn to him, to see if he felt the same, but she didn’t. She followed Rose in. Fin went to get her bags.
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