by Cindy Kirk
Fin closed her eyes for a long moment.
“I’ve pushed hard to get her to agree. Dr. Passmore also tried, but you know how stubborn Gram can be when she gets something in her head.”
“There’s only one thing we can do.” Fin’s soft voice was resolute.
We.
Once he and Fin had been a team, so close he couldn’t imagine anything—or anyone—coming between them.
“You’re right. We tell her together.” Jeremy squared his shoulders. “Then we’ll revisit all the reasons surgery is the best option.”
Fin shook her head. “Too risky.”
“What?”
“It’s too risky. She may still refuse the operation.”
“It’s our only option.”
“It’s not.” Fin lifted her chin. “We can let her think you and I are engaged and planning a wedding. Once she’s had the operation, we confess.”
“You want us to lie?”
“I want your grandmother to live.” Tears filled Fin’s eyes before she blinked them back. “I’ll do whatever is necessary to make that happen.”
“You’ll go so far as to pretend to be my fiancée?”
“If you have a better idea, one with the same likelihood of success,” she hurriedly added when he opened his mouth to speak, “spit it out.”
Jeremy took a breath, exhaled slowly. “You’re engaged to Xander. He won’t like it. Not even for a few days.”
Fin waved a dismissive hand. “He won’t care.”
“He will care.” Jeremy clenched and unclenched his hands. “This is my family. My problem. I’m not going to screw up your relationship—”
“Oh, for goodness’ sake.” Fin pulled out her phone, and after a couple of seconds a shade too brightly said, “Xander, hello. I’m with Jeremy. We have a situation here.”
Jeremy listened to her explain what had transpired and what she was proposing.
Her brows pulled together. “No. I didn’t have a chance. His grandmother—”
From where he stood, Jeremy heard Xander’s deep voice cut her off. After a moment, she reluctantly handed her phone to him. “He wants to speak with you.”
“Hello. Listen, Xander, I understand your—”
“Rakes, I only have a minute so I’ll get to the point. You have my blessing to perpetuate this charade. I only ask one favor.”
“What would that be?”
Out of the corner of his eye, Jeremy saw Fin intently watching him. As Xander laid out his terms, Jeremy found himself thinking his instincts had been on target.
Xander Tillman really was a Pompous Ass.
After working in LA for nearly a decade, Fin knew when deals were being forged. In the past few minutes, a simple question had morphed into a negotiation.
She recognized the determined glint in Jeremy’s eyes. She’d seen that look in Ruby’s eyes more times than she could count. Fin knew how much Jeremy’s grandmother meant to him, but she also believed him to be a man of integrity. Not a politician whose vote could be bought.
When he handed the phone back to her, she simply stared at it.
“He had an important meeting.” Jeremy hesitated, and she saw the lie even before he voiced it. “He said to tell you good-bye.”
Fin didn’t care about social niceties. Not with something far more important on the table.
“Did I just hear you agree to vote for the project?” Fin found herself holding her breath. She’d need the extra oxygen, because if Jeremy had agreed, she was going to kick his butt. If Xander had asked that of him, she would call him back and kick his.
“No.” Jeremy met her gaze. “I only agreed to put the issue on the September agenda. That will give you time to make your case with the board members. Whether the outcome will change is impossible to say.”
“What about if the vote ends in another tie? The deciding vote will be yours.”
“I will look at the proposal with fresh eyes and an open mind.” He smiled slightly. “It’s what I do for anything that crosses my desk a second time.”
“Why did you agree to put it on the agenda? There was no need.” Fin couldn’t hide her confusion. “My offer didn’t carry strings.”
“Based on feedback I received at the barbecue Friday night, I’d already decided to bring the issue back to the town board for a public hearing.” A sardonic smile lifted Jeremy’s lips. “This morning I instructed Dee Ann to make space on the September fifteenth town board agenda. I planned to call Xander today to confirm he hadn’t already signed with one of the alternate sites. If he had, all this would be a moot point.”
Fin narrowed her gaze.
“Always so suspicious.” He chuckled. “I’m giving it to you straight, Finley. Many merchants I spoke with said they hadn’t realized the testifying would be so skewed against the proposition. They want their chance to be heard.”
“I heard the same rumblings.” Fin recalled the comments she’d overheard. “Many seem to think they’ll benefit more financially from the film crew and actors being in town than from the holiday events. Plus, they like the idea of the community getting the windfall of money to help with what they see as currently underfunded projects.”
“While Xander might think he got a concession, he didn’t.”
“I can’t believe he’d even ask. We’re only talking a few days.” The more Fin thought of Xander using Ruby’s situation for his own benefit, the more her blood boiled. “I’m not his property. I only called to let him know what we planned as a courtesy, and yes, to show you that he couldn’t care less what I do in Good Hope.”
Fin ignored the odd look Jeremy shot her.
She clenched her teeth as a wave of heat washed over her. No one owned her. No one spoke for her. And no one, absolutely no one, put a squeeze play on one of her friends.
When her fingers threatened to crush the phone, Fin slung it into her purse. Her body vibrated with rage. “I am so angry with Xander right now. I’m going to—”
“What you’re going to do,” Jeremy’s arms stole around her stiff body, “is take a breath.”
Even when his arms tightened around her and he pulled her close, she didn’t relax. After a moment, he dropped his head to rest against the top of hers. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and raspy. “It will be okay. Grandma Ruby will be up and dancing before we know it.”
Fin closed her eyes and let herself relax against him. “I’m so worried. I didn’t realize this was so serious.”
His hand gently stroked her hair. “You’re a good friend to her . . . and to me.”
Locked in each other’s arms, they stood together in the hallway. Soothed by the comforting embrace, Fin paid no mind to the kitchen worker bringing Ruby’s lunch tray who stepped around them.
By the time she and Jeremy left the hospital, Ruby was on the surgery schedule for the next day. Fin’s temper had dropped to a slow simmer, but she still planned to call Xander that evening and kick his ass.
Exhausted, neither of them spoke much during the drive back to Good Hope. They’d just passed Egg Harbor when Fin’s phone dinged. She read the text from Ami twice.
Jeremy glanced sideways. “Problem?”
“Ami wants you and I to come to dinner this evening at six. She says it’s important.”
“Why is she inviting me?”
“I don’t know.” Instead of texting, Fin called her sister. “Hi, Ami. I got your text and—”
“Does Jeremy know about the invitation?” Ami interrupted.
Fin paused, glanced at the man in the driver’s seat. “Yes, he’s with me. We’re driving back from the hospital to get some of Ruby’s things together. Ruby is scheduled for surgery in Milwaukee tomorrow.”
“That is good news. You can tell me all about it tonight. Will six work?”
“Yes, but I don’t understand why—”
“I’d love to chat, Fin, but I’m at my OB appointment and,” Ami called out a greeting, “she just walked in. See you both at six.”
<
br /> Fin stared at the phone for a second, then dropped it back into her bag.
“What did you find out?”
“Nothing except she’s expecting you. She was at her OB appointment, so she couldn’t talk.” Fin kept her voice casual. “Are you free for dinner?”
“If your sister is cooking, I’m definitely free.”
“You’re so predictable.” Fin laughed.
If only she could say as much for herself. Ever since they’d left the hospital she’d been seized with the feeling that her life was about to take an unpredictable turn.
Chapter Five
“We should go inside.”
Despite Jeremy’s urging, Fin’s feet remained rooted to the sidewalk leading up to her sister Ami’s home. While outwardly she remained composed, her heartbeat pounded in her ears. Something in Ami’s tone this afternoon had put her on alert. She’d yet to figure out the reason for the dinner invitation.
If it was something to do with the baby . . .
No. She would not let her mind go there. If it was a baby issue, Ami wouldn’t have insisted she bring Jeremy with her. “I can’t figure out why she wanted you here.”
“Maybe she knows I don’t get nearly enough home-cooked meals?”
“If that was the case, she’d be inviting every single man in Good Hope.”
“Okay.” Jeremy rubbed his chin. “How about I’m a charming dinner companion?”
Fin rolled her eyes. “I guess the invitation will just have to remain a mystery.”
Jeremy took her arm as they climbed the stairs. “I never asked. Had you told any of your family about your engagement to Xander?”
“No.”
“Scared?”
Her head whipped around, her gaze pinning him. “I’m not scared.”
The amusement in those brilliant blue eyes told her he’d known exactly what he was doing. Getting her riled so she’d pull herself together.
Fin had already made inroads toward accomplishing that task. After dropping Jeremy off at the courthouse, she’d phoned Xander. More often than not he didn’t take her calls, preferring to call back on his own timetable. This time he’d answered immediately. No doubt hoping she’d thought up even more ways to put the screws to Jeremy.
“I don’t like you pressuring Jeremy when his grandmother’s life is at stake.” Fin’s voice sounded hard, even to her own ears. But darn it, Xander knew better.
“Well, hello to you, too.” The amusement in his voice only fueled her anger.
“In case you can’t tell, I’m pissed. Seriously pissed. Jeremy is going through a lot right now. He doesn’t need you on his back. Trust me, such pressure will only backfire on you.”
There was a long pause.
“Apologies. You know me, Fin. When I want something, I want it now. But you’re right, it was a wrong move. The mayor won’t get any more pressure from me.”
Though she couldn’t see his eyes, he sounded sincere. And Fin couldn’t recall the last time he’d apologized for anything.
“Am I forgiven?”
The hint of boyish contrition mixed with the warmth in his tone melted the last of her resistance. She sighed. “You’re forgiven.”
They didn’t chat long. She’d caught him in a meeting. As a busy professional herself, Fin understood the stresses he was under. Xander simply needed to remember that friendship and loyalty trumped business any day.
“C’mon.” Jeremy cupped her elbow in his hand and pushed open the gate. “We don’t want the potatoes to get cold.”
Fin found herself propelled up the last few steps. While not large by Hollywood mansion standards, Ami and Beck’s home was one of the largest on the peninsula. Also, in her opinion, one of the most beautiful. Stained glass topped each window. A black iron fence enclosed a yard that spanned two lots. Leafy trees shaded a spread of sprawling green accented with clusters of colorful flowers.
Fin paused when they reached the porch. Since she’d last walked up these steps, her sister had added another urn of impatiens. The fancier New Guinea variety in salmon and white, their mother’s favorite, spilled over the sides of the pot. The white-lacquered porch swing was new as well.
“So much wonderful space.” She thought of her postage-stamp-size LA apartment and sighed. “Perfect for a growing family.”
Jeremy cast a glance in her direction. “I bet Ami is hoping you’re still here when she has the baby.”
Fin felt a surge of excitement. “That would be wonderful.”
“Before we go in, I want to say again how much I appreciate what you’re doing to help Ruby.” Jeremy’s voice deepened with emotion. “I called her on my way to pick you up, and she’s in high spirits. When I told her you and I were having dinner with your family, she said to drink a glass of champagne for her.”
“Champagne.” Then it hit her. “She thinks we’re announcing our engagement to my family tonight.”
“Now you’ll be telling them about your engagement to Xander with your ex-boyfriend at your side.” Jeremy’s tone was light but his eyes held shadows.
Impulsively, Fin slipped her arm through his and gave it a squeeze. “I’m glad you’re here with me.”
The door flew open and Fin didn’t have a chance to say anything more.
Ami raced to her, wrapping her arms around Fin and pulling her close. Or at least as close as her sister’s big belly would allow.
As Fin hugged her sister, her new niece or nephew—no one knew, since Beck and Ami wanted to be surprised—kicked Fin in the ribs. Hard.
“Wow.” Fin cleared her throat as a storm of emotion pummeled her. “You and Beck have got yourself a soccer star.”
But Ami had already turned her attention to Jeremy, a warm smile lifting her lips. “It’s good to see you, Jeremy.”
“I appreciate the invitation.”
“Come inside.” Beck held the door wide, then stepped aside to let them pass. “Can I get either of you a beer or a glass of wine?”
Beck’s chocolate-colored hair and dark eyes provided a startling contrast to Jeremy’s blond good looks.
Jeremy smiled. “I wouldn’t say no to a beer.”
“I’ll grab one.” Beck glanced at her. “Fin?”
“A glass of red would be great. Thanks.”
“Everyone is in the parlor,” Ami told her.
“I’ll help Beck get the drinks.” Jeremy shot Fin a reassuring smile, then strolled down the hallway toward the kitchen.
Fin sniffed the air. The savory scent of pot roast, garlic-roasted potatoes, and fresh bread teased her nostrils. “It smells amazing. I’m sure it will taste even better.”
“I invited everyone for dinner.” Ami looped an arm companionably through hers.
Fin glanced down at Ami’s belly, took in the dark shadows beneath her eyes, and felt a pang. “I wish you hadn’t gone to so much trouble.”
“I love to cook.” Ami gave her arm a squeeze. “Especially for my family.”
“I don’t understand why we’re all here.” They were almost to the parlor when Fin stopped short. “Is something wrong?”
“The news is out.” A brilliant smile lit Ami’s face. “It was quite a surprise, but we’re all thrilled and the Bloom family is ready to celebrate. I admit I wished you’d told me yourself, rather than Beck hearing it from Dakota.”
Fin cocked her head. “What are you talking about?”
Before Ami could answer, Jeremy and Beck appeared in the hall.
“Is there some reason we’re standing out here instead of going in there?” Beck handed Fin her glass of wine, then gestured with his head toward the entrance to the parlor.
Jeremy shot her a questioning glance.
“Ami mentioned Dakota shared some news?” Fin turned to Beck. “What was it?”
“What do you think?” Ami reached down, just as Ruby had done earlier in the day, and lifted Fin’s hand. The diamond sparkled in the overhead light. “When were you going to tell us?”
Fin ignored
the question. “How did Dakota find out?”
“Her friend Liliana works in dietary at the hospital in Sturgeon,” Beck answered. “Ruby told her the news when Lily brought in her lunch tray. Lily also saw you and Jeremy embracing in the hall.”
“She told you Jeremy and I are engaged.”
Beck nodded.
Fin’s heart slammed against her rib cage. “Who else knows?”
“Everyone who was in Muddy Boots heard the story.” Beck glanced at Ami. “I forgot to mention Katie Ruth was there and said something about putting the news in the Open Door.”
Fin closed her eyes. Small-town living at its best.
When she opened her eyes, Jeremy had moved beside her. “Don’t worry. We’ll get this figured out.”
“Figure what out?” Ami’s brows slammed together. “First we have to find out you’re engaged from someone at the café. Now you’re acting like it’s some big secret. What’s going on, Fin?”
“A big misunderstanding.” Fin slung an arm around her sister’s shoulders. “I’ll tell you and the rest of the family all about it.”
Ami’s voice lowered as they turned toward the parlor entrance. “Is this something bad?”
As Fin wasn’t quite certain what Ami would consider bad, she hesitated, then cursed herself when worry flooded Ami’s face.
“No.” Fin forced as much reassurance into the word as possible. “Not bad. Just an unusual set of circumstances.”
“You’re engaged?” Ami spoke tentatively, as if feeling her way through a minefield.
“Yes, but not to Jeremy.”
“Who else is there?”
“Xander.”
“Well, then.” Though she smiled, Ami didn’t appear relieved. And her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “You’re right. This is different.”
The second Fin stepped into the parlor, her two younger sisters pounced. Her father stood back, smiling at his girls. Then he moved to her. When his strong arms wrapped around her, Fin’s unsteady world righted itself. For the briefest of seconds she closed her eyes and hugged him back.
A lesson she’d learned as a child—that it’s better to rip off a Band-Aid than peel it off—had her dispensing with formalities and blurting, “I’m afraid there’s been a big misunderstanding.”