by Cindy Kirk
Her lips curved in a slow smile. “Hello.”
Jeremy fully understood Fin was playing this part for two reasons: to help out her real fiancé and out of love for his grandmother. But when she gazed up at him and her eyes locked on his like they did now, he felt the connection.
She was simply playing a part, he reminded himself. She’d always been a stellar actress.
“You remember Pastor Dan.” Jeremy gestured with his hand to the broad-shouldered man at his side.
Fin’s smile was warm and friendly. “Will you join us?”
Fin’s years in advertising and now as a development executive showed. But when her green eyes lingered a few seconds longer than necessary on the minister, Jeremy was seized with the insane urge to tell Fin that Dan was dating Lindsay Lohmeier.
Instead he kept his lips shut and shifted his attention to Lynn. As president of the local bank as well as of the Women’s Events League, commonly referred to as the Cherries, Lynn was a force to be reckoned with in Good Hope.
Jeremy both liked and respected her. “I hope we’re not interrupting.”
“You’re not.” Lynn made room in the booth, and Dan slid in beside her, while Jeremy took a seat on the bench next to Fin. “I can stay for a few minutes longer before the business world beckons.”
“I was about to update Jeremy on the All About Kids project.” Dan spoke directly to Lynn, his hazel eyes intense. “As co-chair, you’ll likely have information to add.”
Practically vibrating with excitement, Lynn turned to Fin. “I know you’ll be busy with wedding preparations, but this project is dear to my heart. I’d love it if you could find time to help me with it.”
Jeremy slanted a glance at Fin. The opportunity to spend time with Lynn was being served up to her on a silver platter.
“I’ll make the time,” Fin told Lynn. “All I ask is you give me some assistance on the Wish Fulfilled event at Rakes Farm.”
Lynn held out her slender hand. “While I’m not sure what that will involve, it’s a deal.”
As Dan and Lynn took a moment to catch up, Jeremy turned to Fin. “How’s it going?”
“It’s looking up.” Fin’s voice lowered, and she slanted a glance at Lynn, who appeared deeply engrossed in her conversation with the minister. “She asked about wedding arrangements. I told her First Christian.”
He nodded, appreciating the heads-up. If they were engaged, where the ceremony would be held was one of those early decisions.
Jeremy took her hand, threading his fingers through hers. “Will you have time to help with Lynn’s project?”
“Don’t you dare try to dissuade her, Jeremy Rakes.” Lynn’s voice broke through, and he realized the intense conversation that she and the minister had been having had concluded. “I need her expertise.”
Fin gave a little laugh. “That’s nice to hear, but I’m not sure what this project entails.”
“You heard the gist from Lindsay at the Cherries meeting yesterday.” Lynn exchanged a smile with the minister. “Dan is on our board and has been involved with the project since the beginning.”
“I mean, I’m not sure what you want me to do.” Fin’s tone remained light, and her sea-green eyes were firmly focused on Lynn.
“Clay and I were talking, and several things he said got me to thinking about the needs of those who become parents in high school.” Lynn’s expression turned serious. “As a high school principal, my youngest son is committed to seeing all students graduate. Every year there are a handful who get pregnant and drop out because they can’t manage both school and caring for a baby.”
Jeremy felt Fin stiffen beside him. Automatically he reached under the table to take the hand he’d released only seconds before.
“I don’t understand where I come in,” Fin said again.
To Jeremy’s surprise, she made no move to pull her hand away.
“You’re young with a quick mind. You’ve also been away from Good Hope for a number of years.” Lynn took a sip of coffee. “You have a worldly view that I believe will come in handy as we consider options. As with the issue of closing down the town in December, what I’m proposing may be controversial. I’d like you to offer a young person’s perspective as we formulate the talking points to help gain community acceptance.”
“You mentioned students getting pregnant and dropping out.” Fin’s laugh sounded slightly strained. “I have no experience in that area. Neither does anyone in my family.”
“I realize that.” Lynn’s tone remained matter-of-fact. “But I’m confident you have the capacity to put yourself in that student’s place as well as look at it from the perspective of an adult. That ability, as well as your advertising background, should help us personalize the talking points.”
“The number of high school students giving birth in any given year is small, but we’d like to offer them a way to continue their education.” Dan’s eyes glowed with passion. “This project will also benefit parents in our community who need quality child care at a reasonable cost. We’re toying with the idea of using the setting for classes in early childhood education.”
“Which will also encourage buy-in from the community,” Jeremy commented.
“As you can see, we have lots of ideas.” Lynn’s gaze returned to Fin. “Can I count on you?”
Fin hesitated. Though she hid her reluctance well from the others, Jeremy could tell she had no interest in the project. Yet she was smart enough to realize that with Lynn so busy, this might be the only access to the woman.
Fin flashed a bright smile. “Absolutely.”
“Wonderful.” Lynn leaned back in her seat. “Now, let’s talk weddings.”
Chapter Eleven
That evening, Fin drove up the winding driveway with Jeremy’s vehicle right behind her. The only car still parked in the back was Dinah’s Buick, which told her the mah-jongg crowd had already departed. She and Jeremy walked together to the house. As the day remained warm and sunny, they didn’t rush.
While they strolled side by side, he asked about her day, then filled her in on his. Fin enjoyed hearing him talk about everything from parking issues to water quality concerns. Clearly, the man had a passion for governance. Under his leadership, Good Hope was thriving.
Dinah met them at the front door. “I’m sorry to rush, but my granddaughter is stopping over tonight and I need to pick up the house.”
“How’s Ruby?” Fin asked, feeling Jeremy’s hand settle against the small of her back.
Was it an unconscious gesture or a deliberate one to show they were a couple?
“Your grandmother is in high spirits. She won the last game.”
“She’s a lucky one,” Jeremy said.
Dinah nodded vigorously, sending her tight gray curls bobbing. “She’s very lucky and she’s getting stronger every day. I can see it.”
“I really appreciate all your help, Dinah.” Jeremy’s amazing blue eyes settled on the older woman. “You’ve gone out of your way for Ruby and for me. I won’t forget it. If there’s anything I can ever do for your—”
“It’s my pleasure.” Dinah blushed. “And you know as well as I do that neighbors helping neighbors is the Good Hope way.”
“See you tomorrow.” Fin waved as Dinah hurried off.
“I’m in the parlor,” Ruby called out as soon as they stepped inside.
Fin and Jeremy exchanged a smile, then strolled into the parlor.
When she took a seat on the sofa and Jeremy dropped beside her, she caught Ruby’s nod of approval.
“How was your day?” Ruby asked, her eyes bright with interest.
Fin glanced at the man at her side. “Jeremy and I ran into Pastor Dan this morning.”
“Ohh. I can’t tell you how happy I am that he’ll be the one performing the ceremony.” A smile blossomed across the older woman’s face. “Pastor Schmidt was nice but could be a grouch at times.”
“Schmidt could be intense.” Fin vividly recalled the time the silver-hai
red minister had called her out for talking in catechism class. Still, there’d been a forthrightness about the man that she’d admired. She’d been sad when she’d heard he’d retired. “Dan walked into Muddy Boots with Jeremy when I was having coffee with Lynn Chapin.”
“You’re eager to get the church booked. I don’t blame you. Can’t let this one get away a second time.” Ruby didn’t appear to notice Jeremy’s startled look as she’d already returned her focus to Fin. “Tell me about your conversation. Don’t spare the details.”
Ruby’s request reminded Fin of her sisters. Whenever the Bloom women gathered and one of them had something to share, three things were mandatory: Wine. Chocolate. Spare no detail.
“What would you like to know?”
“For starters, will you be getting married in the church? Or will Pastor Dan officiate at another location?”
“At First Christian.”
Ruby’s smile dimmed slightly. “I have to admit I hoped you’d get married at the farm.”
The easiest thing to do would be to agree to the change. What did it matter? The wedding plans were merely a sham anyway.
Yet Fin couldn’t seem to bring herself to tell one more unnecessary lie.
“I don’t know if I even told this to Jeremy.” For effect, Fin slanted a glance at her fiancé and received an encouraging smile. “Whenever I’m in the sanctuary, I feel my mother’s presence. I’d like her at my wedding. I know that may seem silly, but—”
Ruby leaned over and touched Fin’s arm with fingers as light as butterfly wings, her expression soft with understanding and love. “I feel that way when I’m in the flower garden at the farm. It’s as if Eddie is there, watching me with that little smirk on his lips.”
“Now you know why we chose the church.” Jeremy took Fin’s hand, brought it to his mouth, and kissed her knuckles.
Ruby’s gaze shifted from Jeremy to Fin. “Remember all of us who love you also loved Sarah. We want her with you on your special day.”
Tears stung the backs of Fin’s eyes. She blinked rapidly to keep them from spilling down her cheeks. Why hadn’t she simply told one more lie?
Jeremy’s arm stole around her shoulders. As Fin rested her head against his chest, drawing comfort from the closeness, she told herself it was simply because the gesture was something Ruby would expect.
But when Jeremy brushed a kiss against her hair and her heart swelled once again, Fin admitted that was simply another lie.
Conversation flowed easily through dinner with Ruby making no attempt to bring up the wedding.
His grandmother had obviously noticed the emotion storming in Fin’s eyes when she’d spoken of her mother. Jeremy had seen it too and had wanted nothing more than to pull Fin into his arms and kiss away the pain. How easy it was to forget she wasn’t his.
“I believe I’m going to retire to my room and do some knitting,” Ruby announced, pushing back from the table and standing.
“Are you feeling okay?” Fin glanced at the clock sitting on the fireplace mantel. “It’s not even seven.”
“I didn’t get my nap in today.” Only then did Jeremy see the weariness in her eyes. “Playing mah-jongg and seeing my friends was quite lovely, but I’m rather fatigued now.”
“Where are you going?” Jeremy called out when Ruby angled toward the stairs.
“It was nice of you to let me use your suite while I was recuperating, but I’m feeling stronger. I’m moving into the green room. It’s the one I’ve always used when visiting.”
“Should you be climbing those stairs?” Fin rose, a worried frown creasing her brow.
“I’m not an invalid.” Ruby softened the words with a smile even as she waved a dismissive hand. “Jeremy belongs back in the master suite. Besides, I’ve always loved the way the light streams in through the windows of the green room in the morning.”
Fin shot a pointed look in Jeremy’s direction.
“Ah, right now Fin’s bags are in there. But we can move them across the hall.” Jeremy caught Fin’s slight nod of agreement. “I’ll take care of that right now.”
“You most certainly will not.” Jeremy had no doubt if Ruby had a cane in her hand she’d have given the floor a solid thump. “I know exactly the game you’ve been playing. I’m telling you it’s quite unnecessary.”
Jeremy stilled. “Game?”
“Pretending you’re sleeping in one room while your fiancée stays in another.” Ruby cackled. “If that’s how you want to play it with Pastor Dan, I won’t give you away. But we’re all adults here.”
Her gaze shifted to Fin, then back to her grandson. “Oh, cut the shocked look, Jeremy. Eddie and I were aware the two of you were canoodling back in high school. I hardly think you’re settling for a handshake at the end of the day now.”
Fin’s green eyes closed for a moment. Jeremy saw her chest rise and fall as she took a breath.
A bit resentful that she had the luxury of punting while he was forced to stay in the game, Jeremy took a step forward. “Grandma—”
“Save your breath. I won’t believe you anyway.” Ruby smiled. “Move Delphinium’s things back into your room where they belong. Then you two will be able to enjoy the rest of your evening as much as I’m about to enjoy mine.”
Jeremy returned fifteen minutes later and dropped down on the sofa in the parlor. “She’s all settled.”
While he’d been upstairs, Fin had cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher. Then, as she subscribed to the notion you could never have too much wine, she’d pulled out a bottle of Shiraz and filled two glasses.
“I thought you might need this.” She handed him one. “After your grandmother’s comments, I may need several glasses.”
He grinned. “I put your bags in my room.”
“Sacrifices must be made.”
“She wouldn’t have it any other way. Nothing I said could dissuade her.” Though Ruby appeared to be safely tucked upstairs, Jeremy kept his voice low, as if fearing they might be overheard. “If I’d refused or insisted you move to another room upstairs, she’d have become suspicious.”
“You’re right.” Fin dropped into an overstuffed chair that practically begged to be sat in and gestured with one hand to the nearby sofa. “And regardless of how good she looks, she’s still healing.”
She kept her voice equally soft. While Ruby might not mean to eavesdrop . . . Fin stopped the thought and grinned suddenly.
Jeremy took a seat, inclined his head. “What’s so funny?”
“I was thinking Ruby wouldn’t deliberately listen in on our conversation.” Fin paused to take a sip of wine. “Then I realized, yes, she would.”
“Absolutely she would.” For several heart-tugging seconds, they shared a smile. Fin supposed she should bring up the sleeping arrangements, but they could deal with that when it was time for bed.
Bed.
Fin felt a stirring in her lower belly but immediately dismissed it. She would text Xander before the night ended. See if he was free to talk. There was a lot she could tell him about her day.
“I couldn’t believe my luck in running into Lynn Chapin this morning.” Fin deliberately steered the conversation back toward business.
Jeremy took a drink of wine. “I never asked how that came about.”
“I went to the bakery hoping to grab a latte and a few moments with Ami, but they were slammed. Standing room only.”
“I stopped there, too.” Jeremy shook his head. “Couldn’t even get inside the place.”
Another sip of wine had the troubles of the day easing from Fin’s shoulders. “Lynn happened by. We got to talking and decided to slip over to Muddy Boots for coffee.”
Jeremy studied her with unreadable blue eyes. “Smart move cozying up to her.”
“Thanks,” Fin said, though she wasn’t sure he’d meant the comment as a compliment. “I didn’t even bring up the project.”
“Another smart move.” Jeremy lifted his glass in a mock salute. “Best not t
o be too obvious.”
“I’ve always liked Lynn.” Fin couldn’t understand why she sounded defensive.
“Good thing, since she’s dating your father.”
“Yes.” Fin relaxed against the leather. “A vast improvement over I-Need-a-Man.”
Anita Fishback was the kind of woman who struck fear in the hearts of any young woman with a widowed father. Anita was sweet as pie when she was with Steve but had a tongue that rivaled a snake if you caught her alone.
Jeremy spoke conversationally. “She’s dating again.”
“Who does the piranha have in her sights this time?” Fin really didn’t care who Anita dated, as long as it wasn’t her father, but she was curious.
“Adam Vogele.”
Fin, who’d been in the process of removing her shoes, paused. “The Adam that Vanessa Eden brought to Marigold’s wedding?”
At her sister’s reception, Fin had assumed the guy dancing with Max’s mother had been a friend of her son. Until Prim told her the thirty-some-year-old and the just-turned-fifty Vanessa had been dating for nearly a year.
“The same.”
Sitting forward in the chair, Fin circled both hands in a hurry-up gesture. “Don’t stop there.”
“What more is there to say?”
She might have been fooled by Jeremy’s innocent expression if she hadn’t seen the twinkle in his eyes.
“Let me see if I’ve got this straight. Vanessa and Adam broke up and now Anita has latched on to the hunky organic farmer?”
“That would be correct.”
Fin wondered what her dad thought of his former flame dating a man twenty years younger than she was. Then hoped Steve Bloom never gave Anita a second thought.
“If you’d kept your subscription to the Open Door, you’d be up on the local gossip.”
Fin lifted a brow. “How do you know I don’t read it religiously?”
His gaze pinned her. “Do you?”
“No,” she admitted, taking another sip of wine. “I unsubscribed a couple of years back.”
When she’d first moved to LA, Fin had found comfort in keeping up with Good Hope events. But reading the newsletter had begun to feel uncomfortable, like she was trying to wear a too-tight shoe that no longer fit.