by Lila Kane
“Unless we get proof from John.”
“You’re not talking to him again.”
I sighed. “Not right now, no.”
“Not ever. Never again, Charlotte, that’s—”
“Not even an issue right now. Finn,” I said, trying to stop him before he got worked up even more. “Let’s deal with one thing at a time. Have dinner with Jake tonight. I’ll text you when we’re finished talking.”
“Two hours. Whether you text me or not.”
“Let’s see how it goes,” I said. “I’ll text you after two hours, and give you a heads up. Sound good?”
He took my hand. “What are you going to do about this?”
“What? The ring?” Shit. I hadn’t thought about that. “I’ll just…”
What? Hide my hands the whole time? That wouldn’t work. But I’d said I’d never take it off again. And I meant it.
“I’ll hold it for you,” Finn said.
I pulled my hand back. “No.”
He smiled. “Feisty.”
“I said I’d never take it off.”
“Then be prepared to tell them right away because you know your sister is going to notice.”
I frowned. Finn took my hand again. He slid the ring off my finger.
“I’ll hold it for you. One more time.”
“I’m not happy about this.”
“Me either.”
But he understood, and that meant a lot to me. I leaned up on my toes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Finn.”
He grabbed me before I could move. “That’s not good enough.”
I blinked. “What isn’t?”
“A kiss on the cheek.” He grinned. “Give me something to get me through the next several hours.”
With a laugh, I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my mouth to his, giving him exactly what he wanted.
I wished I could have met my mom and sister at the airport, but by the time they arrived with Dustin showing them the way, I was too happy to see them to care.
My mother hovered. “You look so different!”
Which made me feel guilty. I hadn’t seen her in so long, and now she was doing her best not to make it awkward.
All I wanted to do was sit on the couch with her and Jenna and talk, catch up. I felt like I had so much to tell them, there wasn’t enough time to ease them into it. But I tried. We got dinner and I told them about Mark and the detectives, and glossed over the issue with John a little, though Jenna could tell I wasn’t divulging the whole truth.
Either way, she kept quiet about it, probably so we wouldn’t worry my mom.
But when I looked at the clock and found I only had an hour before I had to check in with Finn, I offered to make coffee and braced myself for the rest of the news.
Mom sat at the counter, watching me, and Jenna popped her hip against a cabinet. “Who’s the roommate?”
I blinked. “What?”
Jenna pointed to the briefcase near the door and one of Finn’s jackets tossed over a chair in the living room.
It was probably as good a segue as I was going to get.
“You’re living with someone?” Mom asked.
I poured her a cup of coffee and passed over a bowl of sugar. “Yes.”
Jenna smiled. “I knew you’d get back on your feet fast.”
“Tell us all about him,” Mom suggested.
This was the hard part. I think Jenna sensed my discomfort because she said, “Is it someone you work with?”
I nodded.
She sat next to Mom, her gaze serious. “Finn?”
I swallowed and nodded again.
“Wait.” Mom turned to Jenna and then back to me. “Finn? Finn Moore? The same Finn you dated in college?”
“The same one.”
Jenna lifted her eyebrows at me when I gave her a surprised look. “What? I researched this place. It was pretty easy to find out who owns it.”
Mom shook her head. “Hold on, this is…catch me up here.”
I explained to her about Oasis and how Finn had built it from an idea we’d had when we were in school. I told her about how we’d reconnected and I’d fallen in love with him again. She seemed more open than Jenna, who sat with her arms crossed.
“I know it’s a surprise,” I said. “You don’t have to support this decision, it’s—”
“Of course we support you,” Mom said. She glanced at Jenna. “Don’t we?”
Jenna didn’t answer.
I leaned on the other side of the counter, my coffee growing cold. “Listen, I know it was hard when I was with Mark. I thought I was doing what I had to do at the time, but now I can see how it all looked. I can see why you guys were worried for me, and you had every reason to be. But if you’re worried for me now, don’t be. At least not because of Finn. He’s nothing like Mark.”
“But he hurt you before, too,” Jenna said.
“I know. But it was different. It was a mistake, and one he feels bad about. And it took me a while to trust he had different intentions this time. He’s serious about a relationship with me.”
“How serious?”
I ducked my chin. Crap. This was it. I had to tell them, or it was Mark all over again. Secrets. My fiancé getting in the way of my relationship with them.
Jenna stood from her chair. She walked straight around the counter and stopped in front of me. “Did you say yes?”
I nodded. “We’re engaged.”
“Charlotte,” Mom gasped. I couldn’t tell if it was because of shock or happiness.
Jenna frowned, and it broke my heart a little.
“I understand if you’re not happy for me,” I said. “I know this is a surprise. And after everything else that’s happened—”
“Has he hurt you since you got back together?” Jenna asked.
“No. No,” I repeated more forcefully, because Finn would never treat me how Mark treated me. “He’s been there for me. He’s helped deal with the situation with Mark. He’s…God, Jenna, you wouldn’t recognize him. He’s like I used to be back when we were in school.”
“A dreamer,” Jenna murmured.
Mom let out a quiet laugh. “That’s true.”
She stood as well and walked around to me, lifting her hand to brush hair off my shoulder. “You wanted a career and a family and kids. You wanted all of it.”
“And that’s what Finn wants now?” Jenna asked.
Swallowing the nervousness that those words still brought me, I said, “Yes. He…has this vision, I guess. He wants a family. He wanted me to tell you guys right away, but I was too nervous. He’s excited about this.”
“Are you?” Mom asked. “This should be a good thing, Charlotte, and if it doesn’t make you happy—”
“God, no, I’m happy. I’m so happy about the engagement. I love Finn. I’m just scared because of what happened with Mark. And Finn’s ready to do all this. Right now. I wish I could. I’m just…things are unsettled and it’s hard for me to set them aside.”
“If you elope on us, I’m going to be very unhappy,” Jenna said.
But I saw her lips twitch and inside, I was filled with relief. Mom hugged me, and then after a moment, Jenna did, too.
“So where is he?” Jenna asked. “He didn’t want to be here to tell us the news?”
Laughing, I picked up my coffee. “No, he did. I made him leave and he wasn’t very happy about it.”
“Really?” Mom asked. “Well, he always was a charmer.”
“He still is,” I assured her. “But he’s more than that.”
“I know you have this other stuff to deal with,” Mom said, “but let the detectives do their job. Enjoy yourself. You didn’t get to do that last time.”
Emotion clogged my throat. “No, I didn’t.”
She put her arm around me. “I didn’t say that to make you sad, it’s just…we wanted to be a part of all that with you, and we didn’t get to be.”
“I know,” I whispered. “And I don’t want that to
happen again. I want you to be involved in everything, and to meet Finn’s mom. You’ll love her.”
Finn arrived shortly afterward and he charmed my mom right away. She was already half in love with him herself by the time she went to bed. But Jenna took him aside to talk and I was left pacing the bedroom after pouring myself another cup of coffee.
After twenty minutes, I almost left the room to go find them. But then Finn entered, closing the door quietly behind him.
Judging by the look on his face, it hadn’t gone well.
“Finn,” I whispered, standing by the bed. “I’m sorry.”
He grinned. “Why?”
Frowning, I angled my head. “What happened?”
“We talked.”
“I know that,” I said impatiently. “What did you talk about?”
He unbuttoned his shirt, taking his time.
“Finn,” I prompted.
“Before. We talked about what happened before.” He sighed, turning to face me. “It wasn’t good to hear.”
My throat dried. I lifted my shoulders, not sure what to say. “It…I’m sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing? She told me how hurt you were, and how you cried every night.”
“Finn…” The regret on his face tore at me. I sank down to sit on the end of the bed. “It was a long time ago. I was more emotional back then. I’m sorry.”
“Stop apologizing. God, Charlotte, I didn’t know, okay? I didn’t know how hard it was for you—or I chose not to think about it. I didn’t want you hurt, I just wanted…” He sat next to me, scrubbing his hands over his face. “I didn’t like hearing that, but it doesn’t change anything. No, it does. It makes me even more certain we belong together. And I never want to see you hurt like that again. Please tell me you didn’t change your mind.”
“About us? No. No, Finn, I love you.” My voice caught on the words and I couldn’t say anything else before Finn’s arms were around me.
“Shh, don’t cry. Shit. See? I’m making you cry again.”
“Happy tears,” I murmured, turning my cheek to his chest. “Really.”
“You promise?”
Tipping my chin, I looked up at him. He brushed his thumb on my jaw. “Promise?” he asked again. “Because you need to tell me these things. It’s important. I know you Charlotte. I do. And I think I know what you want, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to fuck things up here and there. I can’t make that mistake with you.”
“It’s going to happen, Finn. We’re both going to make mistakes.”
“And I’m going to fix them. They cost us too much in the past. I’ll make up for it for the rest of my life if I have to.”
“Finn, stop. Please.” I pressed my palms to his cheeks, forcing him to look into my eyes. “Listen to me. There’s nothing to make up for. You’re here now. I’m happy with you and I want to be with you forever. And if you don’t give me my ring back, I’m going to be very upset.”
He laughed and pulled the ring from his pocket. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Now put it on me.”
He obliged, kissing my fingertips as he did so. “She gave me her blessing,” Finn murmured.
I looked up. “What?”
“Your sister. She said, ‘Welcome to the family.’”
“Really?”
He nodded, looking amused. “That was right after she said, ‘If you do anything to hurt her, I’ll track you down and chop off your balls.’”
I choked on a surprised laugh. “You’re lying.”
“I swear I’m not. And I don’t blame her at all. After all the shit you’ve gone through, she has every right to want to make sure you’re being taken care of.” He smiled. “So I’m going to take care of you.”
“I’m going to take care of you,” I returned.
“Sounds like we’re a good match, then.”
“Perfect.”
Finn stood to get ready for bed, and I leaned back against the pillows, allowing myself to close my eyes and be happy. I hadn’t felt like this since I’d realized I loved Finn—the first time around—and it was even better this time because he loved me back.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
I woke early to make coffee for my mom, knowing she’d be up around sunrise. She watched the sun hit the buildings and the ocean from the window of our apartment, and then sat at the table with me for a muffin.
“You look like you feel better,” my mom said. “Rested.”
“Happy,” I answered. “I was worried about telling you.”
“Understandably. But Finn’s a good man. I hope…”
She shifted in her seat, and I leaned in. “What?”
She forced a smile. “I just hope you both are doing what you can to make sure you’re safe. I’m worried. I know Mark had a temper, and now you’re telling me he’s here? In the same city?”
“We’ve got security. Dustin, the one who picked you up from the airport. And two others. And Detective Winters and Detective Stone know what’s going on. If Mark tries anything, we’ll know.”
“That’s what I’m worried about. If Mark tries anything.”
Sipping my coffee, I tried to keep her worry from seeping over to me.
She reached out and put her hand over mine. “I’m sorry. Don’t listen to me. I’m supposed to worry, I’m a mom. I know Finn’s taking care of you, and—” She shook her head. “It’s fine. Just…maybe you should come visit for a bit. You could bring Finn. Or go out of town or something. Treat yourself to a vacation. Oooh, you always wanted to go to Hawaii. I’ll buy your plane ticket—”
“Mom,” I said calmly, giving her a smile. “You don’t have to do that.”
“But I want to.”
I squeezed her hand. “This is my life here now. I’m going to do what I can to keep it, which means sticking around when things get tough.”
“But if it’s dangerous…”
“Then I’ll be careful. I love it here, Mom. Right now, this is where I’m supposed to be.”
She looked like she wanted to say more, but she bit her lip and nodded. “Okay.” Then more firmly, “All right, then. I’d love to see the place. I mean, if it’s safe to look around. I don’t want you to have to—”
“It’s fine,” I said, standing. “I’ll see what I can do. Maybe we can look around and then have lunch. It’ll be nice to get out.” I touched her shoulder. “Read your paper. I’ll wake Finn.”
She nodded and unfolded the paper on the table.
I walked quietly into the bedroom, but found Finn already awake and looking at his phone. He glanced up when he saw me, setting his phone aside.
“Work?” I asked, walking to the end of the bed.
“Powell. Just checking in.”
My stomach clenched. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure? You can tell me, you know. I need to know if something is wrong.”
“Nothing is wrong.”
Finn frowned when I didn’t seem relieved at his assurance. He tossed off the covers and crawled to me at the end of the bed, reaching out to grab my hand. He yanked me down, flipping me over so I was underneath him.
My breath whooshed out and I blinked up at him.
“You don’t need to worry,” Finn said.
“My mom’s worried.”
“Of course she is, she’s your mom.” He levered himself over the top of me and pressed a kiss to my lips. “That’s what moms do.”
“She wants me to go there to visit her, or for us to go away somewhere.”
Finn smiled. “You and I us?”
I nodded.
“Not a bad idea at all.”
“Finn,” I chided. “Do we have to have this conversation again?”
“Are you going to change your mind?”
“No.”
“It wouldn’t hurt to get away.”
I shook my head, moving to sit up. Finn caught me around the waist and pulled me so I was on top of him.
“A few da
ys isn’t going to make a difference,” I started.
“Who said anything about a few days? We could go for as long as you want. Visit your family, visit with my mom—she’d love that—and then travel a bit. We could go wherever you want, Charlotte.”
I braced my arms on his chest. “You’re serious.”
“Completely. We could…” He shrugged, resting one hand over mine. “We could make it a honeymoon.”
I jolted. When I moved to sit up again, Finn caught both my hands in his.
“Just think about it,” Finn said. “Your family knows, and they’re fine with our relationship. So is my family. We could all go to the cabin next week, have a ceremony with all the people we love.”
As he continued to talk, my heart beat faster and faster.
“We could do it, Charlotte. Next week. And then we’ll have a honeymoon. Take some time off, spend time together.”
“Finn, stop.” I yanked my hands free. “You don’t really mean this.”
“I do. I do, Charlotte.”
“But…” I eased back when Finn reached for me again. “These things take time to plan. We can’t just ask everyone to drop their plans to come to our wedding.”
He laughed. “What plans? I’m sure they’d be happy to rearrange their schedules a little to see us married.”
“Finn.”
His eyebrows furrowed. “You keep saying my name. You’re still scared?”
“Yes. No. I mean, this is fast. It makes me nervous, but not to marry you. I’m just–-it’s a lot to think about.”
He slowly reached out, taking my hand again. “What else? You wanted something bigger?”
“Is that what you want?”
“I asked you first.”
I frowned. “I want to know. This wedding isn’t just for me. I want to figure this out together.”
He only smiled.
“I mean, you don’t have to choose colors or anything. I don’t even care about all that, I just—you know, I want your opinion, and—”
“You’re nervous.” He leaned in to brush his thumb on my jaw. “And cute. Do you think I don’t want to help with the plans?”
“No. I don’t know.” I shrugged. “I mean, you know, most guys don’t—”
“You mean Mark.”
I flinched. “That’s not—”
