The Beach Hut on Plum Island

2. CHAPTER 2

“Dad, please can Maggie and I go with Connor and Jules to Long Island?” Tucker Shaw smiled sweetly at his father.

Finn sighed as he looked at his seventeen-year-old son. “I’m waiting for your Aunt Caroline to answer my message. Once she’s confirmed that Brad’s parents are okay with Connor’s invitation, then we’ll talk.”

“Fine,” Tucker sighed. “If you do let us go, I promise to look after Maggie. She and the Dane housekeeper’s granddaughter are good friends. When we were there with them over New Year’s, Maggie and Diana had a great time.”

“I know,” Finn said, grinning at Tucker’s attempts to butter him up so they could go on holiday with their cousins.

“It will be good for you, too, to have some alone time.”

“Tuck, I said you could go as soon as your Aunt Caroline confirms it’s okay,” Finn assured him. “But you know the rules, and I know you’re seventeen now. But you’re still not adult enough to do certain things like drinking alcohol.”

“I know, Dad!” Tucker spun around on the kitchen chair, which was shaped like a bar stool. “I’m not interested in alcohol.” He grinned. “At least not yet. I’ll leave that for college.”

“I don’t need to hear that.” Finn laughed as he prepared lunch for his kids.

“Hey, Dad,” Maggie, his eleven-year-old daughter, wandered into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. “Is there juice?”

“I juiced some fresh apples that I picked off the tree,” Tucker told her. “It’s in the juice bottle with the oranges on it.”

Maggie looked at her older brother and rolled her eyes. “Why do you always do that?” She pulled the apple juice out and kicked the door closed. “Dad bought the bottles with fruit on for a reason.”

“I just like to mix things up and make it interesting,” Tucker told her.

“I’m with your sister on this one.” Finn expertly sliced a cucumber and added it to the fresh green salad he was tossing together. “It’s annoying when you grab the orange juice bottle and get apple or cranberry.”

“Pay attention.” Tucker threw Finn’s words back at him. “Remember you used to mix up the cookie jars and put the oatmeal in the choc-chip to teach us to pay attention.”

“That wasn’t actually why I did that,” Finn admitted. “Although it did teach you to pay attention.”

“Why did you do it?” Maggie asked, sliding onto a chair beside her brother and pouring some juice into a glass.

“I swapped the cookies in the jars in the hopes that your brother would eat the oatmeal cookies instead of the chocolate chip ones,” Finn admitted. “But your brother took it as me trying to teach him to pay attention because he’d walk around in a world of his own.” He laughed as another memory struck him. “The one time I moved Tucker’s favorite chair, he walked into the living room with his nose stuck in a book and went to sit down.”

Maggie burst out laughing. “And he hit the floor!” she guessed.

“I remember that,” Tucker said. “You’d put a bean bag there instead. Although it wasn’t a very good bean bag either, I still hit the floor.”

“Because of how hard you used to plonk yourself into a chair,” Finn pointed out.

“And you’re not much different, little missy,” Tucker reminded her, tickling her as she squealed at him, slapping away his fingers. “At least I don’t fall asleep in buses.”

“Oh, yeah!” Maggie snorted. “I forgot about that.”

“Luckily, I caught you before you slid right off the seat after you’d dozed off,” Tucker said.

“That was on one of those red buses in London,” Maggie said and turned toward Finn, who was taking the freshly made burger patties from the oven. “You hit your head on that silver pole trying to get to me.”

“That’s right.” Tucker laughed. “You had a horn on your head like a cartoon character.”

“All I saw was my baby girl collapsing like she’d fainted and then slid off the chair like water,” Finn reminisced. “My instincts kicked in and shot off my chair to grab her, not seeing the pole.”

“You nearly conked yourself right out,” Tucker said. “I thought I was going to have to catch two of my family members.”

“You know, Tuck,” Maggie looked at him and sipped her juice, “as big brothers go, I think I hit the jackpot with you. You always have my back.”

“Of course. You’re my little sister.” Tucker ruffled her hair. “I’ll always have your back. So your future partners better beware because I’ll be keeping a close eye on them.”

“I’m going to be a scientist,” Maggie reminded him. “I won’t have time for all that mushy stuff that creates hormonal imbalances in a person and makes them do crazy things.”

“You’re young,” Tucker told her. “You’ll change your mind in about five to six years.”

“No, I won’t!” Maggie said stubbornly. “I’m not going to be like you, all moony and googly-eyed over Shay Blackwell.”

Finn smiled and his heart swelled watching his kids. He was so proud of them, and after everything they’d been through with Finn and their mother, they still turned out to be great kids. Kids who stuck together. Even when they fought like cats and dogs, they always banded together.

“Shay Blackwell?” Finn pulled an impressed face. “She’s beautiful and intelligent.”

“I like people with brains,” Tucker told him. “There’s nothing worse than trying to have a decent conversation with someone who can’t even spell their name.”

“Can you spell your name?” Maggie gave her brother a smug smile.

“Don’t be a brat.” Tucker tugged on one of her thick dark brown pigtails.

“Don’t touch the hair!” Maggie waggled her index finger at him.

“See, you’re already becoming a girly girl,” Tucker teased.

“I’ve always been a girly girl,” Maggie pointed out proudly. “I can be a girly girl, like pretty things, and still be a scientist. Just because I’m brainy doesn’t mean I don’t like pretty girly things too.”

“What eleven-year-old wants to become a scientist?” Tucker rolled his eyes as he looked questioningly at his father.

Finn shrugged as he pulled the large portobello mushrooms from the grill, stacked a hot burger patty from the warmer drawer on them, and sprinkled grated cheese over the top. He dished up two burgers for his kids and one for him.

“Lunch is served,” Finn said, placing a plate in front of each of them before collecting the salad, some condiments, cutlery, glasses, juice, and fresh water. “There, I think that’s everything.”

“Dad, where are the oven fries?” Maggie asked, looking at her plate.

“Oh, shoot,” Finn said, jumping off his chair and rushing to the second oven. “How could I forget the fries?”

“Are they real fries or those orange potato things?” Tucker shuddered.

“I like the sweet potato fries,” Maggie told Tucker.

“Just goes to show how weird you are,” Tucker teased. “Eleven-year-olds want to be ballerinas and eat real fries made from potatoes.”

“You can’t stereotype people,” Maggie told him, digging into the potato fries Finn had put in front of them. “Thanks, Dad. This lunch looks delicious.”

“Thank you, my princess,” Finn said, taking a bow. “It’s always a pleasure to serve my favorite princess.”

“I want to be a princess,” Maggie turned to her brother. “See? I am a normal eleven-year-old.”

“Sure!” Tucker nodded, pouring ketchup on his fries. “When are you going to try surfing again, Mags?”

“I’m not sure I want to,” Maggie admitted, slicing into her burger.

“Honey, you used to love surfing.” Finn poured some apple juice into a glass.

“I know.” Maggie nodded, taking the ketchup from Finn. “But now, I’m just not sure I want to surf anymore.”

“Is it because of what happened last summer?” Finn asked, cutting his mushroom burger into slices, trying to sound matter-of-fact so as not to push Maggie or belittle what had happened to her.

“Kind of,” Maggie admitted. “But I wasn’t really enjoying it before that.” She shrugged. “I think the accident happened because I was losing interest in the sport.” She took a bite of the burger and chewed.

“That’s perfectly alright, princess,” Finn assured her. “Tuck and I support you.”

“You know Dad is trying that stuff he read in a modern parenting book, right?” Tucker leaned over and told his sister.

“Yup!” Maggie nodded. “I read the book, so I realized that.”

“Hey!” Finn took a sip of juice. “You’re not supposed to be reading the parenting manuals.”

“Dad, why have you started reading that stuff?” Tucker asked him. “No two kids are the same, and trying to lump us all in categories doesn’t work.”

“No, it’s like trying to hold water in your hands,” Maggie told Finn. “We like our Dad just like he is.” She smiled sweetly at Finn, making his heart swell once again. “Cool, handsome, and the best dad in the world.”

“I agree.” Tucker raised his glass of juice. “To the best dad in the world.”

Finn smelled a rat, and his eyes narrowed at his two kids. “You two don’t have to butter me up. I already told you that you could go with Connor and Jules to the Hamptons.”

“We know,” Tucker told him.

“We just wanted you to know how much we appreciate you and support you.” Maggie reached over and patted Finn’s hand.

“Ah, I see what you’re doing.” Finn snorted. “You’re using the parenting book techniques on me.”

“See, I told you he was as bright as we are.” Tucker ducked as Finn threw a fry at him. “You’re going to pick that up. Not me.”

“No. You are,” Finn corrected him. “And don’t let…” His voice trailed off as the large two-year-old Cane Corso bolted into the room and ate the fry. “Kurt, get it.”

“Dad, you know by now that if it lands on the floor, either Kurt or Ritz is going to get it,” Maggie reminded him.

She giggled as the large dog wedged his way in between Maggie and Tucker’s chairs, waiting for more food to be dropped.

“Where is Ritz?” Finn asked, looking around the kitchen. “She’s usually here in a flash when I’m making salad.”

“Up there.” Maggie pointed to a high closet. “She’s been watching you since you started cooking.”

“Which reminds me—I have to renew our permit for her,” Finn said, pulling his diary toward him and jotting it down. “That’s all we need, for animal control to descend on us for having an unlicensed exotic pet.”

“She was a rescue,” Maggie said.

“Ritz is also an iguana, so it doesn’t matter if we rescued her, sweetheart,” Finn told her. “She still needs to be licensed.”

“Did you get her chipped last year?” Tucker asked, finishing off his lunch.

“I did.” Finn nodded and grinned, remembering the vet’s face when he took the lizard into the surgery. “It was worth it just to see the look on snooty Vet Vanessa’s face.”

“I don’t know why you don’t like Vet Vanessa,” Maggie said, pouring more juice. “She’s always nice to Kurt.”

“She likes Kurt,” Tucker told his sister. “Vet Vanessa doesn’t like Dad or Ritz.”

“Why not?” Maggie looked at Finn Curiously. “Were you mean to her?”

“No, princess,” Finn said, shaking his head. “It’s just complicated adult stuff.”

“Being an adult seems so full of complex stuff.” Maggie picked up a fry.

“You have no idea, sweetheart,” Finn told her with a warm smile. “And it’s not for you to worry about for years to come.”

“What are the two of you going to do this afternoon?” Finn asked.

“I’m going to Reef’s house,” Tucker answered. “We’re just going to hang out.”

“And you, Maggie?” Finn looked at his daughter.

“You’re taking me to ice skating lessons,” Maggie reminded him and frowned. “Dad, are you okay?” Her frown deepened. “You seem awfully forgetful lately.”

“Sorry, sweetheart. I just have a lot on my mind,” Finn told her, glancing in his diary. “Ah, that’s right, Uncle Sam and Aunt Betty are going to take you to ice skating lessons for me today.”

“Oh, cool!” Maggie’s eyes widened in delighted surprise. “That means ice cream sandwiches from Snow Cones on the way home.”

“Maggie, princess, please don’t have more than one ice cream sandwich,” Finn told her. “You know how sore your tummy was last time.”

“Fine.” Maggie sighed, finishing her food. “But I get hungry after skating practice.”

“Then have some real food,” Finn suggested. “Are you both finished?”

“Yeah, thanks, Dad,” Tucker said, standing and gathering the dishes. “Mag’s, I’ll pack the dishwasher if you rinse the plates.”

“Kay!” Maggie said, sliding off her chair and following her brother, stopping to hug Finn. “Thanks, Daddy, for the delicious lunch.”

“You’re so welcome, pumpkin,” Finn hugged her back and kissed the top of her shiny head. “When you’re done with the dishes, Mags, you need to get ready for ice skating. Aunt Betty and Uncle Sam will be here in thirty minutes.”

“That’s ages away,” Maggie told him, sorting out the dirty dishes.

“It’s best to be ready and not keep people waiting,” Finn reminded her.

“Sure.” Maggie nodded.

“I’m going to Reef’s place as soon as I put on a clean shirt,” Tucker told him.

Finn nodded, calling over his shoulder. “Say goodbye before you take off.”

“Will do,” Tucker yelled back.

Finn was on his way to his home office when the doorbell rang. He frowned, glancing at his wristwatch. “I’ve got it.”

It was too early to be Sam or Betty. Finn pulled the door open and smiled, seeing his sister and her lifelong best friend Jennifer at the door.

“Well, this is a surprise,” Finn said with a warm smile, stepping back to let them in. “What brings you here?”

“Who is it?” Maggie rushed to the door, skidding to a halt, her face splitting into a dimpled smile. “Aunt Caroline. Aunt Jennifer.” She squealed in delight, dishing out hugs.

“Hey there, Mags,” Jennifer embraced the little girl. “You’re getting taller every time I see you.”

“I know.” Maggie nodded. “I’m going to be tall like my mother was.”

“How is my favorite niece?” It was Caroline’s turn for a hug and greeting.

“I’m going skating with Aunt Betty and Uncle Sam today,” Maggie said happily.

“I know. Aunt Betty’s been speaking about it non-stop.” Jennifer rolled her eyes. “Remind her to get me an ice cream sandwich,” she said behind her hand so Finn wouldn’t hear.

Maggie skipped away when Tucker called her to finish with the dishes.

“Finn, we need to talk to you in private,” Caroline said, her face making him pause for a moment as a cold feeling crept up his spine.

“Is something wrong?” Finn’s eyes narrowed.

“Uh…” Jennifer glanced at Caroline before turning to Finn. “This is a delicate matter.”

“Okay,” Finn said, his frown deepening. “Let’s go to my office.”

“Hi, Aunt Caroline, Aunt Jennifer!” Tucker called from the kitchen doorway.

“Hey, Tuck.” Jennifer grinned, waving to the young man.

“Hi, Tuck.” Caroline smiled as they followed Finn to his home office.

“Would you like something to drink?” Finn asked, holding the door open for them to enter.

“No, thank you, I’m good,” Jennifer said, taking a seat in front of Finn’s antique oak desk.

“No thanks, Finn,” Caroline declined as well, taking a seat beside Jennifer.

“Okay.” Finn sat in the office chair behind his desk. His eyes narrowed as he looked from Jennifer to his sister, Caroline. He didn’t like the look on their faces. “Why do I get the feeling I’m not going to like what you two are here to say?”

“Oh, no!” Caroline waved her hand. “It’s nothing bad.” She glanced at Jennifer.

“Well, nothing, like, bad, bad!” Jennifer shrugged, pulling a face as she looked at Caroline.

“It’s more like we need you to help out a friend of ours who’s in a bit of a jam,” Caroline told him.

“What kind of jam?” Finn raised an eyebrow as warning bells started to ding in his head.

“The sort that requires the help in the form of an escort of sorts,” Caroline hedged, biting her bottom lip.

“Like a bodyguard?” Finn’s brows furrowed as he looked at his sister questioningly.

“Yeah, that too.” Jennifer pointed with her index finger.

“I’m confused.” Finn glanced at the two women before him. “Let’s start at the beginning.”

“We need you to be Harriet’s fake fiancé,” Jennifer blurted. “Ow!” She jumped and glared at Caroline, who had obviously kicked her.

“I thought we were going for tactfully introducing the subject?” Caroline shook her head at her friend. “Not the Jennifer bull in a China shop method.”

“Sometimes that’s the best method,” Jennifer defended her actions. “Do the quick blurt it all out and run with it method.”

“Stop!” Finn’s voice cut through their argument like a whip cracking through the air. “Did I just hear that correctly, or did my brain somehow misinterpret what Jennifer said?”

“What did you hear?” Jennifer asked, tilting her head slightly sideways.

“It heard that you and my sister want me to be Harriet’s fake fiancé,” Finn repeated, stilling the urge to snort at the absurdity of their request.

“You heard correctly,” Caroline confirmed with a nod, then held up her hand, stopping him from answering. “And before you get all huffy and Finn like…”

“I don’t get all huffy, and what does Finn like even mean?” Finn looked at her, feeling a little insulted by his sister’s words.

“I’ll take this,” Jennifer suggested, and Caroline nodded. “Finn, as I regard you as my other older brother, please know when I say this, it’s with love.”

“A whole lot of love,” Caroline echoed Jennifer’s words. “You and Liam are the best big brothers we could’ve hoped for.”

Finn leaned his elbows on his desk as he looked from one woman to the other. “I’m listening,” he said.

“When someone says or does something you feel is not to your particular tastes,” Jennifer began, “instead of keeping an open mind or trying to see their side of things—“

“You become either a complete jerk or just laugh it off without even listening,” Caroline finished for Jennifer.

“Now, who’s being the bull in the China shop here?” Jennifer threw her arms in the air. “I thought we strategized before coming here.”

“Well, you started it with your blurt,” Caroline reasoned. “So I thought we were sticking to that tactic.”

“Please stop!” Finn banged his desk, making Caroline and Jennifer jump and stop arguing. “I hear what you’re saying.” He kept his voice calm. “And I appreciate the feedback on my personality flaws.”

“Uh-oh!” Jennifer and Caroline said in unison.

“No,” Finn shook his head. “I’m not angry. I’ve considered what you said, and I’m keeping calm.”

“This can’t be good,” Tucker’s voice came from the door, and Finn’s head shot up to see his son and daughter standing there staring at him curiously.

“What are you two doing here?” Finn asked, his heart jolting. “How long have the two of you been standing there?”

“Long enough to know that what Aunt Jennifer and Aunt Caroline said is true,” Maggie told him.

“And to know that when you do that thing you’re doing now,” Tucker pointed out, “that you’re about to refuse to help Harriet.”

“We like Harriet,” Maggie said.

“I’m sorry, kids, but this is an adult conversation,“ Finn told them. “Tucker, please take your sister and help her get ready for ice skating.”

“No!” Maggie stood her ground, folding her arms across her chest. “This affects us too.”

“She’s not wrong,” Caroline said, turning to look at Finn. “Even though Maggie and Tucker may be in the Hamptons for the next few weeks, it’s still good that they know.”

“No!” Finn said adamantly, shaking his head. “There is nothing for my kids to know because there is no way I’m going to be Harriet’s fake fiancé.” He ran a hand through his hair. “What on earth does she even need a fake fiancé for?” He threw his hands in the air. “She’s a beautiful and intelligent woman. I’m sure she can get herself a real one.”

“Not in time for Alex and Daniella’s wedding party,” Caroline told him.

“Then find her a date,” Finn suggested, clicking his fingers. “What about online dating?”

“Are you online dating?” Jennifer asked him.

“What?” Finn looked at Jennifer as if she’d grown two heads. “No! I’m not on the market, or whatever it is people say these days.”

“He’s a minster,” Maggie told Jennifer and Caroline.

“Do you mean a minister?” Finn looked at his daughter, confused.

“Nope, I think she means a male spinster,” Jennifer told him, getting a high five from Maggie.

“Great!” Finn flopped back against his chair. “Is this what the two of you came here for?” He shook his head in disbelief. “To ask me to pretend to be Harriet’s fiancé?”

“Yup.” Jennifer and Caroline said together.

“Only we hoped that we’d find the kind, caring Finn at home today,” Caroline said. “Not this…” She circled her hand in the air in Finn’s direction. “Mister monster with no heart.”

“I like that,” Maggie said to Caroline.

“Why does Harriet need a fake fiancé?” Tucker asked, looking questioningly at Jennifer and Caroline.

“Well, Harriet had a very complicated family dynamic,” Jennifer explained.

“I don’t think I want my kids involved in this,” Finn stated.

“Too late,” Tucker told him. “Sorry, Dad. If you wanted to have a private conversation, you should’ve closed the door.”

“Tucker and I thought Aunt Caroline was here to talk about the Hamptons,” Maggie explained. “Only when we came to find out what the verdict was about our holiday did we hear this conversation. So, it’s your fault for not closing your office door,” Maggie gave him a smug smile.

“Again, they have a point, Finn,” Caroline told him. “And, I think this does affect them too.”

“No, it doesn’t, as I’m not doing it,“ Finn said stubbornly. “As I’ve said, I’m sure there are hundreds of men out there that would love to date Harriet. They’re just not me.”

“We’re not asking you to date Harriet,” Jennifer pointed out. “We’re asking you to be her fake fiancé just while her uncle and ex-fiancé, who her uncle is trying to get her to marry, are in town.”

“And because in her panic, she may have told her parents the two of you were engaged,” Caroline said, pulling a face as she waited for Finn’s blast.

“Oh!” Maggie and Tucker chorused from the door.

“Why on earth would she do that?” Finn asked in disbelief. “The woman doesn’t even like me,” he expressed with his hands. “Whenever I’m around, she hardly says a word, and it’s as if she thinks I’m beneath her.”

“Wow!” Jennifer breathed, sitting back and laughing. “Are you really that ignorant?”

“Jennifer!” Caroline barked. “We’re trying to soften him up here, not increase his irritation.”

“You haven’t answered my question,” Tucker said to Jennifer and Caroline. “Why would Harriet need a fake fiancé, and why did she tell her parents it was Dad?”

“May I answer your son’s question?” Jennifer cocked her head to the side and gave Finn that look he knew all too well.

“Why not?” Finn sat back, folding his arms. “Let’s hear the story about why a spoiled socialite needs a fake fiancé.”

“Wow, wow!” Caroline spluttered. “Jennifer’s right. You are an idiot if that’s what you think of Harriet.”

“Yes, Dad.” Maggie’s eyes filled with anger. “Harriet is nothing like that. She’s kind, funny, sassy, and has the biggest heart around.”

“She’s also down to earth and one of the most loyal people I know,” Jennifer told him and looked at Caroline. “Besides you, that is, Caro.”

“Thank you, Jennifer, but I understand what you mean about Harriet,” Caroline agreed with her. “You know what?” she glared at Finn. “You’re right. We can find Harriet a better fake fiancé than you.”

“Is Harriet in trouble with her family?” Tucker persisted.

“Her uncle’s kind of a big deal,” Caroline told him. “Their family has certain traditions and laws, which means that Harriet’s uncle has the right to dictate who she marries.”

“And right now, he wants her to marry a man that Harriet broke up with years ago because he wasn’t a very nice man,” Jennifer finished the story.

“Harriet’s uncle was invited to Alex and Daniella’s wedding,” Caroline picked up the story. “He’s bringing that man with him and is going to force her to marry him as he wants their families to be joined.”

“There’s one rule that Harriet’s uncle cannot break to force her to marry someone of his choosing, and that’s if Harriet is already engaged, with a set wedding date, or married,” Jennifer explained. “In Harriet’s panic, she told her mother that her uncle was wasting his time coming here with that man as she was already engaged.”

“Earlier today, Jennifer had given Harriet the idea to ask Finn to be her date for Alex’s wedding party,” Caroline continued to explain, giving Finn a smug smile, “which she refused as adamantly as you are refusing to help her now.”

“There!” Finn indicated with his hand. “She doesn’t want my help.”

“No, she doesn’t,” Jennifer told him honestly. “We were the ones who came here to ask you to offer to help her.”

“Does Harriet know you’re here?” Maggie asked them, wide-eyed.

“No,” Caroline and Jennifer chorused.

“She’ll probably never speak to us again,” Jennifer guessed. “But she’s a good friend, and this is what friends do for each other.” She glared at Finn. “They help and have each other’s backs.”

“If Daddy doesn’t help Harriet, what’s she going to do?” Maggie asked, her eyes filled with concern.

“She can go to New York or somewhere else and wait for her uncle to leave Plum Island,” Jennifer answered Maggie.

“Then why doesn’t she do that?” Finn suggested.

“Because she’ll lose everything and risk being banished from her heritage or can even be imprisoned for going against her uncle’s wishes,” Caroline stated.

“What?” Finn snorted in disbelief. “Is she some sort of princess or something?”

Jennifer and Caroline’s expressions dropped as they stared at him, making tiny waves of shock zap through him.

“You’re joking, right?” Finn spluttered in disbelief.

“I’m afraid not,” Jennifer answered.

“Harriet’s a princess?” Maggie’s jaw dropped.

“No way!” Tucker breathed in awe. “Like a real-life princess?”

Caroline and Jennifer nodded.

“So her uncle is a king, and that’s why he can order her to be beheaded if she refuses to marry the jerk?” Maggie stated, her worried little eyes meeting Finn’s.

“Maggie, no one’s getting beheaded. It’s not the dark ages,” Finn stated.

“Then help her, Daddy,” Maggie said. “It’s the right thing to do.”

“Maggie…” Finn cleared his throat. “It’s not as simple as you think it is.”

“Why not?” Tucker asked. “No one’s asking you to get married. It’s just pretending until her uncle backs off and leaves.”

“We also have to have a set wedding date,” Finn said, looking at Jennifer and Caroline for confirmation. They nodded. “That means we have to seem to be planning it.”

“We’ll help you with all that,” Caroline promised.

“We will too,” Maggie and Tucker chorused. “Please, Dad.”

“You always say to help someone who needs it because we’re good people,” Maggie threw his words at him. “How can we do that when you’re not leading by example?”

“This is different, Mags.” Finn knew he was fighting a losing battle. “What country?” He directed the question to Jennifer and Caroline. “What country is her uncle king of?”

“Joyce Isles,” Jennifer answered.

“Don’t they have that big surfing competition there?” Tucker asked Finn.

“Yes,” Finn nodded as a memory flashed through his mind. “Harriet’s the Princess of Joyce?”

“Yup!” Jennifer nodded.

His heart jolted, and his eyes moved between the four pairs staring at him, waiting for his answer. Finn knew that this was probably going to come back to bite him, but that memory kept nagging.

“Fine!” Finn gave in. “I’ll help Harriet.”