Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
O n Wednesday afternoon, Finn held the file folder in his hand as he left his truck and approached Sam’s house. He’d texted Sam and asked to meet regarding the property.
The man had responded immediately and invited him over, though he’d added that Mak wasn’t home and wouldn’t be home for about an hour or so.
“Come on in,” Sam called from inside the house.
Finn let himself in and saw Sam standing in the kitchen.
“Heard you coming, so I thought I’d make us a pot of coffee.”
Finn looked around the living room, noting touches of Mak and Emi everywhere from the toys overflowing a too-small bin to the thick recipe book on a table next to the couch. He’d seen the book yesterday in the kitchen when Mak had spent the day baking.
“Have a seat and make yourself at home.”
Finn moved to the dining area off the kitchen and dropped the file folder onto the table. “I brought some research on comparable land to show you as well as our offer.”
“Sit down, son. There’s no hurry. We can drink a cup before we get to that, can’t we? I’m not entertaining other offers. At least not yet.”
Finn planted himself in a seat and stared at his calloused hands, fighting his insecurities. He’d asked a lot of Mak, and even though he’d come around to the idea of letting go of the guilt he felt about the accident, he still felt unworthy of her when it came to his speech.
Sam set a mug of coffee in front of Finn and went back to the pot to fill another.
Yesterday evening, he’d helped Mak pack up her car with trays and containers as well as Emi and her belongings. She’d been quiet and hadn’t said a word about the paper or what he’d asked, so he sucked it up and told himself to give her more time.
After she’d left, he’d gone back inside to do a quick once-over before locking up, hoping to find she’d signed the paper and left it behind.
She hadn’t. But maybe with the offer and property question settled and out of the way, she’d change her mind and take a chance on him. Think he—they—were worth the hassle her ex would make it.
Sam chuckled and wrapped his hands around the mug. “Show me that offer,” Sam continued with a wave of his hand. “Let’s get this out of the way so you can focus on the important stuff like courting my niece.”
Finn blinked at Sam in surprise, but the man just grinned.
“I see it,” Sam said with a knowing nod. “Both of you wear your heart on your sleeves. Now what do we have here?”
Mak took a seat on the couch and waited for Zoey to get seated with her pad and pen. As usual, Emi was safety ensconced in the other office with Dr. Rachel. Brad had texted to say he’d pick Emi up for a movie later, and Mak dreaded seeing him again.
“So? How are you doing this week?” Zoey asked.
Mak settled in for a long hour. “Well, I took your advice and went riding with Finn.”
Zoey’s eyebrows rose, and a hesitant smile formed. “And?”
“It was…informative.” She quickly went into a condensed version of her conversation with Finn regarding Brad’s claims, Finn’s admission, as well as his guilt in regard to the accident. And also the paper he’d given her.
“That is a lot to sort through.”
A low laugh rumbled out of her as she plucked at the pillow she held on her lap. “No kidding. I couldn’t believe he blames himself. I mean he was just a kid when the accident happened. I tried to talk to him and asked if he’d blame Emi, you know? Hold her responsible in the same situation? I told him he needed to forgive himself, and I wasn’t sure if I got through to him. He seemed pretty stubborn about holding onto the guilt.”
“I hate to hear that. But Finn will have to come to terms with that in his own time. And maybe your talk helped.”
“It did actually. He wrote the letter—and asked if I’d go with him to visit his parents’ grave. I said yes.”
“And the paper he gave you?”
Mak inhaled and sighed. “I haven’t signed it.” Yet.
“Let’s change directions for just a second. I’m less concerned about that than I am with your response to what Brad said.”
Mak paused in the act of stroking the soft pillow. “What do you mean?”
“From everything you’ve told me, Brad is a known manipulator.”
“He is. He even claimed he still loved me,” Mak said with a roll of her eyes and shake of her head.
“So if you didn’t believe Brad when he said that, why believe him when he said Finn was only interested in you because of the property? Why do you doubt Finn’s interest?”
Mak shifted uncomfortably on the loveseat. She’d spent nearly every hour of the time since going over and over that conversation with Finn. “I guess because… I don’t know.”
“You do know, Mak.”
She inhaled and sighed, leaning her head on the cushion behind her. “Fine. Maybe I believed him because I find it hard to believe a man like Finn would be interested in me.”
“And why is that?”
She lowered her gaze to Zoey without moving her head. “Let’s see… I’m basically homeless, I have no idea what the future will hold for me, a single mom, and a huge hot mess—with an ex who tormented Finn in the past? It made sense that he would feign interest because of the property.”
“Okay, if we’re listing perceived flaws, why are you interested in Finn? I mean, the man clearly has issues.”
Mak lifted her head to stare at Zoey. “Because he’s sweet and wonderful and—at least he told me the truth about wanting the property when I asked him. I can’t fault him when he was honest about that. He’s also kind and caring to his animals, and anyone can see that he loves his family. He’s generous, letting me use the venue’s kitchen to start my baking business. It’s how I was able to get the license approved so quickly.”
“Okay,” Zoey said with a shrug. “But that doesn’t mean he’s without issues.”
For the first time, Mak wasn’t so sure she liked her therapist. “Doesn’t everyone have issues? You said you didn’t believe in love, remember? No one is perfect. Finn’s been through so much, but I think… I think he’s a good person.”
“Mmm. A good person like you.”
Mak realized in that moment that she’d been totally had. She’d walked into the trap Zoey had set like a lamb to slaughter. “I know I was wrong to accuse Finn of liking me for the property. I let the Brad voice in my head and my insecurities win.”
“You did. And I’d say that’s something we obviously need to work on,” Zoey said with a patient smile. “Because Brad will have something negative to say about whomever you date. It’s his way of trying to have control and get under your skin.”
Mak sucked in a breath and nodded. “I see it now. And I refuse to let fear win. But…” She remembered the dance and kiss at Hudson’s party. The way Finn had looked at her, touched her.
Finn hadn’t known about Sam then. She was the one who’d friend zoned him and said it couldn’t happen, told herself he was off-limits, that love was off-limits because she was such a mess and there was so much going on in her life.
She’d short-changed herself and self-sabotaged things right from the start. Let fear and her insecurities overwhelm her before she’d even taken Finn’s interest in her seriously. She’d hate it if Emi ever allowed a man to make her feel less than, but she’d done just that. Slid right back into the old routine, the old habit of feeling like she wasn’t enough because her ex always made her feel that way. “If Finn and I get together, Brad will torment Finn.”
“Finn is a grown man you do not have to defend. And while I understand what you’re saying, are you really going to let Brad decide your life? Who gets to be in it? Who you get to care for?”
“No, but…”
“But what?”
Mak sucked her lower lip between her teeth and held it in a tight squeeze for a moment. “The way it will impact the three of us? Impact Emi to hear her father calling Finn names? Don’t I have to consider those aspects too?”
“Consider them, sure. Come up with ideas on how to counter the toxicity when it happens? Absolutely. But if you want to see where things go with Finn and aren’t because of Brad—you’re giving your ex the driver’s seat to your life.”
She was—had. “Finn admitted he wants the property but— He kissed me before he knew about Sam. And he came to visit.” Memories came to her then, like Finn’s sweet, sweet gesture of bringing Dash over before Brad had ruined things, and paddleboating at the lake.
The picnic at the island market, where he’d glared at Hudson for flirting with her all during lunch.
She might see things through Brad lenses, but all those things had happened before, and they were real and not imagined. “So help me,” she said with a soft whine. “How do I deal with Brad?”
The question left Zoey smirking.
“If you can—do not engage. You will never win with a narcissist. Ignore him as much as possible and keep things focused entirely on parenting Emi. Stick to facts and keep communication as minimal as possible.”
“And when he says those horrible, awful things? Calls Finn a freak ?” Mak practically growled the word.
“I suppose you could turn it on him. Ask why he’s so intimidated by someone with a speech issue that can’t be helped. But then that’s engaging him, which is what he wants, so there’s a chance that could escalate.”
She closed her eyes and let her head fall to the cushion behind her with a muffled thud. “Does life have to be so hard?”
Zoey’s soft sigh filled the room. “I’ve often asked myself that question.”
“Any answers?”
“Only that it makes living your life all the more precious.”
An hour or so after he’d left Sam’s, Finn heard the gravel crunch outside the barn and then the soft slam of a car door.
It was after hours, but he had a feeling he knew who it was.
He moved toward the entry and found Mak standing between the house and buildings as though trying to decide where he might be. “Hey, you.”
She turned, a hesitant expression on her face. “Hey, you,” she repeated softly.
Mak put her feet in motion and walked toward him, and he let himself enjoy the view.
“Need help?”
He tilted his head for her to join him in the barn. “I wouldn’t mind company while I feed everyone.”
She sank her teeth into her plump bottom lip at his words, a smile lighting up her beautiful features.
“I love that you can talk to me now and not be nervous.”
He did too. But as he watched her close the distance between them, he sensed her nervousness and wondered at the cause, praying hard she wasn’t here to friend zone him once and for all. “Everything okay?”
She inhaled, and he had to fight back the inclination to let his gaze drift. Not to mention the way she nibbled on that lip made him think he’d like to take a bite of it himself.
“I, um, want to talk to you. Sam told me he accepted the offer to sell his property to you. He showed me the contract and how you agreed to let him keep the house for—for me. He said he hadn’t mentioned anything to me because he wanted things settled first, and if you didn’t buy it, that he doubted anyone else would’ve agreed to his terms.”
“It’s not a big deal.”
“It is , Finn. It’s more proof that you’re— That you’re a good man. I’m truly sorry I accused you because of what Brad said. That I believed him but doubted you when you’ve never given me reason to doubt you. I hope you can forgive me for that.”
He lifted the scoop of feed from the container and dropped it into Dash’s enclosure before lowering his head and stealing a quick kiss from Mak. “Done.”
She blinked up at him, cheeks flushing a pretty pink.
“Just like that? You were upset, and you have every right to be. I know better than to believe anything Brad says but— I suppose I’ve been feeling vulnerable. I…told myself you wouldn’t be interested in me if not for the property.”
Finn scowled down at her. “I hate that he ever made you feel anything other than worthy and beautiful.”
Her features softened, and tears made her eyes sparkle. “I love that you make me feel worthy and beautiful. I just have to wrap my head around it.”
He rewarded her words with another soft kiss, much to the complaint of their witnesses. “If I don’t feed these animals, they’re going to revolt.”
Feeding time was always a noisy event, but the two of them standing there talking seemed to up the volume. All the animals were chiming in to voice their upset at the slowness with which they were getting fed, baby llamas included. The two adorable additions stared out of their stall batting their ridiculously long eyelashes, bellowing complaints to make their hunger clear.
Mak laughed, and the sound warmed his heart and upped his own determination. He loved her laugh. She needed to laugh more and he’d see to it that she did. “Give me twenty minutes. Fifteen if you stop being such a distraction.”
“Or I could just pitch in and help,” she said in a teasing tone.
He handed over the scoop and grabbed another from inside the bin. “You feed the goats. I’ve got the rest. And then you’re mine to do with as I please.”
“Oh, really? Then I suppose I should give you this, too.”
She pulled a sheet of paper from her back pocket and handed it to him with a twinkle in her eyes. Her tears were gone, and in their place, he saw pure temptation. “Is that what I think it is?”
Mak nodded. “Yeah. I’ll fight for you, Finn Blackwell. For us,” she said softly. “I’m ready.”
“Ten minutes,” he growled. “Go. Hurry.”
Mak’s happy giggle filled the barn, and while they didn’t get everyone fed in ten minutes, it was done as quickly and efficiently as possible.
He pulled her to the utility sink once they were done, and they washed up, bumping shoulders and splashing each other like kids between slow, tantalizing kisses.
He grabbed her hand and held it as he led the way to the open doors only to freeze when he saw Jensen glaring at them from beside an SUV.
“Brad—what are you doing here?”
“I was about to ask you the same thing,” Jensen said with a deep scowl.
“Where’s Emi?”
Brad jerked his hand toward the all-black vehicle. “Inside. I tried to drop her off but didn’t want to leave her with a sick old man instead of her mother. Now I’m wondering if she’ll be safe with you at all.”
Mak’s fingers clenched on Finn’s at the accusation in Jensen’s tone.
“What are you doing, Makayla? Are you really that desperate for attention?”
Mak sucked in a breath.
“Get Emi and take her inside to see the animals,” Finn said in a tight voice.
“Finn…”
He turned his head and stared down at her upturned and very anxious face. “Do you trust me?”
She blinked at him but nodded without hesitation. “Yes. I do.”
“Then let me talk to your ex.”
“Mak, let’s go,” Brad said again. “We’re leaving.”
Mak lifted her chin before giving Finn’s hand one last squeeze and releasing it to stalk toward the SUV. She moved to the passenger side backseat and yanked open the door. “Come on, baby. Let’s go see Dash and the others, okay?”
Jensen cursed and stalked around the front of the vehicle as though he was going to stop Mak from retrieving her daughter, and Finn quickly moved to keep that from happening.
“Let them be.”
“Oh, listen to you,” Brad said in a mocking voice. “You suddenly get a brain transplant so you can talk? Dude, where was that in high school?”
Mak swung Emi out of her car seat and down to the ground, taking her hand. She nudged her daughter in a wide circle around them.
“Bye, Daddy!”
“Aren’t you going to give me a hug? Don’t let your mama stop you just because she’s mad at me as always, baby girl.”
Finn barely managed to keep his hands to himself when Emi tugged away from her mother and ran to hug Jensen’s legs.
“That’s my girl. You be good, and I’ll see you this weekend.”
“It’s my weekend,” Mak said. “And we have plans.”
“I love spending time with my girls,” Jensen said with a creepy smile. “I’ll tag along.”
“Emi, please go inside the barn and check on Dash. Make sure he ate all his food, okay?” Mak asked.
“Okay!”
Emi took off before Brad could try to stop her, and Mak rounded on her ex like a prize fighter.
“You will not intrude on my time with Emi,” she said in no uncertain terms.
“Well, I won’t stand by and let the freak come onto you just so he can get Sam’s place. I’m looking out for you. Can’t you see that?”
Jensen took a step toward Mak and Finn held up a hand, making it clear he’d stop him if he did.
Things were a lot different from high school. For one, Finn wasn’t the scrawny kid in desperate need of a growth spurt going toe to toe with a soccer player.
He was now taller and bulkier than Jensen, and he didn’t mind using that to his advantage, turnabout being fair and all. “Keep your hands to yourself.”
“Mak, you’re really going to be with a guy like this after you broke up our family? You’re just a plaything he’s using to get Sam’s property. Why can’t you see that?”
Mak edged to Finn’s side and wrapped her arm around his waist, her hand stroking over his back in slow motions as she leaned her small frame against him as though trying to sooth the beast inside them both.
“He already has Sam’s property,” Mak said with a smirk. “Finn owns it, don’t you, babe?”
He loved hearing her call him babe. “That I do, sweetheart.”
“See? I suppose next you’ll accuse me of only being with him because he’s a successful businessman? Just stop, Brad. Stop the accusations, and stop thinking you can control me. We share a child that does not need to be caught in the middle of a constant argument. So just stop .”
Jensen’s nostrils with every angry breath he took.
“You’ll be hearing from my attorney,” Jensen said, lifting a finger to punch the air in their direction. “I want my baby girl. I don’t want her around him and those filthy animals.”
Finn gently squeezed her shoulder, hoping she wouldn’t fall for the last-ditch threat.
“I think your attorney would agree that you can’t decide who I date, Brad. And a miniature animal farm can hardly be considered a threat. With Finn’s sterling reputation and family name, you have no case.”
Jensen blurted out a two-word curse and moved toward the driver’s door. Finn followed, slamming the door shut when Jensen yanked it open.
The man obviously hadn’t realized Finn dogged him or heard him approach because he turned, looking wide-eyed and suddenly pale.
“I’d be upset too,” Finn told the man. “You lost the best thing that ever happened to you, but I promise— I won’t make the same mistake. And don’t ever talk to Mak that way again.”
Finn stepped back, and Jensen yanked at the handle with all the impotent rage he felt.
Mak moved to Finn’s side once more, and holding the man’s gaze, Finn wrapped his arms around her and lowered his head to kiss the top of Mak’s.
Gravel spun as Jensen gunned the engine and whipped the SUV in reverse to turn around.
Finn shifted Mak, so that if any of the gravel slung back, it wouldn’t hit her. Then he nudged her head up with a finger under her chin and lowered his head to brush his lips over hers.
“You are my hero,” she said softly, her gaze sparkling as she stared up at him.
Finn leaned low and kissed her once more. “You are mine.”
Mak smiled against his lips.
“Mommy? You’re kissing Finn ?”
Laughter bubbled out of Mak’s chest once more as she lifted her arms up and wrapped them around his neck to hold him close when he started to put some distance between them.
“Yes, I am,” she said, punctuating every word with another kiss he accepted with pleasure since he had to bend down just so she could reach him.
Emi ran toward them and wrapped her arms around both their legs. Finn lowered a hand to cradle her head, staring into Mak’s eyes with all the desire and intention he felt. Maybe it was too soon to put a label on it, but he knew exactly what it was all the same. He'd known from the first time he’d laid eyes on her.
“What happens now?” Mak whispered.
He bent and plucked Emi up from the ground, gently tossing the giggling girl over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. “Let’s go on a date.”
Emi let out a surprisingly loud whoop for such a tiny thing, and he and Mak laughed.
“Can Dash and Harriet and Max come too ?” Emi asked.
“Would you mind a stay-at-home date?” Mak asked Finn.
He pulled her tight to his side and wondered if he’d ever feel like Mak was close enough. Now that he knew what it was to have her there, he knew he’d never want to be without her. He’d go to therapy if needed. He’d do the hard stuff. Whatever it took to make his family the best and happiest it could be. “Whatever my girls want.”