Chapter 34
Vee
Seeing Fin in a black suit, white shirt, and black tie reminded me of the holiday dance we’d attended so long ago.
Today, we were quite the pair, not dressed for a dance; instead, both in our funeral black.
Our morning activity gave my body an acceptable outlet for my emotions.
Instead of crying, I allowed my body to wind taut like a top, only to spin out of control.
Together, we arrived at the funeral home half an hour earlier than I’d told the others to arrive. Rick Hahn, one of the owners, met us in the lobby with his solemn expression and sympathy.
“Ms. Hubbard, if you’ve changed your mind, we have a hearse ready and available to transport your father to the football center.”
“I haven’t changed my mind. Thank you. After the family says their farewell, you can do what needs to be done.”
“The mausoleum is ready.” He inclined his head. “Most people…I don’t want you to later regret not being there as we close the seal.”
“Mr. Hahn, these plans are what Daphne and I decided.” The warmth of Fin at my side gave me the extra strength I needed. “We appreciate you carrying them out.”
“Of course.” He looked at his watch. “The rest of your family?”
“I told them to be here at nine. I was hoping for some time alone with Dad.”
Mr. Hahn nodded and gestured to two large wooden doors to the side. “Would you like me to take you to him?”
“No.” I looked up at Fin.
“Do you want me to stay out here?”
I reached for his hand. “If you don’t think it’s too odd, I want to introduce you to him.”
Fin’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he wrapped his long fingers around mine. “It’s not odd.”
Mr. Hahn opened one of the doors.
The large room was virtually empty sans the ornate casket, large sprays of amber roses, and a dozen folding chairs. I tightened my grasp of Fin’s hand and took a deep breath. From this distance, Dad appeared to be sleeping.
A nervous giggle bubbled out before I could stop it.
“Vee?” Fin questioned.
I shook my head. “Remember in college how I was into Twilight?”
“Yeah.”
“I was just thinking if Dad were a vampire, he could wake up.”
Fin squeezed my hand.
Daphne wanted him in a suit. I argued. Dad was a jeans and button-down type of guy. If Daphne wanted to be buried in a tiara, fine. That wasn’t my dad.
I won. Dad’s shirt was a light tan with the Coopers’ emblem embroidered on the pocket. His blue jeans were faded. His hands were folded over his torso, his wedding ring in place.
As we crept closer, it would be too easy to believe Dad was sleeping.
My voice cracked. “Dad, I brought someone I wanted…I want you to meet. I know you’ve met, but not like I wanted you to.
” A tear slid down my cheek. “I wish I would have told you sooner. You asked me about Fin, about Griffin Graham. We did date in college. We did more than that.” I forced a smile and looked up at Fin, then back to Dad.
“Dad, we fell in love at University of Kentucky. We made mistakes and parted ways. You brought him back into my life. I wish I could tell you how much that means to me. I promise I’ll be okay.
I’ll miss you every day. I’ll take loving care of the Coopers.
You don’t need to worry. And, Dad, I’ll love Fin, and he’ll take care of me. ”
I inhaled.
“Mr. Hubbard.”
I turned, surprised Fin was speaking aloud. “You can call him Reid.”
“Reid.” Fin stood taller. “I promise to take care of your daughter. I fell in love with her when we were young and too quick to jump to conclusions. Thank you for signing me, for giving me the opportunity to make things right. Sir, I love Maeve.”
Turning, I lay my face against Fin’s chest. After a few moments, I looked up, seeing the strain in his square jaw and the moisture in his blue eyes. “Thank you.”
He wrapped his arm around me. “Thank you for introducing us.”
The door opened as a symphony of voices entered. Uncle Darin, Aunt Rachel, Daphne, and Grant. They all paused for a moment at the sight of me with Fin. Grant’s jaw clenched, the muscles on the side of his face pulled tight. It was Daphne of all people who came closer.
“Mr. Graham, I presume.” She offered him her hand.
“Mrs. Hubbard.”
“Oh please, call me Daphne.”
Fin showed his million-dollar smile. “Daphne, I’m Fin.”
Daphne turned toward Dad. Her smile dimmed. “Reid. You look like you’re sleeping.” She laid her hand over his. “You’re not snoring.” She inhaled. “I wish you were.”
Uncle Darin and Aunt Rachel came closer.
Aunt Rachel reached for my hand. “How are you, sweetie?”
“I promised Dad I’d be okay.”
She looked up at Fin. “I suspect you’re part of the reason she’ll be all right.”
“If I can do anything to facilitate that, I will.”
Aunt Rachel nodded. “I’m Rachel Marsh.” She offered her hand.
Fin took it and they shook. “Mrs. Marsh, Griffin Graham.”
There was a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Grant.
“Can we have a minute?”
Taking a deep breath, I shook my head. “No, Grant. Not today.”
Fin’s hand went to the small of my back. His touch radiated warmth and support beyond the physical boundaries. His endorsement helped me power through the rest of the time at the funeral home.
“Do you still want me to sit with you?” Fin asked as we pulled into Maker’s Mark.
“More than anything.”
My head buzzed as I spoke appropriately to friends, family, and members of the Coopers. If asked only seconds after I spoke what it was I’d said, I wouldn’t have been able to answer.
The half of the practice field devoted to the ceremony was packed with people.
I couldn’t recall inviting so many people.
Music played through the speakers. The Coopers’ chaplain delivered Dad’s eulogy.
It was both sentimental and at times funny.
As I sat between Daphne and Fin, he told stories that made us laugh and cry.
By the time it was over, my temples throbbed.
As we all stood, Daphne turned and hugged me.
The move was so unexpected, I stood statuesque for a moment before returning the gesture.
“He was a good husband and father,” she said.
I swallowed. “He’ll be missed.”
Daphne dabbed her eyes. “Every day.”
Grant touched her shoulder. “Shall we go to the dinner?”
“Oh yes.”
Looking up at Fin, I widened my eyes.
He whispered near my ear, “You need to fill me in on that when we’re home.”
“I wish I knew.”
Fin and I both stood abruptly straight as Preston came out of the crowd toward us. “I did not invite him,” I said under my breath.
Although Preston’s lips were set in a straight line, in his tailored suit, he looked like he’d just posed for a magazine cover.
“Preston,” I said.
Fin placed his hand in the small of my back. I could almost hear him growling mine.
“Vee, I had to come.” Preston kept his eyes on me, avoiding Fin. “Reid was a wonderful man. I’m so glad I got the opportunity to know him.”
Fuck.
Are we in a pissing contest?
“That’s very kind of you.” I pursed my lips. “Not to be rude, but this service was by invitation only.”
“I called Grant. He made sure my name was on the list.”
I inhaled. “That’s so sweet of Grant, always full of surprises. Do enjoy the meal.” I looked up at Fin. “Shall we?”
“Clark,” Fin said with a nod.
“Graham.”
The other half of the practice field was filled with round tables and multiple long tables filled with food.
We searched for the reserved family seating.
The air was filled with the buzz of conversation, soft dining music, and delicious aromas of our meal.
Looking around, I saw different members of our team and staff.
Their presence gave me a warm feeling. “Dad would be happy with this,” I said to Fin as we settled into our chairs. I introduced Fin to Leigh, Hayden, Lip, and Chris.
Most people were seated as Fin’s attention was drawn away. “What are they doing here?”