CHAPTER 81
Finn
“Don’t be nervous,” I say.
“I’m not nervous.”
I hold her hand as we walk to my father’s house, and I give a supportive squeeze so she’s not nervous.
“Don’t be nervous,” I repeat.
“I’m not nervous. Well, I’m not nervous about this. I’m nervous about the conversation we almost had before you left to talk to Jasmine.”
“Don’t be nervous about the conversation we almost had. Worry about this. Worry about telling my family that we’re together.”
“You told me not to be nervous.”
“I was being a cockeyed optimist. Be prepared for a thousand banging-the-housekeeper jokes from my brothers.”
“They won’t dare, at least not when I’m around. They’ll save them for one of your MacLaine Man Meetings.”
I laugh, but Emma stops walking.
“Hold on a second. Is that why you’re bringing me to Jamie’s?”
Finn brings my hand up to kiss it, and then we start walking again. “I’m bringing you because we’re partners. Life partners.”
“See there? You’re almost having the conversation again. But not quite.”
“Don’t be nervous,” I tell her.
We walk inside my father’s house. There’s a lot of noise. My father, Aunt Phyllis, and all of my brothers are here. They’re crammed into the kitchen talking about cattle prices.
“This is such bullshit!” I yell. “You’re not talking about cattle prices. You’re talking about Emma and me. Who blabbed?”
“Don’t look at me,” Declan says. “I’m not a blabber. Not when I’ve been told not to blab under threat of violence. But if you’re ever in need of some Grade-A blabbing, I’m your man.”
“Son,” my dad says, pointing at Declan. “Sit down and quit your blabbing. This is not about you.”
Declan sits on the counter and crosses his arms over his chest.
“I’d like to go now,” Special K says. “I don’t like girl talk.”
“I’m not a girl. I’m a woman,” Emma says.
“A lady,” I correct.
Evander slaps my back. “Is this all you dreamed your special moment could be?”
“I have an announcement,” I say, in my best announcer voice. “Emma and I are together!”
“Cue the banging-the-housekeeper jokes!” Emma shouts.
There’s an initial silence while my brothers exchange looks.
“Well, Finn, you really cleaned up with this one,” Declan says.
“She’s gonna mop the floor with you, Finlay,” Evander says.
“Why am I even here?” Special K asks.
“You’re here to welcome Emma to the family,” Dad says. “Now, let me be the first to give you a hug, sweetie.”
She steps toward him, and he meets her halfway, embracing her in a warm hug. “Welcome to the MacLaine family, Emma. Heaven help you.”
“I’ll be the second to welcome you to the family.” Evander grabs her in a bear hug that lasts about three seconds too long.
“Watch the hands. The hands!”
Evander looks over Emma’s shoulder and winks at me.
“Let’s tell Cal and Victoria,” Aunt Phyllis says. “Do the zoom-zoom thing, Declan.”
“It’s just the one Zoom, Aunt Phyllis, but sure, we can do that.”
A minute later, we’re on camera with Cal and Victoria.
They’re on a black sand beach with a wide expanse of crystal clear turquoise water behind them, and not another soul in sight.
Cal kept their honeymoon destination a secret, but I recognize the place.
It’s a private island in Tahiti that used to be owned by a warlord we were tasked to handle a while back.
I wonder if Cal purchased it and who he purchased it from. I’ll have to remember to ask.
“Finn and Emma are an item!” Dad screams like he’s making an old-timey overseas call.
“I knew it!” Victoria sticks out her hand, palm up. “You owe me twenty dollars, Callum MacLaine. Pay up.”
“No banging-the-housekeeper jokes,” Declan adds.
“Emma should ask for a raise,” Cal says.
“I fired her,” I tell them.
“An officer and a gentleman,” Cal says.
Special K rubs a hand down his face. “Why am I here?”
“You’re welcoming Emma to the family. That’s why you’re here!” Victoria yells into the camera.
I do love that Kevin can get his ass handed to him from four thousand miles away.
“Welcome to the family, Emma!” Victoria adds.
“Thank you!”
“We should have a party when we get back,” Cal says.
“Maybe Emma will cook,” Declan suggests. “She’s the best cook in these parts.”
“Best steak I’ve ever had,” Evander agrees.
“Good meat,” Special K chimes in.
“You boys should buy the little lady a restaurant so that she can shine,” my dad says.
“Sounds like an excellent idea,” I say.
Emma’s chest, neck, and face turn bright red. “It’s a great dream to have,” she says softly.
I put my arm around her. “Dreams just need a plan to make them happen,” I whisper in her ear.
Everyone’s in a good mood. Declan pops popcorn, and Emma agrees to make Evander a steak since carbs don’t touch his lips. When Special K steals it before it hits the plate, Emma makes Evander another one, laughing while she’s cooking.
I feel like I’m flying high.
I’ve never been happier, and my entire family is happy for me. Then I feel eyes on me, and I turn to see Aunt Phyllis. She isn’t smiling. In fact, there are tears rolling down her cheeks. While everyone is having a good time, she turns around and leaves the room.
What’s wrong with her? I know she loves Emma, yet something isn’t right.