Fin’s grandma met us at the front door immediately reaching up to Fin, which was quite a ways and pulling him down so that she could kiss him soundly on the lips. I mashed my lips together to hide my smile, she was precious. Fin towered over her; she couldn’t be much more than five feet tall, with snow white curly hair and sharp gray eyes that snapped to me as soon as she was done with Fin.
“Are you Eleanor?” she asked in her sweet old lady voice.
“Ellie,” I corrected automatically. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Hunter.”
“Oh sweetheart, call me Grandma, everyone else does.” She smiled at me and then reached out her hands so she could grab my face, just like she did Fin. I noticed when she had them placed on my cheeks how shaky they were and wondered if these were the signs that worried Fin and made him seek out more help for Declan. She kissed me on the forehead and while I was a little embarrassed, most of all I was blessed that she was offering me her acceptance already.
“Grandma, I kiss her enough, she doesn’t need any more from you,” Fin teased.
“Finley,” she gasped and swatted at his arm. “You’ll embarrass her.” She moved out of the way and Fin led me into the house.
“I’m hoping to embarrass her,” he admitted. “I get jealous of those kisses; I don’t want her giving them out to anyone else.”
Grandma was wrong though, I was too shocked to feel any embarrassment. My heart was pounding in my chest, my mind swirling with hope. This was going to be a good day..
“My lands,” his Grandma gasped.
Fin ignored her and led me to the dining room that was set up immaculately. The room was small, fitting only a long table, the chairs that went around it and a China hutch at the far end. Real China was set in each place and real silver silverware.
“This is gorgeous,” I gasped. My parents had a full set of China that was promised to me in their will, but they never used it. It just sat untouched, even when they catered events at their house.
“Grandma believes that Sunday lunch is an art form,” Fin explained.
“At your house, it is,” I agreed.
He smiled down at me, pleased I liked the table so well. His grandma started bringing in food just then so I wiggled out of Fin’s hand to see if I could help.
“Can I help you bring the food in?” I asked politely.
“That would be wonderful,” she agreed. “We’re still waiting on Tyler, but he knows better than to be late for lunch.”
I shot Fin a glance and mouthed “Tyler?” He winked at me.
Grandma continued, “Finley go get your brother. You’re going to have to pull him away from his video games, but tell him you brought a girl for him, that will cheer him up.” She grinned at me and I was completely charmed by her.
Fin mouthed, “Are you Ok” to me and I rolled my eyes.
Compared to my family, his was a peaceful walk through the park.
By the time Grandma and I had the food spread out on the table, Ty had in fact arrived and Fin pushed Declan to the head of the table where his wheelchair could fit comfortably. Fin and Tyler took the seats closest to Declan, leaving Grandma and I to sit at the other end.
Declan stared at me for a while and I couldn’t help but stare back. He looked like a younger version of Fin, with tussled hair and a strong jaw, only his rested slightly askew. His eyes were the same dark, rich brown and were just as sharp as Fin’s and his grandma’s. His head rested against a neck brace that hung around his shoulders and his hands clutched at the controls to his automatic wheelchair.
“Fin, introduce me to your girlfriend,” Declan demanded through mumbled words.
“She’s not my girlfriend yet, Dec, I have to convince her first,” Fin grinned at his brother. “Got any tips?”
“Have you kissed her?” he asked innocently. I smiled because he was so adorable and so much like Fin.
“Of course, brother. Look at her,” Fin turned to me and smiled. In this setting, he was the man of the house and he looked and acted like it. He sat up straight and commanded attention. Even next to Ty, who I assumed incorrectly would dwarf him; Fin played this role very well.
“Good point,” Declan admitted and then suggested. “Have you sent her to Ty? Ty always straightens you out.”
Fin opened his mouth to say something but I interjected, “He did send me to Ty. And Tydidstraighten me out. Or tried to at least.”
“That’s right, Dec, I told her what a good man your brother was, don’t you worry.” Ty agreed gruffly.
“And she still doesn’t want to be your girlfriend?” Declan asked Fin seeming genuinely confused by this. Fin shrugged apparently not so sure anymore and Declan took the opportunity to jump in and announce, “Good, then she can be mine.”
