She nodded. “I’m yours.”
Begrudgingly, I separated our union.
“Fin.”
“Hmm?”
“You’re mine, too.”
“I am.”
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.
