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.
