* * *
Jakeand I ended our talk on good terms, although I didn’t get any more out of him than Casey had. As we headed back out, I saw that Dad and the guys were back from their excursion. I took a deep breath. Finn had to go now, before any more damage could be done. Dad was clearly getting too attached, and Mom was one step away from booking thechurch.
Inhaling deeply and drawing on a reserve of courage I wasn’t sure I had, I walked up to the group. Finn emerged from the middle of it, smiling widely, with the most pleased expression on his face. In his arms was the giant floppy-eared dog he’d failed to win last night. He held it out for me. Mom gasped, slapping her hand over her mouth, eyes starry with admiration for my curly-hairedsuitor.
And his sincere gesture hadn’t just impressed my mother. The butterflies that had broken loose in my belly fluttered to my throat, rendering me speechless. This wasn’t just a cheap stuffed animal he was offering me. No, this was Finn showcasing the type of earnest man I’d be getting if I were lucky enough to snag a guy like him; and, in turn, he was making it virtually impossible for me to crush him. I couldn’t beat this guy. He was justthatgood!
“For you,” he said, to the oohs and ahs of the females in our group. Kenzie even elbowed Kyle in the ribs, clearly indicating to my brother that he was lacking in grand romanticgestures.
“How?”
“Well, first I emptied my savings account, and second, I took your advice and aimed for the hole.” By the amusement dancing across his face, it was clear Finn was pleased with himself. And so he should have been. He’d given me something no man before him had been able to giveme:hope.
“You are… I just don’t know what to say. You’re something special, Finn. Thank you for this.” I stepped up to him, wrapped a hand around the nape of his neck, and pulled him in for a kiss. Another excited yelp escaped through my mother’s self-muzzled mouth. Even her irksome reactions weren’t enough to sourmymood.
“You’re welcome. And just so you know, I checked and he’s got no extra sexorgans.”
“That’s disappointing.” I said. “At least he has the whole constipated look goingforhim.”
“I know, I noticedthattoo.”
“I guess the only thing we have left to do isnamehim.”
“Oh,” Finn’s face fell. “Your dad already did… he insisted… said it was thetradition.”
“Great.” I nodded in resignation. “Whatisit?”
“Stan.”
“Yes, of courseitis.”
* * *
Finn,Stan, and I broke off from the group. As much as I’d wanted to go our separate ways only minutes earlier, now I couldn’t bear to lethimgo.
“This dog is so uncomfortable to carry,” I said, struggling to keep it from dragging on the ground. “His legs are all splayed out in aweirdway.”
“Sort of reminds me of you last night on the Ferriswheel.”
“Minus the pervycarnivalguy.”
He nodded. “Maybe we should put the dog inyourcar.”
“My car’s at the hotel, and I seriously doubt an Uber will pick us up with this bad boy.” An idea struck me. “Follow me. I know what we can do with Stan the Spread-EagledDoggieMan.”
The two of us, with Stan now riding on Finn’s shoulders, made our way into the back lot and, after a check by security, were allowed to enter the bus area. Jake’s was front and center, of course. Much to Finn’s shock, I openedthedoor.
“Is this Jake’s tour bus?” he asked, with stars inhiseyes.
“It is,” I said, stepping in. “Comeon.”
“Are youallowedin?”
“Why wouldn’tIbe?”
“Yeah, I guess I’m still wrapping my brain around the idea that he’s your frickin’ brother,sorry.”
Finn jumped the two steps, depositing himself beside meinstantly.
