Stone and steel and massive arches, solid and permanent, a landmark that feels like it’s always been there. It dominates the view in a quiet, steady way, as if watching over the bay instead of cutting through it. I stare at, something about it settling in my chest.
“Ms. Moreira.”
The voice comes from my side. I glance over to find Finn walking toward me, his stride confident, a wide, easy smile forming the second his eyes meet mine, as if he’s already decided this moment belongs to him.
He’s in full Coast Guard working uniform this time, deep blue and crisp, the fabric structured across his shoulders and chest, black boots polished clean. His cap sits low on his head, shadowing his eyes just enough to make his smile even more distracting than it already is.
My eyes move over the details of his uniform. The embroidered patch on his collar shows three gold chevrons beneath a silver Coast Guard shield, stitched into the same deep blue fabric. Above his nametape, the gold rescue swimmer wings sit against the fabric, subtle but unmistakable.
He looks unfairly good.
My cheeks heat instantly.
“O’Donoghue.”
He stops in front of me with that same easy grin, his confidence settling naturally into the space between us.
Gavin steps around the truck with his hand extended, and Finn takes it without hesitation.
“You two already met?” George asks, glancing between us.
Finn nods, then turns toward me and extends his hand.
I take it to shake, but instead he turns it gently and brushes a kiss over my knuckles, his eyes already on mine.
“I was there when Ms. Moreira saved our precious seal.” His smile widens, my hand still in his.
Heat rushes straight to my face. I pull my hand back, trying desperately to stop the blush.
“He was there,” I tell George. “Didn’t do much to help.”
Finn chuckles. “It looked like you had it under control.”
“Thanks.” I roll my eyes slightly.
George looks mildly lost but keeps going. “Thank you for meeting with us, Officer O’Donoghue.”
“George, we’ve known each other a while now. Please, lad, call me Finn.”
“Ah. Right.” George clears his throat. “Thank you for meeting with us. As you know, May is our newest addition to the team, and I want her familiar with everyone here.”
Finn looks at me, all smiles.
“Oh, I’ll get her acquainted.” His grin returns. “You can count on that.”
By the time we circle back toward the main bay doors, my head is spinning in the best way.
Finn has introduced me to what feels like half the station, and every single person has been kind, welcoming, and genuinely excited that I’m here—handshakes, smiles, easy jokes, quick hellos that feel more like friends than coworkers. There’s no awkwardness between them, no weird energy, no territorial vibes.
Just… warmth.
Community.
I can already hear April’s voice in my head. She wouldn’t know where to look with all these hot men in uniforms.
Then again, April is so completely in love with Max that she probably wouldn’t even notice. The rest of the world could disappear, and she’d still be staring at her fiancé like he hung the moon.
Finn keeps talking as we walk, pointing things out casually, as if he doesn’t realize how easy he is to listen to.
