“And my Sunday school class always welcomes new faces,” Mrs. Jenkins interjected.
“Speaking of new faces...” Mrs. Jenkins smiled with disturbing sweetness. “Have you met our dear Daphne next door? Such a lovely young lady...”
Finn felt his collar tightening. “Yes, actually—”
“Single,” Mrs. Wallace stage-whispered to her friends. “And so good with children.”
Good heavens, they were shameless.
Before they could launch into another wave of not-so-subtle matchmaking, Lucy tugged on his sleeve. “Daddy, can I have a biscuit?”
Mrs. Jenkins beamed. “See? Girl knows what’s good! Here you go, sugar.” She removed the cling film from the food and passed Lucy one of the... American biscuits.
To Lucy’s credit, she took the item, examined it, and then looked up at Finn with an incredulous expression. His daughter knew a counterfeit biscuit when she saw one.
How did one gracefully relieve themselves of Southern women?
Finn opened his mouth—probably to say something he’d regret—when the door swung open again and a familiar deep voice cut through the air like a lifeline.
“Now, ladies, you best not be overwhelming the poor man. He’s not even gotten settled yet.”
Harry Coleman strolled inside, an amused glint in his dark eyes. An imposing figure with skin nearly the color of his dark brown hair, the man easily stood two inches above Finn and at least a half foot above all three ladies. The gray at his temples only made him look more refined.
And he always appeared to look as if he’d just stepped out of a fashion magazine, regardless of day, time, or place—or so that was Finn’s memory.
This day didn’t prove otherwise.
Finn had never been so grateful for an interruption in his life.
“Harry!” the women chorused, but the older man was already moving purposefully toward Finn. His assessing gaze must have seen Finn’s... discomfort.
“I’m sorry to interrupt this welcome party, but Finn and I have a meeting to discuss his business, and I’m certain none of you ladies would find it the least bit entertaining.” Harry’s disarming smile worked its magic.
The little gaggle donned their apologies, and with a few lingering glances, comments, and extractions from Finn to “stop by anytime” and “bring that sweet little Lucy around,” they slipped from the room, leaving a delightful silence behind.
Finn slumped against the bar. “I owe you a pint.”
“Make it two.” Harry chuckled. “Welcome to small-town Southern living, son. I thought you might need some cultural translation services.”
“Oh, I believe my translation abilities were quite accurate for this meeting. What I needed most was rescue.” He waved toward the older man. “Thank you for providing it.”
Finn drew Lucy back toward him as she took a tentative bite of the so-called biscuit. “Is it always like that?”
“Worse, usually. They’re just warming up.” Harry shot Finn a grin before he bent his head toward Lucy. “Nice to see you, Lucy. You’ve grown much taller since last we met in person.”
Which was a fact. His darling girl had added at least an inch or two to her height in the past year. Finn’s stomach pinched a little at the thought.
But Lucy only grinned at Harry’s compliment. “Where is Mrs. Margaret?”
“You shall see her soon enough.” Harry winked. “The two of you are invited to the manor for supper tonight, and Ms. Margaret has already purchased a few little gifts to welcome you to your new home, Lucy.”
“Harry...” Finn offered a powerless warning.
“Allow her the joy of it, Finn.” He waved Finn’s comment away. “She’s aching to lather someone with all this motherly affection that has no outlet at the moment.”
Finn relaxed at Harry’s words. This was one of the reasons he’d come to Wisteria. When Father had been alive, Harry had become almost like an uncle to Finn, providing encouragement and support like family. Three years ago, when he’d finally met Margaret, who was attending culinary school in England, she’d only added to the sense of family. Even over a year ago, when the pair had moved to the States to take over Margaret’s parents’ inn and wedding venue, they’dkept in touch. Video and phone calls. A few visits from the Colemans, especially during Finn’s toughest times. And with Finn’s mother having died well before he could witness his parents’ relationship, the Colemans’ happy marriage encouraged Finn that some relationships worked.
Better than worked.Thrived.
