“Yeah you would definitely have to add a splash of color to your life.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
In true Sophie nature she rolls her eyes at me. “Everything in your place is either black or brown, leather or metal.”
“And?”
“And this home deserves something cheerful and bright. You’ll need to let us girls decorate for you.” I start to make a comment about pictures and lace tablecloths when she lets out a squeaking noise and disappears toward the kitchen.
“Oh my God!” Sophie gasps, holding her hands to her mouth, glancing back over her shoulder at me as I join her. “Jillian would have a fit if she saw this kitchen. The woman that lives here is a baker, isn’t she?”
“Always smelled like cookies and cakes, growing up.”
“I knew it.” Sophie continues further into the kitchen, dragging her hand over the countertop while looking around the space. In that moment, seeing her there in the space, loving it and knowing her mind was imagining a life here, made the choice for me. Whether it was six months from now, or six years, I’d have her here with me. This would be our home.
This would be our life.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Sophie
“Sophie.”Lulu stops as she rounds the corner into the kitchen. “Oh my word, child, why wouldn’t you warn a woman. My old heart can’t take surprises like this one.”
Finn chuckles as he stands and takes a step toward my gran. I watch her eyes grow wide and she tips her chin up, taking all of him in. He has close to a foot and a half on her. And next to him she looks like a little tiny elf. Her mouth falls open and I use my hand to cover my smile.
My mom laughs and of course my dad grins, leaning back in his chair already knowing Gran is going to have a million and one things to say about the current situation.
“You are big,” she says with a straight face and in awe, as she reaches out and actually places not one but both hands on his chest. “And solid, firm.” She gives a little squeeze. “Any tattoos?” she asks him and immediately I remember the one he has on his left upper arm then continues up and over his shoulder, andonto his collarbone. Plus there is one on his ribs, a beautifully detailed compass. When I asked him what it meant, he said so I never lose my way.
I know now it’s because him and his father share the same tattoo in the very same spot that they got on his eighteenth birthday and if they stand next to one another each one points toward the other, leading them toward the other. Because no matter what they will always be there for the other.
The more time I spend with Finn the more he opens up. The more I get to know the him behind all the angry frustrations he’s carried since his father became sick. He smiles more, he laughs, and when we are together he treats me like no one has ever treated me before. He makes me feel like I am on top of the world.
“Now, Lulu, we just met,” Finn tells her with a wink. “I think maybe we should hold off on the exploration of body ink at least until our second day together.”
“Are you playing hard to get, Finn?”
“A guy like me has to leave a gal like you wanting more, darlin’.” I absolutely love the southern twang Finn has. I’m not even sure he knows it’s there, but on some words, especially darlin’ it is so thick.
“You tease.” Lulu drags her hands down his chest and Finn chuckles. “I have two,” she says, leaning in a little closer. “I have a tiny little butterfly on my shoulder, and the other,” she smiles and I roll my eyes, “let’s just say I can’t show you with my pants on.”
Finn’s laughter deepens, and he reaches out pulling Lulu in for a hug. “I was warned about you, and I think I loved you before I even met you.”
“Well my granddaughter better hold on to you tight, because I may try to steal you for myself.”
“Not a chance,” I say from my place at the table and Finn glances in our direction.
“Stingy.” She sticks out her tongue before taking Finn’s hand and leading him back to the table. She is harmless but full of fire.
My father and Finn quickly fall into conversation about plumbing and how he’d love to set up an account with his company at the hardware store. I listen to Gran and Mom talk and I nod on occasion, but honestly I was enthralled with Finn. It would seem that every member of my family was quickly falling for him too.
“What are you thinking about?”I ask Finn when I glance up to find him staring off at nothing in particular; a blank space on the wall, with the only light flashing throughout my bedroom coming from the television.
He’d been quiet tonight and I know he’s worried about tomorrow.
“Hey.” Reaching up I cup his jaw, and he slowly turns back, looking at me. “Where were you just then?”
He smiles, but I can tell it is forced. “Sorry.” His body shifts, wrapping his arms around me. Pulling me in a little closer, his lips touch mine for a soft gentle kiss.
