Page 47 of A Family Affair: The Plan
He moved toward her and extended a hand. “Hello, Hope. Pete Finnegan. It’s about time.”
Thiswas Pete Finnegan? Strong jaw, broad shoulders, and the bluest eyes. The man was handsome, despite the stubbled jaw, tousled hair, and ripped jeans.
He shook her hand, his lips pulling into a slow smile. “I’ve heard a lot about you. I can see why…”
He stopped before he finished, but no doubt that sentence would include Sam’s name. “It’s nice to meet you as well. I understand you’re about to be a father again.” Before she came to Magdalena, she might have inquired about parenthood, but she’d only spoken out of politeness,notgenuine interest. But now? She reallydidwant to know, and not just a blanket response, but more in-depth answers.Do you know the gender? Have you chosen names? Is the nursery ready? Are you ready?
When had that changed? How and why had it changed? Was it because she’d grown comfortable in Magdalena? Or had Mimi been the reason? Or Harry Blacksworth? Maybe Pop Benito, or Nick and Delilah Borado? Yes, they’d all been important, but she could not deny that Sam Harrington had been behind most of it.
“So, I only have a few minutes because I promised my wife I’d take the kid to the park.” His tanned face relaxed, and he grinned. “A pregnant wife can be a grouchy wife, so any way I can help…”
“Thank you for taking the time to stop by. That’s very kind of you.”
The narrowed gaze and long sigh fell out before his words. “Not sure kindness has much to do with it. This is more about trying to get my life back to normal and not looking at miserable every day.” He did not give her time to respond before he added, “Miserable even has a name and I’m sure you know him.”
Hope opened her mouth to speak, closed it, and waited to hear more.
“Right. That guy. Pain in the butt and so unreasonable. I laid it all out for him, told him how it was going to go, what he needed to do and dang if that man didn’t straight up ignore me and tell me I was full of it. Sure, it’s not like I haven’t been there, but we’ll let him think he has a choice.” Another sigh, another shake of his head. “He’s a fool and a very hardheaded one… Maybe even more than I was. But he’ll come around and thenhe’ll either turn more miserable or he’ll find you and turn into a human being again.”
Was Sam really miserable because he missed her? Or was he just miserable because she was still in Magdalena and he had to be careful to avoid her? “If I’m the cause of his misery, it’s probably because I’m still in his town.”
“Histown? Excuse me, this isnotSam Harrington’s town. It’sourtown… All of us. And from what I’m hearing from my wife…who can never give up on a sad story…the town has basically adopted you. So, if Sadsack Sam doesn’t get it together, he might be the one getting booted.”
The man was quite entertaining, and she could picture him living a jet-set life, but she was glad he’d chosen this one… Or maybe this life had chosen him after he’d fallen. “I’m not sure he’ll see it that way.”
“Right, it might take him a while, but that doesn’t mean I won’t stop working on him, sending subliminal messages, bringing up the suggestions you made for the house…Thatwill definitely get to him. Everybody screws up, me more than most, but eventually, we have to open our eyes and figure out what we really want and what we’re willing to do to get it. Is it so important to be right? Is it so important to protect yourself so you never open up and risk getting hurt? That’s what Sam has to figure out, and while he might be book smart, he’s not very people smart. Anyway, once he gets his head together, he’ll come looking for you. Just make sure we know where you are because that time can’t happen soon enough.” He pulled his phone out of his back pocket, checked the time. “Oops. I have to go. I want to stop by Sal’s and pick up Elissa’s latest craving—chocolate covered pretzels.”
“Good luck and thank you again for stopping by. I’ll make sure Mimi fills me in on the baby.”
There was no doubting the emotion or the love in Pete Finnegan’s expression when he said, “Thanks. I never imagined a wife and two kids, and now I can’t imagine my life without them.”
23
Hope would miss the friends she’d made in Magdalena. They were such a warmhearted, generous group. But there was a part of her that wondered if cities had their own brand of warmth and generosity if you were only open to it. She’d been closed to making friends and sharing her life for so many years thatshemight have been the one pushing others away.Shemight have been the one who would not accept friendship, generosity, or anything bordering on personal.
Her time in Magdalena had shown her what it meant to be a part of something larger than her own small world, one that consisted mostly of work. Not anymore. Yes, she’d continue to work for Southerfield and Associates, offer analysis and recommendations in a remote setting, but it would notbeher life. Small-town life suited her, and if Reunion Gap were anything like Magdalena, Hope could see herself moving there… Planting a garden… Joining a book club… Baking and cooking and sharing her food… Being a friend.
Still, she didn’t think there would ever be people quite like the residents of Magdalena. So many people had come to the Heart Sent to wish her well and say goodbye. Joyce Harringtonhugged her, whispered,My son cares about you, even if he’s too stubborn to admit it.When Edgar held out his arms and pulled her to him, his usually gruff voice turned soft.I hope to see you again, under happier circumstances.
We’re going to miss you, Hope.Harry Blacksworth’s blue eyes had filled with tears.You’re welcome here anytime. Don’t forget that.
I’ll send you pictures of the baby, and once we’re settled into feedings and diapers and everything else that makes us new parents, we’ll plan a visit to see you.Delilah Borado glowed with joy and love. She’d leaned in and hugged Hope.I’ll be thinking of you. Do not give up.
Pop Benito had handed her a recipe card.My personal pizzelle recipe. Give it a try. You can stay with the vanilla and don’t let anybody talk you into the anise.
Mimi said your pies are coming along. Glad to hear it.This from Phyllis who’d nodded and snapped her gum. The man next to her with the bootlace tie and cowboy boots was her husband, Lester Conroy. Tall, lean, totally devoted to his wife.Good luck to you, Hope. I wish you well.
Mimi flitted about the room as Lily Desantro helped serve lemonade and hibiscus tea. And the food? There were trays of cold cuts and cheese, rolls, chicken and beef sliders, roasted red pepper hummus, and three different salads. Lily’s mother, Miriam, made a going away cake that saidWe’ll miss you, Hope!There were sugar cookies, brownies, and homemade truffles. So much food…so many people…all here for Hope.
People spilled onto Mimi’s patio, the music low, laughter filtering through the house and into the backyard. It was thebestparty Hope had ever attended, and it was only missing one person.
I’m not talking to him until he apologizes to you.Lily had bit her bottom lip, sniffed.I won’t and I don’t care if he takes careof Cooper and says I make the best pizzelles other than Pop. I don’t care.
Oh, Lily. Don’t hold that inside or your heart will be too heavy and you won’t be able to relax and find the goodness in him, or in others. You’ll be too angry and I wouldn’t want that for you.
A nod, another sniff.I know. I know. Uncle Harry says he’s got a sad heart right now, but he has to use his brain to make it happy again.
Uncle Harry’s a smart man. Now, why don’t we cut the cake your mom made? I’ve been waiting all night to try it.
