Page 13 of The Beach Hut on Plum Island
“I’ll take this,” Jennifer suggested, and Caroline nodded. “Finn, as I regard you as my other older brother, please know when I say this, it’s with love.”
“A whole lot of love,” Caroline echoed Jennifer’s words. “You and Liam are the best big brothers we could’ve hoped for.”
Finn leaned his elbows on his desk as he looked from one woman to the other. “I’m listening,” he said.
“When someone says or does something you feel is not to your particular tastes,” Jennifer began, “instead of keeping an open mind or trying to see their side of things—“
“You become either a complete jerk or just laugh it off without even listening,” Caroline finished for Jennifer.
“Now, who’s being the bull in the China shop here?” Jennifer threw her arms in the air. “I thought we strategized before coming here.”
“Well, you started it with your blurt,” Caroline reasoned. “So I thought we were sticking to that tactic.”
“Please stop!” Finn banged his desk, making Caroline and Jennifer jump and stop arguing. “I hear what you’re saying.” He kept his voice calm. “And I appreciate the feedback on my personality flaws.”
“Uh-oh!” Jennifer and Caroline said in unison.
“No,” Finn shook his head. “I’m not angry. I’ve considered what you said, and I’m keeping calm.”
“This can’t be good,” Tucker’s voice came from the door, and Finn’s head shot up to see his son and daughter standing there staring at him curiously.
“What are you two doing here?” Finn asked, his heart jolting. “How long have the two of you been standing there?”
“Long enough to know that what Aunt Jennifer and Aunt Caroline said is true,” Maggie told him.
“And to know that when you do that thing you’re doing now,” Tucker pointed out, “that you’re about to refuse to help Harriet.”
“We like Harriet,” Maggie said.
“I’m sorry, kids, but this is anadultconversation,“ Finn told them. “Tucker, please take your sister and help her get ready for ice skating.”
“No!” Maggie stood her ground, folding her arms across her chest. “This affects us too.”
“She’s not wrong,” Caroline said, turning to look at Finn. “Even though Maggie and Tucker may be in the Hamptons for the next few weeks, it’s still good that they know.”
“No!” Finn said adamantly, shaking his head. “There is nothing for my kids to know because there is no way I’m going to be Harriet’s fake fiancé.” He ran a hand through his hair. “What on earth does she even need a fake fiancé for?” He threw his hands in the air. “She’s a beautiful and intelligent woman. I’m sure she can get herself a real one.”
“Not in time for Alex and Daniella’s wedding party,” Caroline told him.
“Then find her a date,” Finn suggested, clicking his fingers. “What about online dating?”
“Are you online dating?” Jennifer asked him.
“What?” Finn looked at Jennifer as if she’d grown two heads. “No! I’m not on the market, or whatever it is people say these days.”
“He’s a minster,” Maggie told Jennifer and Caroline.
“Do you mean a minister?” Finn looked at his daughter, confused.
“Nope, I think she means a male spinster,” Jennifer told him, getting a high five from Maggie.
“Great!” Finn flopped back against his chair. “Is this what the two of you came here for?” He shook his head in disbelief. “To ask me to pretend to be Harriet’s fiancé?”
“Yup.” Jennifer and Caroline said together.
“Only we hoped that we’d find the kind, caring Finn at home today,” Caroline said. “Not this…” She circled her hand in the air in Finn’s direction. “Mister monster with no heart.”
“I like that,” Maggie said to Caroline.
