Page 58 of The Beach Hut on Plum Island
Finn’s emotions churned as he processed Harriet’s words. With a single sentence, she had gracefully offered him an escape from their elaborate charade. Yet, the gravity of her words also instilled a profound sense of responsibility within him. If he chose to walk away, he wasn’t just turning his back on their ruse but potentially on the livelihoods of millions on Joyce Isles—people whose lives depended on the survival of their primary economic lifeline, the olive groves. This wasn’t merely about money; it was about ensuring a community could continue to thrive.
“Alright, Harriet,” Finn finally said, the decision firm in his voice despite the quiver of apprehension. “I’ll do it.” He managed a tentative smile, one that Harriet returned with a mix of relief and admiration. “But I do have to add that I now know why your grandfather wanted you to be queen.” He shook his head. “You just have a way of swaying people toward you without having to shove or even nudge them.”
“It’s a superpower.” Harriet grinned. “But really, thank you, Finn.” All teasing fell for her eyes, and her expression turned serious once again. “I know I carry on about giving up my title and getting annoyed at all the pomp and ceremony, rules, and so on that it brings. But I care deeply about Joyce Isles. While I might have been born in America, and I love this country too, Joyce Isles is also a big part of me, and I’d do anything to protect the people in it.”
Finn didn’t think it was possible, but his admiration for her grew even more. He also now understood the weight she and herbrother bore every day. Even while Harriet may have been living a quiet life on Plum Island, she still bore the burden of an entire nation on the other side of the world. Harriet knew that should anything happen to her brother, until her nephew was ready to take the throne, the people of Joyce Isles would turn to her for guidance and leadership. While Harriet fought with wanting to drop her title and responsibilities, she knew deep down that it wasn’t really an option until the next generation of Joyces came along.
Finn also knew he was in more trouble than he let on because he was hopelessly in love with a rebel princess with a heart of pure gold, a will of iron, and absolutely no self-preservation whatsoever. He gave an inward sigh as he stared at her.
“I know.” Finn nodded.
A thought struck him, and he decided this was a unique opportunity for him to get a little leeway with her. Finn knew that trying to openly look like he was protecting her would not end well. He thought of poor Murphy and the lynx. He’d seen firsthand the many times she’d gotten the better of poor Alex, and he had no doubt she’d find a way to wiggle out of anything he tried.
His eyes narrowed as a smile lifted the side of her mouth. But Harriet was passionate about helping and wanting to save her people. Finn didn’t feel proud of himself for using that as leverage, but he also didn’t want her to put herself in danger. Something in his gut was telling him that things were going to get rough after they’d gotten the land. He remembered the threats Estelle had made and her agenda.
“What about Estelle?” Finn asked. “She’s not going to be too happy when we swoop in and steal her land.”
“I don’t think she even knows how bad things are for the Gladstones,” Harriet told him, and he saw a light in her eyes thathe was beginning to realize meant she’d come up with an idea. “Leave her and Gloria Gladstone to my uncle and me.”
“Are you going to tell him about Estelle?” Finn asked.
“I am.” Harriet nodded. “I know I’ve asked a lot of you already.” She looked at him. “But we have to ensure thateveryonebelieves we’re engaged for real.“ She swallowed. “Because we need to cover everything, all our bases or anything that anyone could use to try and blackmail us again. This isn’t just about us securing a property. It’s about us taking the Gladstones home and livelihood.”
“Something they kinda let slide,” Finn pointed out.
“That wasn’t Gloria’s fault,” Harriet said, empathy for the woman shining in her eyes. “And neither was it Estelle’s.”
Finn couldn’t help it. He reached out and pulled her to him. His lips found hers, and to his delight, she responded, her arms winding around his neck to draw him closer. Soon, the bathroom disappeared until there were only the two of them.
“Uh… umm.” A cough from the doorway made the world come crashing back in.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Titus said. “But you were gone for quite a while and …” His cheeks were slightly red. “I’m sorry to spoil your romantic moment, but I need an answer so we can map out a plan.”
“I’m sorry, Your Majesty.” Finn gently pushed Harriet away, saying respectfully, “Harriet and I have something we need to tell you.”
Harriet’s eyes widened as she looked at Finn, panic filling them. He gave her a reassuring smile.
“Finn, what are you doing?” Harriet said beneath her breath.
“Harriet, I love you,” Finn told her. “I’m not just saying that; I mean it. You take my breath away every time I look at you. You have the most amazing heart. You are loyal, kind, caring, and the list just goes on and on.” He swallowed as he stared intoher shocked eyes. “And if you were queen, you wouldn’t be one to just sit up on a throne and order her army into battle. I fully believe you’d be the one on the front lines leading them while still ensuring no man was left behind.”
“I hear that,” Titus said, agreeing with Finn. “And I couldn’t have said it better.” He glanced from Harriet to Titus. “But I’m not sure what it’s got to do with our problem.”
“Finn…” Harriet was staring at him in confusion.
“Sir… Your Majesty,” Finn took Harriet’s hand. “You may want to have our heads or whatever it is royalty does these days with people who try to lie to a king.”
“Finn!” Harriet’s eyes widened as it dawned on her what he was about to do. “I didn’t mean we should do this!”
He ignored her, knowing he was probably risking both their lives or something dire, but what Harriet said was true. They couldn’t risk anyone finding out their engagement was a farce that would only give someone like Estelle or even Leon leverage over them. They also couldn’t put their friends, who all knew their engagement was a farce, at risk. Finn and Harriet needed to make it real, even if only the two of them knew it wasn’t. Well, at least to her, it wasn’t.
“I’m sorry, Harriet, but what began as a farce to help you grew into something real,” Finn stated, hoping she’d at least pretend to be in love with him, too. “And if we’re going to do this, I want to make it real.”
“I…” Harriet’s eyes flashed with emotion as she stared at him, not knowing what to say.
“What are you trying to say, Finn?” Titus looked from Finn to Harriet.
“That our engagement was a ruse,” Finn told him and saw Titus’s eyes narrow.
