Page 75 of The Complication with the Best Man

“We want to get up there to meet Harper,” my mom says.

“Okay, I’m sure she’d like that. Let me know when you think you can swing it.”

I nod, knowing that it won’t be until the baby is almost due since skiing season starts in a couple months, and there’s so much to do to prepare. Then once the resort opens, there won’t be a second to spare.

“We will. Oh, Finn, you’re going to be a dad.” She pats my cheek. “You’re going to make a great father.”

I take her hand on my cheek and grip it, pulling it down between us. “Only because I learned from the best.”

That sets her off crying again until a couple of minutes later when she’s laughing at herself. “Look at me. Such a mess. I promise I’ll stop now.”

I chuckle. “Okay, Mom.” I shove my hands in my pockets. “Well, I’d better get going. Long drive ahead of me.”

We both laugh. That’s putting it mildly. According to my GPS, it’s about seventy-five hours of driving, with most of it going through Canada.

I lock up and give the keys to Mom, who said she’ll make sure my landlord gets them, then we walk over to the truck where my dad is waiting for us. After another hug and round of tears from my mom, I’m pulling away from the town I thought my life would play out in.

Whoever said life is full of surprises wasn’t kidding.

thirty

FINN

Stopped in Quebec for the night.

Did you have poutine?

I did in fact. It was delish.

Did I wake you?

I wish. I’ve had trouble sleeping so I’m still up.

Everything okay with the baby?

Yeah, it’s not the pregnancy keeping me up.

A lot on your mind?

You mostly.

I know the feeling.

thirty-one

HARPER

How’s the drive today?

Good. Just stopping for something to eat by Lake Superior. Going to try and get a few more hours of driving in today before I call it quits.

Don’t drive if you’re too tired.

Aw, are you worried about me?

Just practicing for when this little one arrives. ;)

How are you feeling?

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