Page 89 of The Complication with the Best Man

“Remember when you doubted yourself?”

My smile grows a little more as I nod.

“So… this is the part where you tell me I was right.”

I smack him on the arm. “Open the door so I can get in. I’m chilly.” I wrap my arms around myself, laughing.

Finn seems to notice for the first time that I’m not wearing my coat. “Where’s your coat?”

“I gave it to the husband to apply pressure to his wife’s head wound.”

Finn’s smile is blinding as he opens the car door for me.

We make our way to see my aunt, who tells us that everything looks great with the baby. And after getting her to print out a million pictures for us to take with us, Finn takes me home before he returns to the station.

Maven keeps me company all night. I try not to make it obvious that I’m missing Finn, but when he comes in the next morning, and I’m still sleeping, he wakes me up in the best way possible.

* * *

Two weeks later,my entire family cheers from the audience as I walk across the stage to accept Lake Starlight’s Medal for Good as a result of my quick thinking and action. Turns out I did save that woman’s life, who I now know is Shirley Jackson from neighboring Greywall. Her husband nominated me after the doctor at the hospital told him that Shirley wouldn’t be alive today if I hadn’t started CPR right away.

At first the idea of accepting an award for it felt silly, but as I stand next to the mayor, smiling and getting my picture taken, I only feel pride.

Not in a smug way, but now I know that even though I’m nervous about becoming a mother, I’m confident I’ll be able to handle whatever is thrown my way. No more second-guessing myself, no more waiting for me to screw it up. Mistakes will happen, but not because I’m not capable, just because that’s life.

When the photographer tells me he’s got what he needs, Finn is at the stairs, waiting to help me down the steps because he’s overbearing in the best way.

“You looked good up there. I can’t wait to get you alone later,” he murmurs into my ear.

I don’t have a chance to respond before the rest of my family is upon us, and I move from one set of arms to another until I end up with my brother standing in front of me.

“I’m proud of you, sis.” He pulls me into a hug, squeezing tightly.

When we separate, I give him the once-over. “What’s gotten into you, E?”

“What? I can’t be proud of my sister?”

“Of course you can, but the hug was a little much.” I squeeze his shoulder, so he knows I’m joking.

He pushes a hand through his hair. “I’ve been thinking about what you said about living in my shadow growing up ever since we talked about it. I never really thought about it. About what it might have been like for you.”

“Oh god, are you going to make me have another heart-to-heart? Didn’t we already reach our quota with one this year?”

He chuckles. “I just want to say I’m sorry if I ever did anything to make it more difficult for you.”

I shake my head. “You didn’t. It is what it is, E. You were a good student, and I wasn’t. That’s not your fault. You were an amazing ball player. I’m happy about that, happy for all your success. I’ve come to realize that all my hangups were my own. I just had to get out of my own way.”

He shoves his hands in his pockets. “You sure?”

I nod. “I’m sure. Now give me one last hug before you go back to being my annoying older brother.”

He does as I request, and I have to work to hold in my tears. Happy tears this time.

Lately, I feel as though there’s just so damn much to be happy about.

forty-three

FINN

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