Page 60 of Saving Veronica
“Oh,” Finn said.
“And how do you know our Miss Parker?” Professor Graham asked.
“I’m Finn Larson. I met her for the first time in an elevator at work, then a week later Major and I were the ones to find her at the bottom of that ravine.”
“Oh my,” Edna said. “Harold came home and told me about that, I’m so glad you’ve recovered.”
“Thank you. Finn actually broke his ankle rescuing me, and he had to have surgery also. If it wasn’t for him and Major, I wouldn’t be here now.”
Before things could get out of hand, a man came up to them, and Finn did a double take and burst out laughing. “Grandpa, what are you dressed as?”
“A dog walker.” Eric grinned, as he looked at Major then at Andy. “I’m taking dogs out to do their business. Would you like me to take this little cutie?”
“Sure,” Harold said. As soon as he left, he leaned in and looked at them in shock. “Are you telling me that the man walking my dog is Eric Larson? The founder and owner of The Larson Foundation?”
“Yep.” Finn laughed. “Ever since I returned from Afghanistan with Major, he takes him out almost every two hours. If I can’t find Major in my office, I call up and find him in Grandpa’s office.”
“Seems like he needs one of his own.”
Finn looked around and leaned in when he didn’t see Eric anywhere. “Major just hooked up with Molly.” He pointed to a group of people approaching with a dog that looked just like Major. “She’s due in a few weeks. I get first pick, and I’m giving it to Grandpa.”
“Don’t you think he should pick out the one he wants?” Ronnie frowned at him.
“I guess so,” Finn said, and they welcomed the newcomers.
“Wow, you look a hell of a lot better than the last time I saw you,” Norm said to Ronnie, and leaned in and gave her a one-arm hug. “I hate to say this, I think you were taller on the scooter.”
Ronnie laughed and hugged him back. “So how’s the little Mama?” she asked, as she dropped to a knee and checked Molly out. She checked out what Molly was wearing and grinned up at Norm. “Very original.” She indicated the leather vest and the spiked collar.
“Biker chic.” He grinned. They all shared a laugh and Norm turned to the people with him. “You remember my wife, Patty? And these are my in-laws Max and Carole Foster.”
Finn was standing next to Patch, and had to quickly reach out and catch him as his knees buckled. He watched the two older people look at Patch from head to toe, then Finn, and then over to Ronnie.
“You okay?” Finn whispered to his best friend.
“Yeah, but wait for it.”
“Max, Carole, this little lady is Ronnie Parker, she’s the one we told you about that was in that accident last summer. Next to her in the camo with the bird on his shoulder is Finn Larson, and that’s his dog Major. He’s Molly’s babies’ Daddy.” Norm grinned when Ronnie snorted. “And next to Finn, dressed as a doctor, and I have to say it’s not very original, is Patch. AKA Douglas Atwal.”
Finn watched as the older couple whipped around and stared hard at Patch, then Carole sucked in her breath and put the tips of her fingers to her mouth as the tears fell unheeded down her face.
“Dougie?” Carole asked in shock.
“What? Where?” Max demanded, as he looked at his wife, then looked at Patch. It took him a little longer than his wife, but finally, he looked at Patch in shock. “Oh my god,” he said, and hurried forward and pulled him into a hug. It was so hard that Finn actually winced. When Max stood back, he actually took Patch’s chin in his hand, and brought his head down and ran a finger over his hairline. “Still have the scar Patty gave you.”
“Yep. God, it’s so good to see you after all this time,” Patch said, then turned to Carole and held out his arms, then she hurried into them, and cried on his chest. The others looked at each other and slowly turned, but stayed close. But they gave them privacy as the three of them caught up. The others moved away and Finn found himself alone in a small bubble with Ronnie.
“So, now that we both can drive, how about going out on that date?” He studied her face the expressions flashing in her eyes surprised him, but he was a patient man, so he waited for her response.
Ronnie studied the man who stood before her tall and proud. The more she stared at him, the more she liked him. She knew who he was. He was a Larson, but not once in the few times they met had he tried to lord his money over her. Against her better judgement, she exhaled, turned her head to the side, and studied him further. She didn’t answer him until she saw him quirk his brow at her.
“I don’t have a lot of free time on my hands. I have the farm, school, and I work weekends for Grady.”
“I’m not asking you to give up your life for me.” Finn frowned at her. “All I’m asking is if you’d like to go out to dinner with me.”
“Fine,” Ronnie sighed, and shook her head. “I can pencil you in for next Saturday. That’s my only free time.”
“Great.” Finn beamed his approval and pulled his phone. “Give me your number and I’ll call you during the week.”
