Seal the Deal (1Night Stand Series) Read online

  He followed the staff-only path to a few steps then followed the screams and bustle of panic to an open doorway. Propped up in bed, with her frantic mother and calm Anne at her side, she sat. His first love and his last straw.

  “Rowena, crap. You haven’t changed a tinniest bit.”

  “Finn, did you remember tae turn the alarm back on? It’s vital you locked up, if anyone broke in and got their hands on prescription pads, it’d be my job on the line,” Anne probed, her nostrils flaring.

  “Uh-huh. Code worked perfectly, and the doctor’s office is locked up all safe and sound.” Although Anne’s shrill tone warned him, he couldn’t draw his gaze away from the woman who ruined him. Not because he still loved her, but because she reminded him of who he became in his dark days…the reason he was banished to the ocean.

  His ex screamed blue murder, but her smirk reminded him how she enjoyed being fussed over. Anne’s glare bounced from him to Rowena. He clenched his teeth and leaned against the wall all casual like. He couldn’t have her thinking Rowena affected him in form. “Rowena, how’ve you been?”

  Anne glanced up, her eyes wide and her lips pursed. “I guess she means more tae you than you let on?”

  “We were over long ago. The only feeling I have for Rowena is resentment.”

  Bethany cocked a hip. “I expected better of you, Finn.”

  “This really has nothing to do with you, Bethany, so why don’t you take care of your daughter and leave my love life be.” Finn raked a hand through his hair and exhaled his frustration. No way out of the awkward situation appeared. He had nothing.

  “My girl isn’t an angel, I know. Most folks around here do, but to flaunt your new woman here under the same roof as the broken heart you left behind to work overseas. Well….” She tsked and rolled her eyes in a way only a judgmental mother could.

  “What?” Anne slanted her eyes. “Finn, you said she left you.”

  “Poor Anne doesn’t know she’s dating a perpetual liar,” Rowena scoffed, her sickly wide grin reaching Finn’s last nerve.

  “Why?” He slammed his palms against the wall and huffed. “Why would you say such a thing?”

  Rowena cast him a sly wink, then screamed. “It hurts so bad, Mama.”

  Bethany scowled. “This is your fault, Finn.”

  “How the hell is this my fault? Rowena, what have you been telling everyone?” Racing to Anne’s side, he reached for her hand.

  “When you left, she became desperate to find love again.” Bethany glared at him.

  “Bethany, don’t you remember our wedding day?” He couldn’t believe the whack of lies her daughter had fed her. He resented Rowena all the more now, stealing precious time, perhaps the last few hours he had with legs, better spent with Anne.

  “I remember my Rowena in tears, yes, of course I do. You can’t talk your way out of this. You ditched my daughter on her wedding day.”

  “Don’t be stupid, Bethany. It doesn’t suit you. Think back. I was there, at the church. But where was Rowena? Nowhere in sight, that’s where.”

  “I cried into my veil at home, all brokenhearted, you bastard.” Rowena sent her hand flying toward Fin’s cheek.

  Anne caught her arm before she made contact. “All this upset isn’t good for you.” She grabbed her bag Finn had delivered and reached for the stethoscope, refusing to meet his gaze. “Seems you haven’t been telling me the whole truth, Finn Kneale.”

  “Rowena’s the one lying. I don’t know what she’s been saying, but she’s the one who left me at the altar. While I waited for her, Billy MacMeer had his head under her wedding dress. He was bloody quick to tell me so, too.”

  Bethany cocked her head. “Billy? No, not possible. He’s bad news, and she knows it.”

  “Mother, he’s the father of my baby.”

  “Knocked up because of a no-mark? I don’t believe it, did you really ditch this lovely man for that traveler trash? Christ, girl, when are you going to learn?”

  “It’s true, mama. I couldn’t tell you the truth. I know how much you loved Finn. I’m stupid, so stupid. I lost something really great that day. Oh, Finn, I really did…do love you. Can you ever forgive me? Give us a second chance? We could be a family. A really happy family.” Rowenna patted her tummy and fluttered her eyelashes. Apparently, she thought he was born yesterday. Hilarious.

  Finn shook his head. “Not if you were the last woman in the Port.”

  “You’re upsetting Rowena.” His Scottish Anne scowled at him.

  Finn threw his arms up. “Unbelievable.”

  Anne placed the stethoscope on Rowena’s tummy and moved it around.

  “Shush,” she huffed. “All this noise and fuss can’t be good for the baby.” Her expression changed. Her brow furrowed. “Have you bled at all since the pain started?”

  “No. Well, maybe a little.”

  “I’m going tae recommend you see a doctor ASAP.” Anne moved around the bed and engaged in a hushed conversation with Bethany.

  Finn leaned forward to read their lips.

  “I can’t find the baby’s heartbeat, and I’m pretty limited with what I can do at this moment. She needs an ultra sound at the hospital, immediately.”

  “You can’t do one at the surgery?”

  Anne shook her head. “The nearest facility is in Castletown hospital. Want me tae call ahead for you? Let them know you’re on the way?”

  Rowena threw the blanket over her stomach. “No hospital.”

  “But...”

  “Rowena, you have to go.” Finn moved around the bed. No matter how much hurt she’d caused him, instinct kicked in. He didn’t want to see her go through this much pain. And to think she might have lost the baby. How awful for the poor lass.

  “Rowena, you really do need tae go tae a hospital and get yourself examined properly. You never know what could be going on. Maybe my equipment isn’t working.”

  Anne lied; her equipment worked just fine.

  “I don’t want you two coming, though. I’ve been so selfish. Finn, can you forgive me?” She fluttered her eyelashes, her ulterior motive transparent. Act nice, worm her way back into his heart.

  “If you’re holding on to the hope I could fall back in love with you, you’re sadly mistaken.”

  “We were young. Mistakes happen.”

  “Maybe fate’s way of saying you weren’t meant to be together?” Anne offered.

  “More like she’s been dumped and doesn’t want to be a single mother.”

  His ex buried her face in her hands and sobbed.

  “I’ll give you some privacy tae talk things through. Finn, I’ll be in our room.” Anne scurried away before Finn could stop her.

  He pivoted and spat at Rowena, “I forgive you and I wish you and your baby well, but I’ve got to go after Anne.”

  Rowena glanced up, and sniffled. “I’m so sorry, Finn. Please, tell Anne I want a wedding invite when you two get hitched.”

  “Married? Us two? At this point, it’s not likely, thanks to you.” He raced after his Scottish beauty. A wall of press greeted him, and an actor he recognized from movies. Grant Hughes.

  Chapter Eleven

  Anne spotted Finn, his mouth pursed and his eyes filled with fire. She weaved through the mob and film crew and grabbed him, pulling him into the kitchen.

  “The hotel is riddled with bodyguards, cameramen, and groupies. The press is interviewing everyone they can get their hands on, so, what’s the plan?”

  “Anne, you have to believe me, she means nothing to me. Rowena is in my past, you are my future.”

  “Didn’t you hear me? We’re surrounded by the press.”

  “Who cares about the press?” He grabbed her shoulders and shook her. “I’m concerned she’s miscarried, but I’m not going back to her. Not ever. I’ve been telling you all night, Scottish Anne. Fate wants to us have a happy ever after together, and so do I. In such a short time, it’s a miracle, but I do love you. I do.”

  “Okay, we’ve e
stablished you don’t still love her.”

  “I feel sorry for her, but nothing more. Now let’s make our way out of here. The sun will be up soon, and I’d like you to meet my parents.”

  “Great, yes, out of here. How do you propose we do that with reporters everywhere?”

  “My mum makes a great breakfast, and besides, she knew your grandfather. Maybe she’s got photos. She’s a memory hoarder.”

  “Sounds great, now ’bout escaping from this madness?”

  “How about we make a run for it?”

  “I can’t be clobbered for an interview, Finn. They’re asking questions for a documentary on Hughes’ life. They want to know about his one true love and Sereanna’s illegitimate child, which he believes to be his.”

  “Sounds interesting.”

  “Glad you think so, because Sereanna is my biological mother. I’m ninety-nine percent sure of it. Which makes Grant Hughes my father. Please, Finn, get me out of here? I thought I’d want tae talk tae him, but I’m afraid.”

  “Don’t be scared, Anne, I’ll protect you.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and bussed her forehead. “You’ll be okay.”

  “Finn, I can’t, I really can’t.”

  “If Sereanna had a baby with Hughes, and you’re that baby, it means—”

  “Yes, he cheated on his now late wife. Hence why my mum didn’t keep me.”

  “What makes you think you’re Sereanna’s?”

  “Now’s not the time. I’ve got to get out of here! Please, Finn.”

  “I may not have a later, so if you want my help, please explain.”

  “I’m the only baby tae have ever been adopted out of Port St. Mary. Sereanna’s the only woman tae have given away her baby here. That’s pretty much as straight forward as it can be. Now can we go?”

  “Wow, maybe you should meet your father while he’s here then.” Finn dragged her toward the din of the cameramen and onlookers.

  Squeezing out of his grasp, Anne spat, “He didn’t want me then, and the only reason he might want me now is tae make money and tae use our story tae gain a rise in his career. A nice little scandal for the media tae get their hands on. No thanks. Now are you going tae help me or what?”

  “If you’re sure, then I suggest we take the fire escape from the supply cupboard.”

  “I’m not even going tae ask how you know such a thing.”

  “No, probably best you don’t. Let’s mark it down to a misspent youth and leave it at that.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Finn entwined his fingers between Anne’s and raced down the stairs, the steel grating clunking beneath his step, then paused on the lowest platform and leaned against the rusted railing.

  Heart heavy, shoulders slumped, he didn’t want to face the truth. “I must return to the sea, soon, Anne.”

  Clinging to his arm, she snuggled into him. “It’s ridiculous I’m expected tae love you after one night. It’s not fair.”

  “When you see the gray-spotted seal from your office window, I hope you’ll think of me. Perhaps if I ever get the chance to try again, your heart will love me by then?”

  “Finn!” She pushed him away. “I dinnae love you at this minute, but I…I care very much for you, and you’re being so mean, talking like this. You won’t go back, you won’t. I can’t let you.”

  Her passion wormed its way into his soul and left a painful ache. She was right. He couldn’t give up on her, not until the last second. Think, Finn. Think.

  Her desperation to make him stay kept him holding on, convinced him she was the one for him. His one true love. He wouldn’t lose hope, not yet. Perhaps at the last minute, when his time was up, she would realize her love for him. Or maybe his parents would know how to help her see how she really felt about him. “Come with me to my parents’ house. I want you to meet them.” He hopped to the concrete several inches below, and then helped her off the steel steps.

  With the sun almost ready to rise, he had to hurry to get her to the farmhouse before time ran out. They’d know what to do. What to say. And they probably had photos of her family, her mother, too. Now that was something she had to see before he flipped back to the sea. Mum and Dad would love her, would go out of their way to take care of her if Finn couldn’t be around to do so. He had to get her home.

  He searched for something to aid a speedy journey. Golf cart. It’d have to do. He hopped in but Anne stared at him, hands on hips.

  “I’m scared, Finn. Scared I’ll break down and cry if I have tae watch you change. We should say our good-byes now. I had a lovely time. Let’s meet again. Call me.” She pivoted and slunk toward the winding exit driveway leading to the promenade.

  “Get your bottom in this here cart now, Anne Ward. Do as you are told.”

  She shook her head and continued walking away. “No one tells me what tae do.”

  “Then you leave me no choice.” He raced around the cart, threw her over his shoulder, then sat her in it and fastened her in.

  “Let me go. Let me go!”

  “Blimey, you have one hell of a set of lungs on you. If you’re not careful, the ruckus will attract some media attention.”

  “Then let me go.”

  “Stop being stubborn and selfish. Please, stay with me for a little longer.” Revving up the cart as fast as it could go, he drove down the promenade, past the wee park with monkey bars and swings, and over the cliff’s edge meadows. She pouted the whole way there.

  Finally, he drove up the drive to his parents’ home.

  They awaited on the porch, huddled together on a bench with a tartan blanket over their knees.

  “Son, it’s okay. Everything will be okay.” His mother stood and offered a warm smile.

  “No, it won’t. I’m cursed to spend a lifetime in the freezing ocean, alone, loveless.”

  “Have faith in destiny. She knows what she’s doing.”

  The orange edge of the sun peeked over the horizon.

  “It’s almost eight. Oh dear. Son, take her inside. A cup of tea is what’s needed here, then we’ll figure out what to do.”

  He turned to Anne, her scorn burning him. “I’m sorry.”

  “For?”

  “Having a crazy on you, for spoiling our perfect night. But I had to get you here before I changed back. I wanted, oh, I don’t know what I wanted. Anne, I’m desperate, to spend the last hour of my land time among the people I love. That includes you now.”

  “Come, dear, this way. My husband will make a cuppa.”

  “Hi, lass. I’m William. This here is Emily. Nice to meet you.” He held out his arm, impressing Finn with the warmth he offered his Anne. Her facial expression softened as she took his hand.

  “Nice tae meet you, sir.”

  “Call me Bill, lass.”

  He ushered her to his usual spot, the huge armchair directly in front of the fire.

  Finn gaped. “No one else gets to sit in his lounger. Not even my mother.”

  “Never mind that, son. Fetch your sealskin. You’ll need it for the change.”

  “I don’t mean tae sound ignorant to the selkie ways, but if he doesn’t have his skin, will he still be able tae change?” Anne asked, twisting her hands in her lap.

  “It makes the process easier, lass, less painful.”

  “You doubt the myth? I can see it in your eyes.” His mother patted him on the shoulder, but directed her comment to his Anne.

  “I don’t doubt it for a minute,” she retorted.

  “Then why don’t you save him. Tell him you love him so we don’t have to lose him?”

  “Mrs. Kneale, I...I....” A picture on the mantel caught her attention, and she stood. “This is my grandfather.” She took the framed image and cradled it, running her thumb over the face of the man in the picture.

  “You must be Sereanna’s girl? Blimey, yes, I should have seen it in you. You look like her.”

  “I do?”

  “You do, except she had glowing red hair down to her waist.” />
  “Told you they might have known your mother.” Finn crossed his arms, proud of his accomplishment. At least his time on land had meant something, changed Anne’s life forever, even if he’d be banished back to the sea. His time wasn’t wasted. Not if it meant Anne discovered more about her family.

  His mother shuffled to her bedroom and returned a few seconds later with the huge family photograph album. “See, you and my son, you were meant for each other, both cursed by the ocean.”

  He stumbled back. “What do you mean?”

  “If she’s Sereanna’s daughter, she’s of the ocean, too, son.”

  “No, can’t be. She’s a midwife. Firmly rooted on land not sea.”

  “My curse came from my mother? All this time, I suspected, imagined, wondered if it was the Isle or her.”

  His mother flipped through the book, stopping at a collection of images he’d seen before, a gathering to celebrate his first birthday. A woman similar to his Anne cradled a tot in her arms, a warm smile shining in her adoring eyes as she gazed down at the child.

  “Is that her?”

  “Yes,” his mother confirmed. “This party was the last time we saw her bonny baby girl. It’s lovely to see you again, Anne. I always knew Madame Evangeline could work miracles, but this is something else.

  “Back then, you were called Opaline. I guess your adoptive family changed your name?”

  Anne nodded. “On my birth certificate, Opaline Anne is my given name. I’m confused, though. Does this mean everyone knew she was a mermaid?”

  “No love, only those closest to her. Myself, Bill here, and her family. Having the ocean in common, our families were close, united almost, as one family. You were like a niece to us.”

  “You’re a mermaid? All this time, Anne, and you didn’t say anything?”

  “It’s true, Finn. I found out when I moved here. I’ve been staying away from the ocean, scared I might turn and never be human again. I hate the shift, just hate it. But the freedom the sea can offer when things get too much, well, it makes it all worthwhile.”

  “You mean you can shift at will?”

  “Aye. Since being on the Isle. Never before then. I always had this unnatural fear of water, so I guess, well, it kept me from finding out sooner.”