Only Mine (Fool's Gold #4)(82)

“You love him,” Nevada murmured. “Did I see this before?”

“No, because I didn’t want to admit it to myself.” Love? Dakota told herself not to be surprised. Considering the man in question, it was probably inevitable.

Love. She turned the concept over in her mind and found that it fit. She loved him. No doubt she had for a long time.

“It will be an unconventional happy ending,” she told her sisters and her mother. “I won’t get the guy, but I’ll get everything else. That’s going to be enough for me.”

They moved toward her as one, embracing her and holding her close. She felt their love wash over her and through her, strengthening her. There were people who had to go through much worse situations alone. She was lucky. She had her family, and they had her.

FINN CHECKED the cargo manifest against the boxes he loaded. It was a good day to fly. The winds were light, the sky was clear and he was going to Reno. Sure, it was a turnaround trip, with him on the ground less than an hour, but it was always interesting to fly somewhere he’d never been.

He was enjoying the airspace of the West Coast. The weather was more predictable, and there were a lot more airports to be had. Even moderately sized communities like Bakersfield lay sprawled in all directions. There were people everywhere, little towns and big cities. Instead of dodging mountains and arctic storms, he had to find his way through commercial flight paths in the wake of a 757 jetliner. Different challenges, same thrill.

Flying was in his blood. He couldn’t escape it, and he didn’t want to. He regretted that neither of his brothers were as interested, but he accepted it. He wouldn’t have wanted to be pushed into some other career.

He finished the paperwork and started toward the office. If he got back early enough, he could take a second trip that day. That would make Hamilton happy. The old coot reminded Finn of his grandfather. Both men were smart entrepreneurs, patient with honest mistakes and unfailingly generous. They were men from another time.

“Finn?”

He stopped and turned. Sasha was walking across the tarmac. His younger brother had been voted off the show the previous night. Given what he and Lani had admitted on camera, it wasn’t a surprise that viewers had been disappointed in them and wanted them gone.

He’d wondered if Sasha would be disappointed. Now as he watched his brother approach, he recognized the other man’s excitement. Sasha had good news.

Finn knew without being told that Sasha was not going back to South Salmon. Even so, he paused and waited for his brother to speak.

“Did you see the show?” Sasha asked, sounding more happy than sad. “I can’t believe we got caught like that. We’ve been so careful.” He shrugged and grinned. “I guess not careful enough.”

“You don’t sound upset.”

“I’m going to L.A. I got a call this morning from an agent. One of his assistants has been watching the show and she thinks I’m really hot.” The grin broadened. “Hot is good. So he wants me to come down to L.A. We’re going to talk. He already has a few ideas of where he’s going to send me. There is a show looking to replace an ongoing character and a small part in a movie.”

Sasha kept talking, going on about how he and Lani were driving down that afternoon. She knew of a cheap apartment where they could stay. It seemed she, too, had an audition and interested agent.

Finn knew it was time to let go. Sasha no longer belonged in South Salmon. His brother needed to be other places.

“This is what I really want,” Sasha told him earnestly. “I know you’re disappointed.”

“A little,” Finn admitted. “But not surprised. You’ve been heading in this direction for a while.”

“That almost sounds like you’re not mad.”

“I’m not. I won’t say I didn’t wish this had turned out differently. I would rather you finish college. But you have to make your own decisions and live with the consequences. I hope this turns out for the best. I hope you get to be on TV or in a movie.”

“Thanks!” Sasha sounded both happy and surprised. “I thought you’d be furious.”

“You wore me down, kid.” Finn pulled his wallet out of his back pocket and counted out the money he’d withdrawn from his account that morning. “Here’s three hundred dollars and a check for a thousand more. Get yourself a decent place to live. Try to eat regularly.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Sasha admitted, taking the money. “I really appreciate this. It’s gonna make a big difference.”

“Your brother is going back to college. The money is still there, in your education fund. If you decide to go back, you’ll be able to finish whenever you want.”

Sasha’s mouth twisted. “You’re the best brother a guy could have. I know I’ve been a pain. It wasn’t on purpose.”

Finn felt his throat tighten. “Most of the time it was.”

Sasha laughed. “Maybe fifty percent.” His humor faded. “You did a good job with us. Mom and Dad would be proud. I have a plan. You can stop worrying about me.”

“That’s not going to happen, but I’m ready to let you go.”

They moved toward each other at the same time. There was some back slapping and a brief hug. About as much emotion as either of them were comfortable with. Then Sasha put the money in his pocket, waved and walked away.