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Colleen shot Ryan an icy glare.
“There’s one more brother who hasn’t spoken. He’s our unofficial brother, and my best friend,” Sean said, his head held high.
“I don’t need to give a toast,” Finn muttered, glancing around at the expectant faces. The last thing he wanted was to have the spotlight on him.
Sean leaned in close and pointed a finger at Finn. “Yes. You do.”
Finn glanced up to see Brian wrapping his arms around Colleen’s waist. She deftly pulled away, choosing instead to stand with her brothers. This subtle rejection kindled a spark of hope in him. Maybe she wasn’t so enamored with her rich boyfriend as he’d believed. Her expression was pensive as she waited for Finn to begin.
“Let me see.” Finn scratched his jaw, considering what each of the brothers had said. “Patience, fortitude, and justice. It’s impossible to top that list, so I won’t even try.”
A few chuckles traveled through the room.
“Jimmy Murphy wasn’t my father by birth.” He paused to consider his mother. Her eyes glowed with emotion as she gave him a subtle nod of encouragement. “He made me feel welcome in the Murphy home. He listened and paid attention to me as my own father never would.”
He took a moment to gather his thoughts. “Integrity. It’s no secret what my father has done. He built his real estate fortune on lies and deceit. He even stooped low enough to betray his longtime friend, Jimmy Murphy.”
“As a historian, Jimmy was fascinated by tales of medieval knights and chivalry.My favorite stories were those about people doing the right thing, even if it’s the hardest thing to do. I think of Jimmy every day because I get the opportunity to do the right thing and fight for families who don't have the ability to fight for themselves.”
Finn lifted his head. “I want to thank Eileen and her children. Your father was proud of each and every one of you.”
He caught Colleen’s eye just as Brian whispered something in her ear. Colleen shook her head, and Brian crossed his arms over his chest.
Interesting. There was definitely some friction between those two. “To Jimmy Murphy,” Finn said, raising his glass in a toast, keeping his eyes on Colleen.
Applause and cheers broke out and then the music was back on.
“Enough with the serious talk,” Uncle Quinn shouted over the thumping beat of a familiar Marvin Gaye song.
With a whoop, Sean grabbed Colleen and they danced together in the living room. Colleen threw her head back laughing as Sean twirled her to a song they had choreographed together during one of Finn’s visits. Ryan swooped in and did a less polished version of Sean’s dancing. Aidan was last and gave it his best shot while Colleen tried to help him count out the rhythm.
With a final spin, Aidan brought Colleen back to Brian, who waved them off as he took an incoming call. Sean gave Finn a shove. “You know this routine. Go for it.”
Colleen frowned as Brian slipped outside with his phone to his ear. The music continued and the guests shouted for them to dance together.
Finn took Colleen in his arms, but she turned her head away.
“Your boyfriend doesn’t appreciate how much you like to dance, but I do.”
“You’re an asshole,” Colleen said, glaring at him as he spun her around the room, holding her close, doing the same steps as Sean.
“Maybe I am. But I know you love this song as much as your dad. Come on. Dance with me.” He brought her hand up to his chest, intertwining their fingers. She still wore the same light floral perfume as the last night he’d seen her, and he had a pang of remorse for all the years that had slipped away. Colleen’s tension relaxed as they danced, and for a fleeting moment, her eyes were focused only on him. He spun her around a few times, catching her again in his arms. He never wanted to let her go.
But all too soon, the song ended. Finn took Colleen’s hand and pressed his lips against her fingers. He wanted to make this moment last as long as possible. With a final soft kiss on her hand, he lifted his eyes to hers and smiled. “Thanks for the dance.”
“You’re welcome,” she muttered, slowly taking her hand away, her cheeks flushed a lovely shade of pink. With a fleeting smile, she left the room.
CHAPTER 4
COLLEEN
It was cooler on the patio, but there were too many people milling about. Laughter and music followed her outside. She couldn’t shake off the sensation of being held in Finn’s arms, especially when he pulled her close to his strong chest. And the kiss on her hand was totally unexpected. She hadn’t blushed like that in years. The warmth of his lips remained on her hand. Brian was her boyfriend and she should feel guilty, but she didn’t. He’d been detached from her lately, paying more attention to his phone the entire day.
Across the pool, Justin and Lucy were talking with a few of Colleen’s cousins. Lucy waved her over, but Colleen shook her head, opting to look for Brian instead.
A redheaded toddler stumbled by and almost fell. “Take it easy, Erin,” Colleen said, catching her by the hand.
Caitlin, her cousin, scooped her daughter up in her arms. “Thanks, Colleen. How are you doing?”
