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Ignoring her son’s pout, Maggie got in the driver’s seat and revved the engine. Oliver was becoming entirely too enamored with Finn. Perhaps she needed to sit him down for a little talk about their friendship. Oliver wasn’t shy about telling her he wanted her to find him a forever father. It wasn’t too much of a leap for Oliver to imagine Finn in that role.

Lord, please protect my son. His heart is as wide and open as the great outdoors. I don’t want him to get his feelings hurt. He’s already been through so much.

As she drove home, Finn’s words played back in her mind. I’m doing perfectly fine all by myself.

Maggie didn’t know why it bothered her so much to have overheard Finn’s harsh-sounding words directed at Mr. Pendergast. It wasn’t any of her business if he wasn’t a proponent of the town mayor’s matchmaking program. To be honest, neither was she. So what if he didn’t want a wife and kids? It really didn’t concern her. Finn was her friend, not a prospective mate. Because she felt so comfortable around him and she knew Oliver loved him, Maggie had allowed Finn a place in her life that wasn’t strictly in the friendship zone.

If she was being really honest with herself, there was chemistry between her and Finn. The extensive amount of time she’d been spending in Finn’s company had created a bond between them. But Maggie wasn’t looking for love. She was seeking stability and a solid foundation. Although Oliver wanted a father, Maggie didn’t need a man to help her give Oliver a bright future. She was fully capable of doing it on her own.

Finn had made things crystal clear about his wants and needs. He didn’t need to spell it out any further. Finn liked having a solitary life. And he wasn’t interested in changing. For the first time Maggie realized Finn had layers like an onion. On the surface he was jovial and full of zest, but underneath he was struggling with something. Maggie was certain of it. She knew from her own experience what it looked like when a person was keeping secrets.

Maggie had her own problems to deal with as a single mother making a new life for herself. Although Finn was a good friend, it wasn’t her place to try to solve his issues. She already had her hands full trying to make sure Oliver was healthy and happy. The wounds from Sam’s death were still so fresh.

When they arrived home, Finn carried the tree into the house, with a little assistance from Oliver. Maggie couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her son carrying the tail end of the tree. He really wanted to be a mini version of Finn.

Once inside the house, Maggie directed Finn and Oliver toward the living room. Finn placed the tree in the tree stand right in front of their big bay window. She knew it would look spectacular when it was fully decked out with ornaments, lights and a shiny gold star on top. She could imagine it all, including gaily wrapped presents sitting under the tree.

“Thanks for helping us pick a tree, Finn,” Oliver said with a wide grin. “And you were right. You are the best tree hunter in town. Maybe in all of Alaska.”

“Thanks, kiddo,” Finn said. “It was a real honor to be asked to join you and your mother. Finding the perfect Christmas tree is epic. You made my day!”

“You made mine too. It wouldn’t have been half as fun without you.” Oliver looked up at him. “I know you’re super busy, but I really want to go flying with you.”

The wistful tone in Oliver’s voice made Maggie weak in the knees. One word from Finn and her son would be crushed. She found herself holding her breath. Please, Finn, she prayed. Don’t break his heart.

“We can go on Saturday morning, bright and early.” He locked gazes with Maggie. “Does that sound all right?”

There was no way in the world Maggie could say no, even if she’d wanted to. Oliver was looking at her with an expression of such hope shining forth in his eyes. “Sounds like a plan. I’ll head into the store and set up the window display while you boys have your adventure.”

Oliver let out a roar of approval. “This is the best day ever!” he yelled.

“I think it’s time to head upstairs so you can get ready for a bath and bedtime. Say good-night to Finn,” Maggie instructed.

“’Night, Finn,” Oliver said, looking up at him with a shy expression etched on his face.

“See you later, gator,” Finn said, tousling Oliver’s hair.

“In a while, crocodile,” Oliver shouted out as he raced toward the stairs.

Once they were alone, Finn walked over toward her. His hands were stuffed in his pockets and he had a sheepish expression etched on his face.

“About what you overheard back there at the tree stand,” Finn began. “I don’t want you to think I’m against people finding love or anything. I think it’s great. And I’m not against Jasper’s program. It’s just not for me.”

Maggie held up her hands. “You don’t need to explain anything to me. I hope you don’t think I would judge you for your opinions.”

Finn quirked his mouth. “Maggie, I’m a single guy in a town full of bachelors who are all tripping over themselves to find a woman to settle down with.” He shook his head. “I’m a bit of an anomaly.”

“Glad to see nothing’s changed since we were kids,” Maggie teased. “You always were an outlier.”

“That’s a nice way of putting it.” Finn chuckled. “Good night, Mags. I’ll see you a

t the shop tomorrow.”

Maggie saw Finn to the door and waved as he drove off into the dark Alaskan night. As soon as she shut the door, she leaned against it and pondered the events of the last few hours. Despite the slight tension at the Christmas tree stand, it had been an enjoyable evening, full of laughter, fellowship and discoveries. Oliver had thoroughly enjoyed himself with Finn. And Maggie had felt grateful for adult companionship.

If Maggie’s past hadn’t been filled with heartache and betrayal, she might be in a position to test the waters. Based on her research, Operation Love was a resounding success. Even Finn’s own brother had found love through the program with Annie, who ran the Free Library in town. According to Ruby, Annie had come to Love in order to run the new library, then fallen in love with Declan O’Rourke, the pilot who had flown her to town. And her new friend Grace had met the sheriff of Love, Boone Prescott, through Jasper’s matchmaking program as well. The list of successful matches was quite lengthy.

She’d heard so many romantic stories about Operation Love and people finding their true north. The truth was, Maggie was no longer looking for a fairy tale. She would be content to raise Oliver in a house filled with love and faith. She’d had her one love in a lifetime. Before everything had gone so horribly wrong, she and Sam had been a love story. Over time their marriage had buckled under the strain, but they had been a love match when they’d pledged forever to one another. Despite what people said, Maggie wasn’t sure a person got two bites of the apple.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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