Finn

By Jessie G

Nash's wanderlust sent him running once, but when he finds what he's been searching for in Finn, can he convince the single dad he's home for good?

 

At eighteen, Nash Galasso couldn't get out of Gaynor Beach fast enough. The seaside town was too confining, too nosy, and came with too many expectations. Quick visits kept his sandy roots alive, but no matter how many times his brother asked, Nash refused to be guilted into moving back. Not until a boating accident left his niece and nephew orphaned, and he was the only family left to raise them.

 

Finn Brody loved everything about living in a small town. The quaint community was close-knit and accepting, and when he got the chance to go to a prestigious university, he happily turned them down for community college and fatherhood. All he wanted was to give his son Sawyer the same childhood he enjoyed, and though Finn never expected to raise his son alone, he could only do that in Gaynor Beach.

 

In high school, they were acquaintances passing in the hall. When they meet again, Finn is the man to help Nash settle the estate. Their easy friendship is a bonus they both welcome, but it's their growing attraction that makes Nash realize that everything he's been searching for is waiting in the place he left.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessie G Books Inc.
• Release date: Apr 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201830816

Jessie G

Like many readers, I've dreamed of being a writer most of my life. Thanks to social media, I was able to follow my favorite authors and hoped to glean some words of wisdom as I pounded out half-formed ideas with alarming regularity. - Great writers read voraciously. - Great writers write every day. It doesn't matter if the muse is on break or the words are crap, write anyway. The first I had down pat. The second...there are days it's like pulling teeth, but I put words down. Even if I know I'm going to delete them later, there's always the chance that there might be a bloom among the weeds. With three series in the works and a full schedule of releases planned for the next two years, it's been amazing to have made this dream my reality. I am a firm believer in marriage equality, love at first sight, power dynamics, and happily ever after. I'm a lover of strong secondary characters and series filled with families—biological or chosen. All are themes you'll find throughout my books.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

NASH

DECEMBER

Nash’s first trip to Gaynor Beach General Hospital solidified his reputation as the family risk taker. The rule breaker who had no regard for anyone, including himself. Or so his father lamented.

He’d been hopping curbs on the hand-me-down Schwinn Tomas promised to give him for his upcoming birthday. By that technicality, the bike hadn’t been his yet, nor was it exactly safe. The handlebars were loose, and the chain had rusted over. There was a god-awful squeak when he braked and the tires needed air—all things his brother swore he would fix before the big party, but Nash was too excited to wait. Even now, he could remember the sense of freedom he got just from looking at that beat up, rusted over, death trap on two wheels.

Of course, it surprised no one when he went ass over handlebars except maybe old Mrs. Patterson, who hadn’t been able to stomp on the brakes fast enough to avoid hitting the body flying in front of her car. The ambulance ride to the hospital had been fuzzy, but Nash remembered waking up to Tomas hovering over his bed, looking both concerned and exasperated.

I was going to fix it for you! Why didn’t you wait? Older by six years, Tomas had always been protective of him. A built-in playmate, babysitter, and homework helper, Tomas had filled the gaps left behind by their hard-working fathers, including being there when his own stupidity earned him a broken arm and too many stitches to count.

He hadn’t thought about that day in so long, but as Nash strode through the doors of the emergency room, the memory hit him square in the gut. Of all his visits home for weddings, and births, and funerals, Nash never expected to be rushing to Tomas’s side like this.

Can I help you? A scowling nurse stopped him before he could push through the security doors.

I got a call that my brother and his husband were here. When she continued to block his path, he added, Tomas and Liam Galasso. They were in a boating accident and…

Nash trailed off as he tried to make sense of the change in her expression. The scowl eased into a perfectly blank mask, but not before he saw the flash of sympathy that could only mean one thing. Except it couldn’t be. There was no way. He was the risk taker, not his brother. He was the soldier, the one everyone feared would come home hurt or worse, not his brother.

There had to be a mistake. I want to see my brother.

I understand, Mr. Galasso, but… she trailed off with a quick shake of her head. If you’ll just take a seat, I’ll have the doctor come out and talk to you.

Do I look like I want to take a seat? Out here in the waiting room instead of by Tomas or Liam’s bed side? No. He absolutely didn’t want to do that any more than he wanted her to tip toe around the truth. Just tell me what happened.

I’m supposed to notify the doctor—

I don’t care. Nash didn’t want to yell at this woman who had the unfortunate luck to stop him, but he didn’t want to sit and stew either. He just wanted her to say it. Whatever it was, he needed to hear it out loud right this very second. It was the only way he could fix it. Tell me.

The nurse looked around, no doubt hoping for someone to intervene, and Nash felt the last of his patience shatter. He had raced over as soon as the call came in, for the first time glad the Army temporarily assigned him to Fort Conway instead of pissed that he was so close to his hometown. It had taken less than an hour, for fuck’s sake, and the officer who notified him said their injuries didn’t appear life threatening.

What changed in an hour? Please tell me.

Resigned, she squared her shoulders and began, Mr. Galasso, I’m sorry to inform you…

Her lips continued to move, the words easy to read and everything he feared, but Nash couldn’t hear anything over the rushing in his ears.

Tomas and Liam were dead.

Their injuries were too severe.

There was nothing we could do.

We’re so sorry for your loss.

How could everything change in an hour?

Uncle Nash! Tessa’s voice cut through noise, and he turned just in time to catch her as she barreled into him. Her trembling body burrowed against his for comfort, instantly transporting him back to the moment he met her right here in this very hospital.

Born a month earlier than expected, Tessa and her twin brother Tate were the tiniest babies he’d ever seen. So tiny, he could hold them together in his palms and still have room to spare. Seeing their little bodies in his too big, too rough hands had terrified him. Tomas had said that made him the perfect person to protect them, which sounded ridiculously optimistic given Nash’s history of walking away.

No longer preemies, they were teenagers who knew him as the cool uncle. The one who breezed in with presents and military stories, a hero they were proud to claim as family, yet a stranger in all the ways that mattered. His own knowledge of them came from the pictures and stories Tomas texted practically on the daily. Nash knew everything from when they slept through the night for the first time to their grades from last quarter. But he didn’t know them.

What they liked, what their dreams were, or how to help them through this unspeakable tragedy.

Where’s Tate? With one arm still secure around his niece, Nash turned to find his nephew a few feet away, shoulders hunched, and arms curled protectively around his waist. The boy watched them warily, his brown eyes swimming, and when Nash held out his free arm, he wasn’t surprised when Tate hesitated. He might have been the soldier they bragged to their friends about, but he had never been someone they could rely on, and they had no reason to believe he would be now.

Something cracked inside him when Tate finally lurched forward, a desperate sob falling from his lips as he crashed into them. With his arms full of all that remained of his family, Nash squeezed his eyes shut and searched for the strength his niece and nephew needed. He had faced enemies all over the world, was trained to handle high-stress situations, but nothing could have prepared him for this.

Tomas and Liam were dead.

The message was unmistakable and made absolutely no sense.

Both men were lifelong boaters, and they knew the cove better than anyone. Liam literally wrote the online Boater Safety course. The idea of them in a boating accident was absurd unless someone else was driving, which, knowing their standards, was highly unlikely. They were very picky about who they let at the helm, and even more cautious about going out on an unknown vessel.

Another boat had to be involved. One of those dumb fuck tourists who didn’t know their ass from the aft could have lost control and…

Mr. Galasso? A loud voice penetrated the chaos, the authoritative snap jolting him back to the present. It was the same tone his commanding office used to keep them focused on a mission. There’ll be time to process later. You need to do your job now. Your team is counting on you.

While he never let his team down, Nash had disappointed his family too many times in the past. He couldn’t do that to Tessa and Tate.

Are you Nash Galasso? the man demanded when he didn’t immediately respond.

Yeah, I am. I’m Nash Galasso. The scrubs, white coat, and weathered frown gave the man’s identity away without introduction and Nash forced himself to focus. Can you tell me what happened?

Of course. Why don’t we let Mr. Winters sit with the children while we talk? The doctor gestured to another man standing where Tate had been. Nash hadn’t noticed him approaching and wasn’t sure what to make of him. Awkward and hesitant, possibly unsure of his welcome, yet determined to push forward. He’s with—

Child services, Tate spat as he jerked out of Nash’s arms and spun around to huddle behind him. He’s going to put us in foster care now.

Did he tell you that? While he had never been quick to use his fists, Nash would make an exception if this bastard said such a thing to the twins. Why would you tell them that?

I didn’t! Winters took a hasty step back and wisely held his hands out defensively. I’m only here because they didn’t have anyone to sit with them while… While…

Our parents were dying! Face red, tears streaming, Tate screamed at the top of his lungs.

Heads turned. Winters had the grace to flinch. The doctor and nurse frowned in disapproval, as if the outburst were unseemly when Nash thought it was perfectly understandable. If he could have, he would have screamed too. Maybe punched something. Possibly one of them. Except he couldn’t. Because Tomas, his staunchest supporter even when he was running away, and the man who never asked for anything in return, needed him to step up for his children.

Tate and Tessa stay with me. Right now. Forever. He wasn’t sure how it would work, but he would fight anyone who dared to say otherwise.

Are you sure that’s wise? the doctor asked. Children shouldn’t hear…

They already know, he reminded with a glance at Tate. The details won’t make a difference.

He’d seen enough horrors in the world to know that wasn’t true. Still, he’d rather the doctor temper his explanation than let go of the twins for even a second. Whatever happened next, whatever changes he had to make in his own life, Nash had to prove to them they weren’t alone. That he would take care of them.

Respectfully, Mr. Galasso—

Mr. Winters, Nash talked over him. Logically, he knew the guy was just doing his job, and Nash didn’t envy him his position, but having him there, with all he represented, wasn’t helping. Thank you for sitting with the twins, but I’m here now and your services are no longer needed.

But—

Call Marcus Trainer. For the first time in his thirty-six years, Nash was grateful Tomas had followed all the family traditions. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have known the name of the attorney who could get this guy off his back. He’ll confirm that Tomas and Liam named me guardian in their absence.

He only knew because Tomas needed him to sign some documents to complete their estate plan. One of those ‘in the unlikely event’ deals meant to protect their house, the businesses and investments, and, of course, ensure the twins stayed with family. It was what good parents did, Tomas said, and it was just a formality. He and Liam weren’t going anywhere. They even chuckled over the idea of Nash becoming a fill-in parent and swore the kids would put all his military training to the test.

A formality that was now huddled around him, waiting for him to protect them.

The man bowed out with a warning glare. If Trainer didn’t confirm, Winters would come knocking on the door, but Nash wasn’t sure he could do much more than posture. Surely, the agencies that protected children would rather see them placed with family and not in the already overburdened foster system.

Tessa lifted her head and Tate slowly came around to stand beside him, the three of them watching until Winters disappeared. Only then did they turn their attention to the doctor, who looked like he wanted to be anywhere other than under the scrutiny of their gaze. Let’s go back to my office and talk.

With the twins holding onto him like a lifeline, Nash followed the doctor through the security doors and hoped he didn’t fail them.

CHAPTER 2

NASH

So, when are you leaving?

The question sounded overly loud in the quiet of the empty house in Willis Cove. A quiet that had followed them from the hospital, and that Nash hadn’t known how to break. Nothing he said would make this better for them or bring back the parents who had been loving and perfect and everything he wasn’t.

Nash knew Tomas was just as affected by their childhood as he was, more so as the oldest, but where Nash just wanted to get out, Tomas had been determined to prove he could do better. That he could be both professionally successful and a great parent. Liam, who had been left in the care of his grandmother as an infant and who never met either of his parents, was even more determined to do right by his own kids.

There was no way Nash could take their place, but he was all they had left. I’m not.

Tate slammed his backpack down on the kitchen island and whirled on him, eyes flashing with grief and anger. Liar! Even if you wanted to stay, and we know you don’t, the Army owns your ass.

The Army did in fact own him for another eighteen months and until that morning, Nash was seriously considering extending his service for another four years. He didn’t have to. Every reenlistment was a choice, though this one had been the most conflicting, and that was before he got the worst news of his life. He was nearing the twenty-year mark—a milestone when many took the slap on the back and the full benefits package, sent up a prayer of thanks for surviving, and began transitioning to civilian life.

For Nash, the prospect of retirement wasn’t appealing. He’d given all his adult life to the service, was grateful for the opportunity to expand his world, and proud of his part in protecting his country. But he hadn’t found personal fulfillment the way Tomas had. He was still restless, and he feared without the Army to focus that energy, he would never find what he was looking for.

If you leave… Tessa’s voice broke as she huddled against the wall, arms wrapped protectively around herself as she looked anywhere but at him. That man. The one from the hospital. He’ll take us, won’t he? Put us in some group home, maybe even split us up. Would you really let that happen?

No. Despite months—years—of indecision about his own life, this answer came easily. Tate and Tessa needed him to step into shoes that were entirely too large for him to fill, and while he didn’t blame them for their doubt, there was no other choice. Tomas believed he could do this, and Liam believed Tomas when he said Nash could do this. That if the worst happened, the twins would be safe with him.

Now that the worst was here, it was on him to prove himself and the twins wrong.

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