Page 152 of Winning Winnie’s Hand

Sure enough, his friend stood before him in the middle of the crowds.

“What the devil, man?” Matthew exclaimed, his heart instantly lifting. “What are you doing here?”

He moved forward, embracing his mate, though his armor didn’t allow him to do so as fully as he wished.

“What do you think I’m doing here?” Finn asked, his grin broad as he eyed Matthew up and down. “You’ve been talkin’ about how this festival was going to be a craic. I had to come see for meself. And, you know, I came to watch me mate make a fool of himself.”

Matthew’s smile faltered, his friend’s words hitting too close to home.

Finn paused. “Hey, listen. It was only a joke…”

But Matthew shook his head. “No, I know. It’s not that.”

Finn wasn’t often serious, but he’d always been able to read Matthew’s moods, responding accordingly every time. “What’s wrong? Your father?”

Again, Matthew shook his head. “No, I…You just came to the wrong festival. You’re going to be disappointed.” Just like the guests would be. Like his family would be. Like Dad would be.

Finn looked around him. “What are you on about? It looks incredible.”

“For now.”

Finn eyed him again, awaiting an explanation in silence.

“Winnie left,” Matthew stated. “She found another job to go to, so I’m on my own. Which means the festival has no hope. Just like last time.”

Finn stared for a minute, his face blank. “Catch yourself on, mate.”

Matthew blinked. “What?”

“You aren’t sad about the festival,” Finn continued. “You’re sad about your girl leavin’. So quit your gurnin’, get your act together, and pay attention to your wee event.”

Matthew stared. “Next time you’re going through something, remind me to come support you.”

Finn smiled broadly, then sobered as best as he could. “I am here to support you, mate. You’re not alone, no matter how you feel. And I’m here to help. Just like everyone else.”

His words settled on Matthew’s mind, filling his thoughts with the truth. Finn was right. Matthew wasn’t alone. Finn, himself, had come all that way to prove that fact. And his staff had sacrificed weeks out of their lives to show their support, while his family had been there to encourage him from day one.

So why did he still feel so low?

He didn’t need to wonder long as Winnie’s warm smile appeared in his mind’s eye.

“Winnie did so much for the festival,” Matthew explained. “I don’t even have the desire to joust anymore with her gone. I just…” He looked up at his friend, his voice lowering as they stood near the busy booths of the festival. “I liked her, Finn. I liked her a lot.”

Finn nodded, taking on a serious look. “I’m sorry for how things turned out. I really am. But, mate, you can’t give up on somethin’ you’ve loved doin’ for years. You just need to grasp the nettle and move on, least for the evenin’. After that, the two of us can commiserate together the proper way—over a couple o’ pints. Of ice cream, mind. Just like the women do.”

Matthew gave a short laugh. “I might need something more effective than ice cream.”

“All right. Gelato. But that’s as far as I’ll take it.”

Matthew smiled again, his mood picking up just enough to give him a nudge forward. “Thanks, Finn. For coming and for chatting.”

“Ah, no bother. Now tell me what I can do to help.” He rubbed his hands together, motioning to Matthew’s armor. “Maybe I can get into one o’ these wee suits. Imagine the ladies ’round me then.”

But Matthew shook his head. “Naw. You’ve got to earn the right to wear one of these. You’ll start as my esquire.”

“And what do they do?”

Matthew motioned to the jousting area, leading the way forward for them both. “Clean up the dung from my horse.”