Maggie let out a surprised sound. She knit her brows together. “What? Why would Uncle Tobias have placed such a condition on his bequest?”
Finn ran his hand over his face. “I think he was worried about it being too much for you. He knew you’d been through a lot, having lost your husband last year and being a single mother. I believe he thought he would be making things better for you by giving you someone to help out with everything.” Finn let out a ragged sigh. “And I know he was trying to help me. It’s pretty humbling. Frankly, this couldn’t have materialized at a better time for me. He knew that I needed an infusion of cash to buy into my brother’s aviation business.”
“That was Uncle Tobias’s way, wasn’t it? Even as a kid I remember all the times he tried to help Mama.” She twisted her mouth. “She went from relationship to relationship, marriage to marriage—dragging me with her all across the country. Bless him. Uncle Tobias tried his best to turn things around for us, but it didn’t work.”
“He was a good man. And an even better friend.” Finn missed Tobias more than mere words could convey. There hadn’t been many people in his life who’d believed in him without reservation. It was because of his encouragement that Finn had approached Declan about becoming a partner in O’Rourke Charters. And now, thanks to Tobias’s generosity, his long-held dream was within reach.
“I appreciate all of Uncle Tobias’s efforts on our behalf,” Maggie said. “To be perfectly honest, I’m going to need all the help I can get so Keepsakes can open as soon as possible.” She made a tutting sound. “Leave it to Uncle Tobias to realize I couldn’t do it all on my own.”
“He believed in you. I know that for a fact,” Finn said. “He said it all the time.”
“Thanks for saying so. I don’t ever want to let him down,” Maggie said. “I want to do everything in my power to make Keepsakes successful.”
“And I know you’re looking for someone to watch your son while you’re getting the shop up and running.”
Maggie nodded. “Yes, I am. Do you happen to know of someone? I’m racing against the clock to find a reliable caregiver.”
“I understand,” Finn said, stroking his chin. “It’s hard to focus on Keepsakes with an energetic six-year-old running around.”
“If you know of anyone reliable to watch Oliver I’d be very grateful. As you can see, he’s a sweet boy. A little high-spirited, but a good kid.”
Finn cleared his throat. He shifted from one foot to the other. “Well, actually, I do know of someone.”
Maggie’s face lit up like sunshine. “You do? That’s wonderful. Who is it? Maybe I can interview them tomorrow.”
He gazed directly into Maggie’s eyes, hoping she would see his sincerity. “It’s me, Maggie. I could help watch Oliver.”
* * *
Maggie wasn’t certain she’d heard Finn correctly. “Did you say that you want the job? As Oliver’s babysitter?”
“Yes,” he said with a nod. “Not permanently or anything. I just figured since I’m already going to be helping you out at Keepsakes I could watch Oliver after he gets off from school. That way you would still be able to take care of business at the store and I would still technically be fulfilling the conditions of the will. I’d still be helping you with the store during the hours before Oliver gets out of school.”
Maggie’s head was spinning. Finn had thrown her a curveball. Although she knew Finn, so many years had passed by since they had truly known one another.
“What experience do you have with watching children?” she asked, wondering how she could let him down easy without hurting his feelings. She had never imagined hiring a man to watch her son. Finn didn’t strike her as a babysitter.
“Not a lot really,” Finn confessed. “But I used to be a head counselor at an overnight camp and I watch Cameron’s daughter, Emma, from time to time. I’m honest and fun loving.” Finn grinned. “Kids really like me. Just ask Hazel or Jasper. They can vouch for me.”
She tugged at her shirt. “Well, that’s all fine and good, but I need a qualified professional to watch my son while I’m working.”
“Need being the operative word, Maggie. You’re in a bind. Truthfully, so am I. I need to fulfill the terms of Tobias’s will so I can partner up with my brother. That means we have to get Keepsakes in tip-top shape so it can open up as soon as is humanly possible. Working with your son underfoot could be problematic. This could be a mutually beneficial situation.”
Maggie locked gazes with Finn. “I appreciate your offer, but I don’t think it would work out.”
He narrowed his gaze. “And why is that, Maggie? When you think about it, it’s perfect. You’ve known me since we were kids. I’m not the bogeyman. Oliver already knows me. And he likes me. I’m trustworthy. You and your son’s lives were in my hands when I flew you here from Anchorage. Surely you can see that?”
Suddenly, Maggie felt annoyed at Finn for putting her on the spot like this. “It isn’t about liking or not liking someone. Yes, that’s important, but I need to find someone who’s a good fit overall.”
“I know you probably think a woman’s touch is best, but you’re wrong. Oliver could benefit from spending time with a man. It’s written all over him.”
Maggie bristled. Who did Finn think he was to tell her what her son needed? “Oliver is fine,” she said
