Mike tried to shrug away the unwanted attention, but Bridget’s husband took one look at Mike and gave an exaggerated frown. “Is he looking blue or is he just not getting enough sleep? I remember our early days, love, and we were very energetic back then.”

Mike scowled. There were times when being part of a big, nosy Irish family was a pain in the ass.

Bridget snapped a bar towel at her husband. “You make it sound like it was fifty years ago. It’s not like we’ve stopped being energetic. Maybe not quite as often, but with the baby—”

Finn grabbed her and planted a long, fervent kiss on her mouth. “T’wasn’t lookin’ to sound sulky, babe. Our love life is perfect as it is. I’m just saying in those first few months, we were very busy with each other.”

“I can’t argue that,” she chuckled, cupping his face with her hands and kissing him back. “I gotta get back to the kitchen.” She gestured at Mike. “Fix him, okay? He’s bringing down the vibe in here tonight.”

Finn turned to Mike, but he shook his head. “Don’t, okay? I’m fine. I’ve got a lot on my mind, but I’ll put on my smile for the customers.” To prove it, he turned to greet a couple of young women and take their order, giving them his best smile and exchanging easy banter as he prepared their drinks. He’d been bartending here on and off since he was in college. He understood the assignment.

“Good work,” Finn said. “But I’d still like to know what’s on your mind.” Finn’s gaze went to the other side of the bar. “Oh, hey Logan, Father Joe.”

Mike breathed a quiet prayer of thanks for the distraction. His agitation was pulsing right under his skin today, and he didn’t think talking it out was going to make it any better.

Finn had already begun to pour two Guinnesses for Logan Taggart and Father Joseph Gough, pastor of St. Vincent’s Church in Rendezvous Falls. The priest knew almost everyone in town and loved sharing his wisdom with anyone who’d listen. And the town adored the man who, like Finn, was from Ireland. Joe’s brogue was a bit softer than Finn’s, as he’d been in the US much longer.

“It’s a fine evening, lads.” Joe nodded in thanks as Finn slid his beer toward him. He lifted the glass in a toast. “May the good Lord bless you, and may you all be in Heaven half an hour before the devil knows yer dead.”