A Healer’s Journey (Finnegan and Nuthana)

Chapter 271 Casanova

“Everyone’s hard work is appreciated, but it’s just a birthday, after all. Nancy, let’s not do this again, okay? Everyone’s really busy, and I’m not too fussed about birthdays!” Bennett remarked as he and Nancy joined the rest of the party at the riverside pavilion.

Bennett looked resigned, gently chiding Nancy.

Rhiannon interjected, “Mr. Sanchez, Nancy’s gesture is her way of showing her respect and love. Please don’t be too hard on her. Plus, we have to dine anyway. Getting to celebrate your birthday while enjoying the great meal you’ve prepared is a treat for us all.”

Shaun and the others, despite this being their first encounter with Bennett, echoed this sentiment respectfully.

Bennett, with a reluctant smile, said, “Well, if everyone insists. Give me a moment, I’ll bring out my three- year-old pineapple wine for you all to try.”

As Bennett turned and noticed Finnegan, he nodded in acknowledgment before walking away.

Finnegan, taking a seat, queried, “Nancy, is this the first time you’ve celebrated your dad’s birthday?”

Nancy explained, “Dad’s never told me his birthday, and he avoids the question whenever I ask. I’ve never celebrated it before! I only found out today because I stumbled upon his ID while doing laundry. Otherwise, he probably would’ve never told me.”

This elicited a laughter from Shaun, who remarked, “It’s not unusual. I always forget my parents’ and grandparents’ birthdays until the last minute.”

“That’s pretty cold, man. I always remember my family’s birthdays. It’s a good chance to act nice and score some extra pocket money!” Zephyr chimed in.

Their banter continued until Bennett reappeared with a clay pot.

The chatter subsided as he placed the pot down and broke its wax seal. A tantalizing scent of pineapple and alcohol filled the air. “Brewed this three years ago,” Bennett explained. “Used almost ripe pineapples and double-distilled corn wine. By now, it should be smooth with a slightly sour, sweet undertone.”

Shaun sniffed the aroma. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think this was some kind of fruit juice.”

and not too strong to taste. But it packs a punch later

declared, “Mr. Sanchez, don’t worry about us. You’re meeting us for the first time and probably aren’t aware of

tapped his head, reprimanding, “You should realize

really hurt! And by the way, we all address him respectfully as ‘Mr. Sanchez. When you call him

III

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gap. Doesn’t that seem a

Finnegan is my grandfather’s master, I think

their roles. I definitely don’t

caused uproarious laughter throughout the room, effectively

dinner.

tonight for joining us in celebrating my father’s birthday.

Mom passed away, you single-handedly raised me for twelve years, sparing no effort to

this toast to you, Dad, as a gesture of my gratitude for all that you’ve done for me!” With that, Nancy raised her glass and emptied

later on. And really, it’s me who owes you thanks. You’ve taught me so much about

then joined in the toast, emptying his glass in one swift

of his slightly wet eyes, complained, “Do we have to get so emotional?

lightened as everyone laughed.

clapped his hands, signaling the start of the meal. “Let’s dig in. The pork chop and duck confit are best

tone. Everyone picked

wine, though delightful to

full glass, soon appeared slightly tipsy, on the verge of dozing off.

affected, his face flushed and sweating lightly, a testament to the strength of

slapped Finnegan’s shoulder and slurred, “Finnegan, remember when you were little? You used to tag along after my sister, vowing to marry her. You even made her pinky swear not to change for a hundred years. Now look at you,