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.”

strong to taste. But it packs a punch later on, so

and probably aren’t aware of how

and showboating, Finnegan lightly tapped his head, reprimanding, “You should realize that Mr. Sanchez’s homemade wine isn’t something you can compare to those

time, Finnegan. It really hurt! And by the way,

III

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that seem a

the sidelines, couldn’t help but giggle. “Considering Finnegan is my grandfather’s master, I think we

roles. I definitely don’t want to be called Finnegan’s

room, effectively marking

dinner.

want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Finnegan and everyone present here tonight for joining us in celebrating my

her father, Nancy continued, “Dad, although I only came to live with you when I was nine, and you weren’t a part of my earliest childhood memories, you’ve always been the dad I cherished the most. After Mom passed away, you single-handedly raised me for twelve years,

my gratitude for all that you’ve done for me!” With that, Nancy raised her glass and emptied it in one

eyes shimmered with a hint of moisture, noticeably redder than usual. “You, my dear, should drink less of this; it packs a punch later on. And really, it’s me who owes you thanks. You’ve taught me so

then joined in the toast, emptying his glass in one

the corners of his slightly wet eyes, complained, “Do we have to get so emotional? Now you’ve

lightened as

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

table’s atmosphere gradually shifted from the earlier sentimentality to a more jovial tone. Everyone

Bennett’s warning, the pineapple wine, though delightful to sip, had a potent kick.

a full glass, soon appeared slightly tipsy, on

seasoned drinker, was visibly affected, his face flushed and sweating lightly,

at you, all grown up and changing your