The Skinny on Finny, an epilogue to the Up Finny’s Nose Series

The final book in the Up Finny’s Nose series elicited a great response from readers. Though it would have been nice to bring those characters through another few books, it was not to be. Since many folks requested more details about Ruth Budge and her life, here is a brief epilogue. Enjoy, dear readers, and thank you for coming along with me to Finny.

                Ruth and Monk celebrated the birth of their twins, a boy and girl. The babies, though underweight, were healthy, a blessing considering their mother almost drowned just before they arrived. Monk and Ruth settled into the glorious and generally overwhelming job of becoming late in life parents. At last notice, they were babyproofing the house with Alva’s assistance.

                Ruth’s son Bryce recovered from his head injury and settled in Finny. He became the manager for Monk’s Catering, and under his leadership the business thrived, allowing Monk to stay home more with his budding family. Bryce eventually developed a deep affection for Dimple and her daughter Cootchie. He proved to be a gentle father figure to Cootchie and there is talk of a double wedding in the near future for Bryce, Dimple and another dear couple.

                Bobby and Jack are to be married in the fall. Bobby has not yet found a position as a park ranger close enough to Finny to suit her, so she helps out at Monk’s Catering and lends a hand with the twins. Jack remains in charge of the Finny Police Department. His son Paul has made great strides to overcome his selective mutism and Jack hopes for a full recovery.

                And Alva? What happens to the irrepressible octogenarian newspaper boy? He is the self appointed “ninny”  to the twins and longs for the day he can introduce them to the wonders of the candy world. He still delivers the Finny Times and treads on Maude’s primroses whenever the opportunity presents itself.