Page 107 of With This Ring

“Fine. You plant, and I’ll talk.” Hudson slipped his hands into his pockets. “I’m here to apologize.”

Shane continued digging a hole, his jaw set in stone.

“I was completely out of line, and I’m sorry. I never should have butted into your plans with my sister. I had no right to treat you as if you weren’t good enough for Layla. Your work is important. There’s so much to be said for working hard all day and seeing the fruits of your labor.”

“Is that right?” Shane tented his hand over his forehead and glared at Hudson. “You believe that working outside all day has as much merit as sitting in a cushy office ordering your employees around?” His tone was acid-laced.

“Yes, I do.”

Shane stood his shovel upright and propped an elbow on its handle. “And how did you come to that conclusion, Mr. Manhattan?”

“I worked for my friend’s construction company. He helped me remember that manual labor, building something tangible, is rewarding.”

Shane shook his head. “You’re some piece of work.”

“What do you mean?”

“You only came out here to tell me what you think I want to hear in order to clear the air with your sister.” Shane pointed to the road again, and rage flared in his eyes. “Do us both a favor and get out of here.”

“I’m not done, please.” Hudson hedged to gather his thoughts. “My sister loves you, and she’s crushed that you canceled the wedding. I’m here to grovel and beg for your forgiveness—and if you can’t forgive me, at least forgive Layla.”

Shane glared at him. “Why should I listen to you?” He ground out the words.

“Look, Shane. You and Layla belong together, and I need to stop running her life.” Hudson explained how he’d always felt responsible for Layla after their parents died, but he took his responsibility too far. “I was afraid to trust Layla to make her own decisions, and now I see how wrong I was. She’s a mature young woman who’s ready to live her life, and she wants a life with you.” He cleared his throat. “I messed up, and I’m here to ask you to please forgive me.”

Shane lifted his ball cap, wiped his hand over his forehead, and set the hat back on his head. “It’s not that simple.”

“Itisthat simple,” Hudson insisted. “I promise I’ll stay out of your lives. I won’t give you my opinion or advice unless you ask for it. And I promise I’ll stop trying to pay for everything. I understand now how thoughtless and arrogant I’ve been.”

Shane kicked a stone with the toe of his shoe. “I don’t think she’ll take me back after everything I said.”

“Shane,” Hudson began, “my sister loves you and wants you back. Please just return her calls. Don’t let me stand in the way.” He turned and started across the grass toward his SUV.

“Hey, Hudson!”

Hudson pivoted to face him.

“Thanks, man,” Shane said.

He waved and climbed back into the driver’s seat. While he drove back toward the Airbnb, his thoughts turned to Dakota. Though the two of them had likely missed their chance, he wanted to make things right with her anyway.

Maybe there was no path forward.

And yet his soul craved her.

A seed of hope took root in his heart.

But first he had to get his life in order.

Chapter 25

Two weeks later on a Saturday afternoon, Hudson paced outside the parlor at the church. Life had zoomed by as he’d gotten his affairs settled. He touched the pocket inside his tuxedo jacket to make sure his surprise for Dakota was still tucked away in there, and his pulse quickened. He couldn’t wait to put the rest of his plan into action, but first he had to walk his baby sister down the aisle.

The parlor door opened and Aunt Trudy appeared, dabbing her eyes with a tissue. “She’s the most stunning bride I’ve ever seen. She looks just like Daphne.”

Hudson’s heart squeezed at the sound of his mother’s name.

“Come see her, Hud.” His aunt beckoned him to enter the parlor.