Page 111 of With This Ring
“Thanks.” He reached into his pocket. “I have something for you. Hold out your hand.”
She did as she was told, and he set something cold and metal into her palm. She looked down and found an “I Heart NY” magnet. She laughed and looked up at him. “What’s this for?”
“I told you I think of you every time I see a rack of magnets. My business partner had arranged for movers to bring the rest of my stuff here, and I asked him to pick this up and send it too.”
“I love it.”And I will cherish this for the rest of my life. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He turned toward the doorway leading to the reception hall. “Did you break up with that guy—I mean, Parker?”
“We broke up a while ago. We were never exclusive.”
He looked relieved, which surprised her.
“Is this goodbye?”
His brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“This.” She motioned between them. “Are you going to tell me goodbye and that you’re leaving for some faraway place and a fancy new job?” Her breath paused, and she prayed he’d say no.
“I don’t plan to.”
“Wait.” She held her hand up. “Did you say your business partner arranged for movers to bring your stuff down to you?”
“That’s right.”
“You’re staying here?” She pointed downward.
“Yup.”
“Why? How?” She shook her head. “I don’t understand.”
He smiled. “I’ve spent the past two weeks tying up loose ends. I wanted to make sure I was settled here before I told you how I feel.” He hesitated. “I had a lot to work through. I realized I’ve been running away from my grief for a long time, including the past seven years. First I lost my parents, and then I lost you. I was so afraid of losing Layla that I tried to control her—almost driving her away in the process.
“After you and I last talked, your words finally took root. I’ve been running away like a coward. I made things right with my sister and Shane. Then I asked Darren how he’d feel if he went to Bahrain without me. I can consult from here, which works just fine for him. I’m helping him get the company in shape so we can sell it, but I’ll do it remotely. I’m also working on some software upgrades for Gavin’s construction company, and I have an idea for another business to start here in Flowering Grove, helping mom-and-pop shops with their business operations.”
He paused and took a deep breath. “Aside from that, I’ve spent the last couple of weeks making sure Layla and Shane understand that I support them and want to be part of their lives. Then I sent for my things and made a ridiculous offer on the Airbnb.” He chuckled. “I mean, I offered a lot more than it’s worth, and the owners happily accepted. I’m closing on the house in a couple weeks, and then we’ll officially be neighbors.”
Happiness rolled through her. “You’re really staying here in Flowering Grove for good?”
“Yes, I am.” He cupped his hand to her cheek, and she leaned into his warm touch. “Dakota, I never got over you. You’re the love of my life, and if I could, I would go back in time and tell you that you mean more to me than money and my career ever did. I wish I had run after you and made it clear I wanted you more than a career. I’m sorry I was too focused on the wrong things and too afraid of losing you all over again. But I can’t go back in time. I can only look forward.”
She sucked in a breath. “It’s not only your fault, Hud. I should have told you how I felt. I could have gone with you and opened a business in New York instead of telling you it was over.”
“Dakota, it’s okay. That’s the past, and we can’t change it. But the truth is that I still love you, and I would do anything to have you back in my life.”
She sniffed. “I love you too, Hud.”
His eyes sparkled with unshed tears. “I fixated on work because I didn’t want to be like my dad, jumping from job to job and moving around a lot. But now that my family is secure, I need a new purpose—and I’ve found it. My purpose is to build a life for myself. And I want to plant roots here because Flowering Grove is my home.”
Dakota set her magnet on a small table beside them, and Hudson took her hands in his. “Someone told me that if I found my true love, I needed to hold on to her, since love is a precious thing.” He moved his fingers over the backs of her hands. “I was selfish when we were younger and blinded by so much. If you’ll give me a chance, I want to try again. I promise I won’t be stubborn or selfish this time. I’ll put you first.”
“I’ll do the same.” Her words were strained. “I’ve been stubborn and selfish too. I was too stubborn to tell you I wanted you to stay, and lately I’ve been so stubborn I nearly lost my niece, my business, and my house.” She sniffed. “I even went and opened a bridal boutique without admitting to myself that I knew nothing about running a business.”
Her voice faltered, her mouth turning to cotton. “But the worst thing I ever did was not tell you what I wanted when you said you were going to New York City. If I had been honest with you, we could have made it work. I’m so sorry, Hud. I was too young and immature to see how wrong I was.”
He brushed a tear away from her cheek. “Dakota, I’m sorry I had tunnel vision back then. I love you, and I’vealwaysloved you.”
“Call me Koti. You’re the only person who can call me that, and I miss it.”