Page 62 of With This Ring

“He didn’t care for Eddie’s family. There was some old dispute about land or something else my father wouldn’t let go. Eddie tried to convince me to run away with him, but I refused to disobey my father.” Her expression was serene. “There are days when I wonder what would have happened if we had eloped. Would we have been happy and built a family of our own together?” She shrugged. “That was a long time ago. I heard that he married and moved to Bristol. I hope he has a happy life like I do. I’m grateful for my little family with you and Layla.”

She touched Hudson’s elbow. “But, sweetheart, don’t let love pass you by. If you find your true love, hold on to her with all of your might, because love is a precious thing.”

Hudson let her advice settle over him as he reeled from the news that his aunt had once been in love.

After a few minutes, he steered into the parking lot of the bingo hall. “Here we are. I’ll pick you up at eight.”

“Oh no you don’t. You’re coming with me.”

He groaned. “Please don’t make me.”

“We haven’t spent much time together. I think I deserve time with my favorite nephew.”

“I’m your only nephew.”

“And that makes you my favorite. Now, let’s go play some bingo. All the ladies will get a kick out of seeing you. It’s been a long time, you know.”

He parked the car, then opened her door and helped her out of the vehicle. He took her arm and led her into the hall, where a gaggle of gray-haired ladies rushed over.

“Trudy, is this handsome fellow that nephew of yours?”

“I don’t remember him being so tall.”

“Sonny, are you married yet? If not, then you need to meet my granddaughter, Nicole. She’s twenty-nine, and she’s a pediatrician.”

“As a matter of fact, Agnes, he isn’t married.” Aunt Trudy had the nerve to grin. “But he needs to get married and give me some great-nieces and great-nephews. Maybe we should introduce them.”

“Well then,” Agnes began, “let’s make a date to get them together.”

Hudson sighed. This evening couldn’t end soon enough.

***

After several torturous games of bingo and more matchmaking offers than he could count, Hudson drove Aunt Trudy home. He parked in the driveway behind Layla’s sedan and walked his aunt to the door.

“Well, that was fun,” his aunt said.

Hudson shook his head.

“Are you coming in?”

He shook his head. “I need to get home.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”

Then he loped to his SUV and drove toward the empty Airbnb.

Chapter 14

Hudson steered his SUV into the driveway the following evening and did a double take when he found Dakota sitting on his front steps, studying her phone. He shifted into Park, and she stood, brushing her hands down her black pants and gray sweater.

Hudson climbed from the vehicle and started toward her. “Are you locked out of your house? Or do you need another tire changed?”

“I was wondering if we could talk.”

Well, this is unexpected.

“Come on in.” He slipped past her and entered a code on the door before pushing it open. “After you.”

She entered the large foyer and peeked into the enormous den. “Wow. I’ve always wanted to see the inside of this place.”