Page 66 of With This Ring

Layla turned toward the kitchen. “Yeah, he brought me the cufflinks.”

“Join us for meat loaf,” his aunt instructed.

“Gladly.” He looped his arm around his sister’s shoulders while they walked to the kitchen.

***

“So I took the cufflinks over to the Airbnb yesterday and told Hud to work things out with his sister,” Dakota told Kayleigh, raising her voice to be heard over the pounding bass of a spirited pop song. “I told him to use them as a peace offering. I couldn’t stand the thought of them not speaking. I mean, they only have each other and their aunt. Sure, Nick used to boss me around and drive me nuts when I was younger, but he’s still my brother—my only sibling.”

It was Friday night, and she and Kayleigh were finished with their skating classes. Now that the general skate was in full swing, the rink was packed with patrons of all ages, gliding around to the music as the disco ball reflected lights onto the ceiling and walls. Brice was working in the office, and Gigi had insisted on staying with her dad.

Dakota had waited until after their lessons to fill Kayleigh in on her two run-ins with Hudson—the night she lost Trouble and the conversation they’d had about her business woes.

“I just can’t believe he had the nerve to call me Koti,” Dakota exclaimed, tapping the table for emphasis. “He acts like no time haspassed between us. As if he didn’t completely annihilate me when he chose New York City over me.”

She stopped talking when she realized her best friend was staring at her, seemingly befuddled.

When Kayleigh remained silent, Dakota blew out a frustrated puff of air. “What?”

“Do you still love him?”

Dakota laughed off the question. “No, no, no. That’s ridiculous, Kay. Why would you even ask me that?”

Kayleigh looked unconvinced, and she leaned forward. “Then why did you hug him after he found Trouble?”

Dakota was stumped. “Uh... I-I-I don’t know. He opened his arms, and I just...” She had no explanation for why she fell into Hudson’s embrace so naturally. “It’s no big deal. It was a mistake.” She shrugged. “I’m seeing Parker.”

“And you like Parker?”

“Yeah, yeah, of course. He’s handsome and sweet. And did I tell you he brought me roses?”

“You know, Dakota, you should really—”

“Dakota! Kayleigh!” Layla slid onto the bench seat beside Dakota. “Shane and I wanted to get out tonight, and I suggested we come skating. But he’s over at the snack bar.” She angled her body toward Dakota. “I wanted to thank you for asking Hud to bring me the cufflinks. He said he was sorry for hurting my feelings, and we’re talking again.”

“I’m glad I could help.” In her peripheral vision, Dakota could see Kayleigh watching her.

Layla glanced back and forth between the two friends. “What’s new?”

Kayleigh smiled. “You tell us. You’re the one who’s getting married in two months.”

“I can’t believe April is here already, and there’s still so much to do.” She began counting off the tasks on her fingers. “We have to finalize the menu for the dinner, and then we have to agree on a cake. I think we should go with marble cake, but Shane insists not everyone likes chocolate.”

While Layla carried on about her plans, Dakota shared an amused look with Kayleigh. She longed to know what Kayleigh had been preparing to say before Layla had interrupted them. She could feel her best friend’s disapproval over her interactions with Hud.

Layla’s smile was bright as she continued describing her to-do list. “And then we have the invitations. I’m going to handwrite them in calligraphy. We don’t want a super-big wedding, but we want to invite our families and our important friends, including you two, of course.” She snapped her fingers and faced Dakota again. “That reminds me. I wanted to ask you. Are you going to bring a date to the wedding?”

Dakota nodded. “Most likely.”

Layla’s smile faded. “Who?”

“Parker Bryant. We’ve been seeing each other.”

“Oh.” Layla’s expression cooled. “Okay.”

Dakota laughed. “Why do you look so disappointed to hear I’m seeing someone?”

“Don’t be silly.” Layla laughed in a way that sounded forced. “I’m not disappointed. That’s great. Good for you.”