Page 73 of With This Ring

Dakota pointed toward her kitchen table. “How about the adults eat inside, and the kids on the deck?”

“Fine,” Mom said, still scowling. “I’ll grab the dishes and utensils. But don’t expect me to be overly friendly to Hudson. I still remember how he broke your heart.”

Eileen’s expression also darkened. “And I’ll never forget how you cried for weeks after he left.” She pointed to the stove. “I’ll warm up the beans and prep the condiments.”

“And I’ll get the tablecloths.” While Dakota set to work, she tried to mentally prepare herself for the most awkward Sunday supper yet—all thanks to her annoying brother and ex-fiancé.

***

The appetizing smells of hamburgers and baked beans filled the kitchen as Hudson took a seat beside Dakota. She gave him a shy smile, and his heart kicked. She looked effortlessly pretty in jeans and a faded concert t-shirt. Tendrils of her dark hair fell from her messy bun to frame her beautiful face, and he had to squelch the urge to push a lock of hair behind her ear.

Earlier in the evening he had walked out onto the deck to get a whiff of fresh air after taking a shower. In fact, he couldn’t get enough fresh air since coming home to Flowering Grove. Aside from Central Park, the green spaces in New York City were few and far between—so he was soaking up the mild spring weather. When he noticed Dakota and her brother outside, he had almost retreated into the house. But then he reminded himself that he was entitled to sit out on the deck of the house he was paying for.

He had no plans to interact with them until they mentioned the empty propane tank. And he also had no intention of joining them for supper, but when Nick offered, he felt he couldn’t sayno—especially when Dakota hadn’t appeared horrified at the idea. Shocked, yes, but horrified, no.

And when Mitch started talking to him, Hudson felt an old familiarity. It was as if no time had passed at all, and he started to realize that he’d missed Dakota’s family. His heart clutched at thoughts of what could have been. They had almost becomehisfamily too.

“Would you like some?” Dakota held the container of green salad toward him.

“Yes, please.” He took the bowl and scooped salad onto his plate next to his cheeseburger, chips, potato salad, and baked beans.

“Dakota, your cabinet doors look like they’re about to fall down.” Nick pointed to the cabinet door leaning against the wall. “And I see that one already has. Where’s your toolbox? I’ll fix them after supper.”

“I offered to fix them too, but she turned me down,” Hud added.

“Sounds about right,” Nick said. “She’s definitely independent.”

“Tell me about it,” Hud muttered.

She waved them both off. “I took my toolbox to work after the flood, and I can’t find the screwdriver I used to keep in the kitchen. I’ll get to it eventually.”

Nick chuckled and shook his head.

“So, Hud,” Mitch began from the other side of the table, “I heard your sister is getting married. Is that what brought you back to town?”

“Yes, it is. Layla is getting married in June.”

“Layla’s getting married?” Nick looked stunned.

Eileen rolled her eyes. “I told you I’d heard that.” She pinned him with a stern expression. “You never listen to me.”

Dakota cupped her hand to her mouth, stifling her laughter.

“I remember when Layla was tiny,” Nick added. “Is she old enough to get married?”

“Well, that’s debatable,” Hudson quipped, and Dakota shot him a disapproving look. “She’s twenty-three, but I think she’s rushing it.”

“Why do you say that?” Dakota asked.

“They’ve known each other for only a few months now. That’s hardly enough time to make a life commitment.”

“They seem to get along well, and it’s clear they love each other,” she said. “Isn’t that enough?”

“Are you serious?” Hudson couldn’t stop his bark of laughter. “You’re asking me what makes a good marriage?”

Dakota’s eyes narrowed, challenging him like she always did when they argued as a couple.

An awkward hush filled the kitchen. When Hudson turned, he found Dakota’s brother and father studying them curiously. But the dark expressions on her mother’s and sister-in-law’s faces made it clear he wasn’t as welcome at the table as he thought he was.