Page 91 of With This Ring
“Then you need to stay out of his business.” Kayleigh leaned forward and tapped the table. “You’re getting way too involved with Hud and his family.”
“You’re absolutely right.”
Kayleigh pushed herself up from the bench. “I need to go find my daughter. Last I saw, she was skating with Anissa.”
“I’ll come with you.” Dakota followed and contemplated her best friend’s advice. For many reasons, she really should stay out of Hudson’s family issues. She spotted Gavin sitting in a booth with his wife, but there was no sign of her ex. And that was a good thing.
***
“So—we close in a couple of weeks.” Layla held Shane’s hand, and together they stood in the middle of the house’s small den the following afternoon. “Isn’t it perfect?”
Hudson scanned the tiny room, which melted into a small dining area off a kitchen too small for even a table with two chairs. He swept his fingers over his chin and peered out the side window. The house next door was so close that the owners would most likely hear him if he yelled hello to them without opening the window. In fact, he might hear their response too.
He’d been surprised when Layla insisted he come with her and Shane to visit the house with Aunt Trudy. And from the dirty looks Shane had been shooting his way, it was obvious his future brother-in-law was still irritable after their heated discussion at the bridal shop. He recalled how Dakota had thrown him out of the store, and shame stabbed him. He shouldn’t have made that impudent remark about Dakota not knowing anything about getting married, but he couldn’t stop it from slipping past his lips.
Aunt Trudy engulfed Layla in a hug. “I think it’s the perfect starter home for you two.”
“I’m so glad you agree.” Closing her eyes, Layla held on to their aunt.
Shane smiled at Aunt Trudy. “Thank you, Ms. Garrity.”
“I told you to call me Aunt Trudy, sweetheart.” She touched his cheek.
Layla pointed out the front window. “Did you see those Queen Anne roses? I’m going to add more flowers and maybe even a birdbath. I also saw these super-cute garden gnomes that would look adorable there too.” Then she laughed. “What am I saying? You’re the landscaper, Shane. I’m sure you could do a much better job than me with the yard.”
“Whatever makes you happy, Layla,” he told her. “I may have to draw the line at garden gnomes though.”
Layla and Aunt Trudy laughed, but Shane shot Hudson another sharp look.
Ignoring him, Hudson stuck his hands in the pockets of his shorts and peered down the hallway that led to two small bedrooms and a half bath. He snuck down the hallway and peeked into each room. He couldn’t imagine more than a single bed and a dresser fitting into the spare room, and a double bed with two dressers would certainly clog the second room.
He frowned. As he suspected, this place was much too small.
“What do you think, Hud?”
He pivoted to where Layla leaned on the doorway, looking expectant. Her fiancé stood behind her with an expression that said, “I dare you to break her heart.”
Hudson rocked back on his heels. “It’s... cozy.”
“Thanks.” Layla’s laugh seemed nervous.
“But it’s a little small.”
“Don’t start.” Shane’s tone was bitter.
“Why don’t you let me buy you a house?” Hudson offered.
Aunt Trudy shook her head from the other side of the room.
“I knew you couldn’t keep your arrogant opinions to yourself.” Shane spat out the words as if they tasted rancid.
Layla placed her hand on Shane’s chest, then turned and gave Hudson a tight smile. “That’s not necessary, Hud.”
“Just hear me out.” Hudson held up his hand. “I checked out real estate listings last night, and there’s a nice four-bedroom house for sale on the other side of town. I can pay cash. You’d only have to worry about the maintenance, insurance, and taxes, and if you need help—”
“No.” Shane took a step toward him. “We are capable of buying our own house. But thanksohso much.” His lips tipped up in a sardonic smile.
“Are you really capable of it though?” Hudson held his arms out. “This place is barely big enough for the two of you. What happens when you have a family?”