With This Ring

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.”

“Help yourself to a tour.”

“That’s okay.” She shook her head. “I don’t want to take too much of your time.”

“How about a drink?”

“Sure.” She walked through the kitchen doorway and stilled, a soft gasp escaping her lips. “HGTV should feature this place

on one of those dream home shows.” She pointed around the room. “Pristine white cabinets, a huge island with stools...”

She snorted. “Side-by-side stainless steel refrigerator and freezer, double ovens... An oak table with eight chairs that

would take up my entire house.”

He retrieved two bottles of water from the refrigerator. “It is nice. I like how they decorated it with the black-and-white

tile.”

She held her arms out. “Kay and I could teach our roller-skating classes in here and still have room.”

“Have a seat.” He handed her a bottle of water and indicated the table.

She sank down on a chair across from him and took a drink from the bottle. “Thanks.”

“So what’s up?”

Dakota pulled the jewelry box from her pocket and pushed it across the table. “Layla bought these for Shane yesterday and

accidentally left them at my store.”

He opened the box. “Nice cufflinks, but I’m not sure why you brought them here.” Closing the box, he slid it back to Dakota.

“You should have taken them to my aunt’s house and given them to Layla.”

“No. You need to give them to her and tell her you’re supportive of her decision to get married.”

So that’s what this was about. Dakota was playing mediator between him and his sister. He wasn’t about to take the bait.

She moved her fingers over the jewelry box, her dark eyes locked on his.

Without breaking her stare, he opened his bottle and took a long drink.

“Layla was really upset when she came in for the fitting. Why are you two fighting?” she finally asked.

He set the bottle down on the table. “I have a feeling you already know the answer to that question.”

“You need to talk to her.” She moved the jewelry box to his side of the table again. “Use the cufflinks as a peace offering

and tell her you’re sorry.”

“But I’m not.”

“She’s your sister, Hud. You love her, and she loves you.”

“I do love her. That’s why I’m trying to stop her from making the biggest mistake of her life.”

“But she’s old enough to make her own decisions, Hud. It’s your job to be happy for her and celebrate with her, not order

her around.”

He took another sip of water. “Did you really come here to give me a lecture about my sister?” He folded his hands and rested

them on the table. “And I thought this was going to be a friendly visit.”

“It is friendly.”

He could almost read her thoughts. Surely Dakota had already made up her mind about him and Layla, and sharing his side of

things would be a waste of time. “I can tell you’re dying to give me your opinion, so go ahead and say it.”

“I think it’s her decision if she gets married.” She pushed back her chair and stood. “Go see Layla and tell her you’re sorry.

You’ll be glad you did.”

He huffed out a breath. “If I promise to think about it, will you sit down?”

“Why do you want me to sit down?”

“Because it’s my turn to ask you questions now.” He pointed toward the chair. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

“There’s nothing wrong.” She shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He scoffed. “We both know that’s not true. You were going to tell me something last Thursday, but we were interrupted.” He lifted his chin. “Now, tell me what’s going on, Koti.”

He was almost certain she shivered when he said the nickname.

“Please don’t call me that.” Her voice seemed to plead with him, which he found curious.

“All right. Dakota, it’s obvious something’s wrong. You were in tears when I found your cat, and I could tell you were upset

about more than just Trouble. You can’t hide it from me.”

She rubbed her elbow and hesitated for a moment. “The pipes burst in my store back in late January,” she finally began. “My

shipment of new spring gowns was ruined. Well, most of it was.”

Empathy rushed over him. “I’m sorry.”

She picked up the bottle cap and fiddled with it. “I thought the damage would be covered, but it turns out I barely understand

what’s in my lease. None of it is covered by the lease after all.” She exhaled. “So then I thought it would be covered by

my insurance. But last year I stepped down my insurance since the premiums were getting so high, and what I owed for the deductible

emptied out my savings. Then I had to max out my credit cards to take care of the damage to the store.”

She pointed around the room as if they were sitting in her boutique. “The ceiling, the drywall, the flooring... I salvaged

what I could of the damaged gowns by steaming them myself, but I haven’t been able to get reimbursed for what I lost. I fought

the insurance company and the property management company but got nowhere. I thought about hiring a lawyer, but who can afford

that?” She sniffed. “Now sales are down since most of the brides are looking for this year’s gowns, and I’m losing money by

selling last year’s at a discount.”

She took a shuddering breath. “To make matters worse, I received a notice last week that the mortgage on my house is going up too. That means I might lose my store and my home if I don’t figure out a solution fast.” She absently spun the bottle cap. “I’m cutting back my salary just to pay

my niece. Now I’m at my wits’ end. I’m working on refinancing my mortgage so I can at least keep my house.”

Her posture wilted, but her expression seemed to relax.

Hudson nodded and pulled at the label on the water bottle as a plan filled his mind. He’d rescued companies before, but would

stubborn Dakota ever accept his help?

“Now it’s my turn to tell you that I know you have an opinion.” She waved her hand toward him as if waving a white flag. “Go ahead and say what you’re thinking, Hud.”

He brushed his hand over his chin. “You know, I’m a successful businessman.”

“Are you bragging or complaining?” she quipped.

“Would a personal loan help you?”

“Are you offering?”

He shrugged. “Maybe.”

She studied him, and those gorgeous dark-chocolate-colored eyes narrowed. “You’re not going to just throw money at me to make

yourself feel better about the past?”

He almost sputtered at her ridiculous question. “Make me feel better about the past?” He pointed to himself. “I’m not the one who broke our engagement.”

She pushed her chair back and stood. “I don’t have time for this. I need to get home.” When she fixed him with a glare, he

worked to keep his expression neutral despite the fury boiling in his chest. “Look, I don’t want to see you and Layla on the

outs. Leave your pride at home, take the cufflinks to her, tell her you’re sorry, and be the big brother she needs right now.”

She gave him a sugary sweet smile. “Have a good night.”

She marched out of the kitchen, but Hudson rushed after her. He couldn’t let her leave like this.

“Dakota, wait.”

When she reached the front door, she pivoted to face him.

He sighed. “Dakota, I never meant to insult you. I just want to help you. I know a thing or two about business.”

She looked down at her black heels, and then her eyes met his once again. “Hudson, owning my own business has been my dream

for years.”

“I knew you wanted to be a seamstress, but you never told me you wanted your own store.”

“I’ve worked hard to get where I am. Losing it would destroy me.”

“I definitely understand working hard for something. I’ve done the same.” He tapped the doorframe. “If you want a personal

loan, we can talk about it. Or I can take a look at your financials and offer some advice.”

She folded her arms, and her brow pinched.

Her anger confused him. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because I don’t know what you want, Hud.”

“I honestly don’t know what you mean.”

“What do you want from me ?” she asked, pointing to her chest.

He couldn’t admit the truth when he seemed to be the only one who wanted to reconcile with her. She’d already burned him once.

He cleared his throat. “I don’t want anything from you.”

“Then why do you care about my business?” she asked, but he remained silent. “Go talk to your sister. And when you do, tell

her I’ll see her soon for another fitting.”

Then she left him standing there, her pumps clacking on the pavement outside as she retreated to her house.

He sauntered back to the kitchen and pondered the news about her business—as well as her advice about his sister.

Go see Layla and tell her you’re sorry. You’ll be glad you did.

“Fine,” he muttered, pushing the jewelry box into his pocket.

Ten minutes later he knocked on his aunt’s front door. Footfalls sounded inside, and when the door flew open, he came face-to-face

with his sister. The delicious aroma of his aunt’s meat loaf wafted out of the house, causing his stomach to gurgle.

Layla’s brows drew together. “What do you want?”

“You left something at the bridal boutique.” He held out the jewelry box.

She examined the box and then looked up at him. “Are those Shane’s cufflinks?”

“Yup.”

“How’d you get them?” she asked, taking the box from him.

“Dakota delivered them to me tonight.” He slipped his hands into his pockets. “Would you consider them a peace offering?”

Layla studied him, her expression impassive. “Is that your sad attempt at an apology?”

He sucked in a breath through his nose. “I’m sorry for embarrassing you at dinner with Shane’s family.”

“You were a real jerk, Hud.”

“You’ve made that clear, and I’m sorry for hurting you. I still don’t agree with this wedding, but I can’t stand having you

angry with me.” He rested his arm against the storm door. “I want you in my life, Layla. You’re important to me.”

She sniffed.

Oh no. Don’t cry.

“Truce?” he asked.

She nodded. “Yeah, truce.” Then she grinned. “And how’s that construction job going for you?”

“Just fine.”

She lifted her eyebrows. “You haven’t quit yet?”

“No, and I don’t plan to. I’m gonna win this bet, and you’re going to owe me a chocolate sundae.”

She laughed. “We’ll see about that.”

“Hud? Is that you?” Aunt Trudy called from somewhere in the house.

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 has passed 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.”

Shane skated to the end of the booth, nodded a hello to Dakota and Kayleigh, and slid a drink in front of Layla. “I turned

around, and you were gone. I thought you’d left me.”

“You know I could never leave you.” Layla stood and kissed his cheek. “Join us. We were just talking about the wedding.”

Shane sat beside Kayleigh before sipping his own drink.

“I was going to ask their opinion of our cake,” Layla said.

Shane smiled. “I’m sure they’ll agree with me.”

“About the marble cake?” Kayleigh asked, and Shane nodded. “Who doesn’t like chocolate?”

Shane tilted his head. “For one, my uncle Larry doesn’t like chocolate.”

“Then he can have something else for dessert, right?” Layla asked Dakota.

“Sounds good to me.”

“Right,” Layla exclaimed. “The wedding will be about Shane and me, not his uncle Larry.”

Shane held his cup up, and Layla tapped hers to it. “I can’t wait,” he said.

“I can’t either,” Layla told him.

When the couple shared a warm look, Dakota found love for each other in their eyes. Then she felt a pang that took her back

to her time with Hudson.

“Who wants to skate?” she asked, trying to table her feelings.

Layla held her hand up. “I do.” She scooted out of the booth, and Dakota followed.

***

Hudson paid the admission fee at the window and then slipped through the door into the rink. The delectable smell of pizza

mixed with nachos and popcorn filled the air, along with a blaring pop music song and the buzz of conversations.

He had considered staying home tonight and going through his email, but he was anxious to get out of that big colonial. He

moved through the crowd and past the party area, nodding to familiar faces until he reached the rental booth. After renting

a pair of skates, he sank down onto a bench to pull them on.

“Hi, Hud,” Brice called when he and his daughter emerged from a door leading back to the offices. “You came back.” He smiled, and his little girl waved at Hudson.

“Good to see you,” Hud said, continuing to lace up his skate.

Gigi pulled on Brice’s arm and then pointed toward the rink. “Daddy, I see Mommy skating with Anissa and her mom. Can I go?”

“Yes. Just be careful.” Brice touched his little girl’s nose before she gracefully skated off like a mini professional. “It’s

good to see you too, man.” He shook Hudson’s hand.

Hud glanced around the rink just as another pop song started, the bass reverberating off the walls. “It sure is hopping here

tonight.”

Brice looked out toward the crowd. “Yes, it is.” Then he chuckled. “My folks and my brothers thought I was nuts when we bought

this place, but honestly, I don’t have one single regret. It’s brought a lot of joy to my family and Flowering Grove.”

He pointed toward the rink. “My daughter loves to skate. Kay and I had a blast teaching her how, and she’s taken to it like

a duck to water. I had worried she would eventually grow tired of coming here, but on rink days, she’s ready to leave the

house before we are.” He folded his arms over his chest. “I also feel like we’ve helped build a sense of community here. I

see many of the same faces every week, and watching everyone interact is rewarding.”

“I’m sure it is.” Hudson scanned the space. He felt the sense of community Brice spoke of, and it was something he hadn’t

experienced since he’d left Flowering Grove seven years ago. Sure, he had friends up north. He had his work family and acquaintances.

But it wasn’t the same as being in his hometown. All in that moment, he realized he missed feeling at home.

He wondered if his aunt had been right when she said he belonged in Flowering Grove. He tried to imagine moving back—buying

a house and settling down.

Would he fit in after being gone for so long? Where would he work?

And then there was the issue of Dakota and their awkward encounters. On second thought, maybe coming back home sounded like

an emotional nightmare.

“Hey, Brice,” a young woman who looked around seventeen called from the snack bar. “The register is acting up again. The screen

is frozen.”

“Be right there.” Brice jammed his thumb in the direction of the snack bar. “Duty calls. Have fun.”

“Thanks,” Hudson said. He left his shoes under the bench and skated to the rink, where he glided along to a song that sounded

vaguely familiar.

Hudson moved swiftly past the slower skaters. He enjoyed the feeling skating provided him—burning off his conflicting feelings

about his hometown and his future.

When he came around the curve, he saw Dakota skating with Layla, Shane, Kayleigh, Gigi, Gavin’s wife, and Anissa.

When Anissa saw him, her face lit up. “Mr. Hud! Mommy, Mr. Hud is here.”

“Hey there.” He smiled as the little girl skated over to him. “Are you having fun?”

“Uh-huh!”

Jeannie beamed as she joined them. “Good to see you, Hudson.”

He glanced around the rink while they skated together. “Where’s Gavin tonight?”

Jeannie pointed toward the parking lot. “He got called back to work. There was an issue with the plumber.”

“Let’s skate together, Mr. Hud.” Anissa held out her little hand.

“I’d love to.”

Hudson, Anissa, and Jeannie fell into line behind another couple, and Hud worked to keep from staring at Dakota. She looked fantastic in a snug pair of jeans and a red sweatshirt, with her thick dark hair in a ponytail.

While he skated he recalled a conversation he’d had with Gavin earlier in the day. When Gavin asked over lunch how things

were going with Dakota, he’d relayed their discussion at the Airbnb last night, leaving out the personal details about Dakota’s

business woes. Hudson also mentioned how their conversations usually seemed to end in a heated debate.

Gavin’s response had surprised him. “If you and Dakota can’t talk without getting into an argument,” he’d said, “then there’s still something between you. Maybe you need to take the first step and address it.”

Hudson shook his head, and when his gaze tangled with Dakota’s across the rink, she scowled before looking away.

He tried to imagine having an honest conversation with her, but how could he have a heart-to-heart with someone who refused

to listen to him?