Chapter 16
Sunday evening a week later, Dakota heard a knock on the front door. She yawned and stretched her arms overhead on her way
from the sofa to answer it. She had worked late at the store every evening this past week and skipped skating lessons again
this weekend, telling Kayleigh she was busy catching up on work. She also had avoided another date with Parker.
She pulled the front door open and jumped back when she found her family spilling all the way from the porch to her front
walk—her parents and brother and sister-in-law, along with Skye, Aubrey, Kevin, and a handsome young man she assumed was Skye’s
boyfriend, Gunner. The late-April evening was warm, and the sun was bright in the cloudless blue sky.
She glanced down at her clothing—worn jeans and a faded concert t-shirt—and scrutinized her den, which hadn’t been vacuumed
in about three weeks. Then she stared at her parents. “Uh... wh-what’s going on?”
“Surprise,” Mom said, holding up a grocery bag in each hand. Her dark hair was styled in a bob and looked as if she’d recently visited the salon to have her gray covered. “Since you were too busy to come over for a cookout, we brought the cookout to you.”
“What?” Dakota demanded.
Mom waved her out of the doorway, and Dakota stepped aside. “We brought burgers, buns, all of the fixings, and dessert.”
“We’ve missed you, sweetheart.” Dad, also holding two grocery bags, kissed her cheek on his way to the kitchen. She’d always
thought Nick looked just like Dad, since they both were tall and shared the same dark hair and eyes.
“Hi, Auntie!” Aubrey, her fourteen-year-old niece, waved on her way to the den. Aubrey was just as pretty as her mom, Eileen,
with her amber eyes and bright smile that always seemed to light up the room.
Eleven-year-old Kevin was the perfect mixture of his parents. He rushed over to Dakota and hugged her waist. “I haven’t seen
you in forever, Auntie.”
“I’m sorry about that.” She touched his nose. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too.” He grinned and faced the den.
“Let me guess,” she teased. “You want to turn on your favorite movie since you don’t have it at home.”
“Is that okay?”
Dakota laughed. “Of course it is.” She leaned down to him and whispered, “Just be sure it’s rated PG.”
“I will.” He gave her a high five before making a beeline to the television.
“Auntie!” Skye rushed toward her with the handsome young man at her side. “This is Gunner.” She pointed from the young man
to Dakota. “Gunner, this is my aunt Dakota.”
Gunner nodded. “Great to meet you.”
“Likewise,” Dakota told him. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Skye blushed, and they went inside.
Eileen held up a cake. “I picked up your favorite—carrot cake with cream cheese icing.”
“Awesome. You’re welcome if you’re bringing my favorite,” Dakota said with a wink.
Her older brother, Nick, was next. “We need to talk. Come out to the grill with me?”
Dakota and Nick scurried out to the deck while her parents and Eileen moved around the kitchen. With the TV on, the younger
ones all got comfortable in the den.
“Skye’s worried about you,” Nick told her. “She mentioned to Eileen and me about how you’re working crazy hours, and Mom’s
concerned you’re missing our Sunday dinners.”
Dakota hated the guilt that took hold of her, but she hadn’t wanted to share her financial woes with her family. This was
her problem, and she could handle it just fine by herself.
“Skye insisted we bring Sunday supper to you, and Mom suggested a cookout. So here we are. We all miss you.”
She gazed at the colonial next door, and when she found Hudson sitting on the deck staring at his phone, the muscles in her
shoulders pinched. “Please keep it down,” she hissed. “My neighbor is outside.”
“What’s going on, sis?” Nick asked, ignoring her request. “Why are you acting like a hermit?”
She avoided his concerned look by turning the knobs on the grill. “I’m not a hermit. I’m just busy.” She pushed the button
to light the grill, but nothing happened. “Ugh.” She tried again. Still nothing.
“You must be out of propane.” He examined the tank. “Yup, it’s empty.”
“Great,” she muttered. “If I had known you all were going to invite yourselves over here for supper, I would have prepared a few things.”
Nick shrugged. “No big deal. I’ll run out to the store.”
“Let me get my purse—”
“There’s a propane tank here you can use.”
She turned to where Hudson leaned over the fence, and heat prickled her neck. She tried not to think about how long he’d been
standing there and how much he’d heard.
“Hi, Hud.” Nick waved to him.
“Long time, no see, Nick.” Hudson jammed his thumb toward the deck. “I’ll bring the tank over for you.”
Nick looked at his sister, stunned. “How long has your ex been living next door?” he asked softly.
“Seriously?” Dakota shot her brother a look. “ Now you whisper?” She blew out a frustrated sigh. “He’s just staying at the Airbnb next door, not living there.”
Hudson came through her gate carrying the tank. His gray t-shirt pulled nicely over his chest and biceps, and his black basketball
shorts showed off his muscular, tanned legs. She couldn’t take her eyes off him while he and Nick switched out the propane
tanks.
Nick hit the button, and the grill began to heat up. “Thanks, Hud.”
“No problem. I’ll probably never use the grill anyway. Enjoy your supper.” Hudson started back toward the gate.
“Wait,” Nick said, stopping Hudson in his tracks. “My mom always overbuys, so we’ll have plenty. Join us.”
Hudson scratched his cheek. “Are you sure?”
“You provided the propane, and we at least owe you a burger,” Nick said.
“Okay, if you insist.” Hudson raked his hand through his wet hair, and it stood up at odd, adorable angles.
Stop staring at him! Dakota silently chastised herself.
The back door opened, and Dad walked out holding a metal pan with a stack of burgers and a large spatula. He grinned at Hudson.
“Why, Hudson. What a surprise.”
“Hi, Mr. Jamison.”
“You’re an adult too. Call me Mitch.” Dad set the pan and spatula on the table by the grill and shook Hudson’s hand. “Are
you back for good?”
Hudson shook his head. “No, sir. Just for a couple of months.”
“Where have you been living?”
“Manhattan. I started a company, and my business partner and I recently sold it. I’m in between gigs right now.”
“Is that right?” Dad seemed impressed. “Is it that software company you always talked about?”
Hudson nodded, and Dakota’s heart squeezed. She recalled how close Hudson and her father were when they were dating. Hudson
once told her he felt he could tell her father anything, and he always sought his approval as well as his advice.
And as Hudson and her father fell into an easy conversation about Hudson’s life, her body suddenly felt heavy with grief and
regret for what could have been between them. They could have built a life together—a family, a future...
“Dakota?”
Her head swiveled to the back door, where Mom stood looking annoyed. “Yeah?”
“Should we eat inside or on the deck?” Mom’s question was laced with a hidden meaning Dakota couldn’t quite decipher.
“Well, we can—”
Mom’s eyes narrowed. “Get in here, please.”
Dakota stepped inside, and Mom took her arm and pulled her down the hallway toward the kitchen. Skye, Gunner, and the other kids sat in the den while an animated movie played on the TV. Trouble purred on Aubrey’s lap, and she scratched his ears.
“You’re pinching my arm, Mom,” Dakota said in the kitchen. “What’s the problem?”
“Why is Hudson Garrity in your backyard talking to your father?” Mom demanded.
Eileen stopped tossing a salad in a large bowl and sidled up to Dakota. “Hudson’s here ?” She looked back and forth between Dakota and Mom. “I’d heard he was back in town. Are you dating him?”
Dakota held up her hands. “Calm down. Hud and I are not dating. We’re accidental neighbors.” She explained that he was in town temporarily and staying at the Airbnb next door. “My
grill was out of propane, and Hudson brought over his spare tank. Blame Nick for inviting him to stay for supper. We’ve spoken
a few times, but we’re not dating. That’s it. End of story.”
“He broke your heart, Dakota,” Eileen said. “You can’t forget that.”
Mom poured a bag of chips into a large bowl. “Eileen’s right. Don’t let him worm his way back into your life again.”
“I already told you all Auntie is dating my teacher, Mr. Bryant,” said Skye, who had materialized with her boyfriend in the
kitchen. She leaned on the counter and swiped a chip from the bowl.
Dakota shook her head. “It’s nothing serious. In fact, I haven’t seen him in a few weeks. I’ve been too busy with work.”
“And he misses you.” Skye swirled a chip through the air. “You should call him.”
Eileen wagged a finger at Skye. “You shouldn’t meddle in your aunt’s business.”
“But I’m good at playing cupid.” Skye took Gunner’s hand and led him toward the hallway. “Let’s go check on the burgers.”
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 say no—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 become
his family 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.
“Are you going back to New York after the wedding?” Nick asked.
Hudson almost smiled, grateful for the change in subject. “Only to collect my things,” he said. “My business partner and I
sold our company, so I’m looking at options.”
“Options?” Nick asked. “For other jobs?”
Hudson nodded. “I’m considering one in Bahrain.”
“As in the Middle East?” Dakota’s expression seemed to convey both shock and possibly disappointment, which surprised him.
“That’s right. My business partner is considering it too. We’d love to buy another company and then sell it.”
“Wow.” Mitch seemed impressed. “You’re big-time, Hudson. Sounds like you’ve been successful.”
“I’m grateful I’ve been able to provide for my aunt and sister.” He shifted in his chair, eager for the focus to be taken
off him. “Skye, Aubrey, and Kevin have really grown up. How are they doing?”
Nick smiled. “Oh, they’re great kids.”
As Nick talked on about his children and other Flowering Grove news, Hudson felt himself begin to unwind. After their plates
were clean, Eileen brought out a carrot cake, and Dakota served coffee. Then they moved outside to sit on the deck, which
he noticed could use some TLC.
Hudson talked with Nick, Mitch, and Gunner about working for Gavin on the new restaurant. He also asked Nick about his work
as a marketing executive and how Mitch was enjoying retirement.
While he visited with the men, he peeked over to the other side of the deck, where Dakota talked with her mother, sister-in-law,
and Skye. Hudson found himself wondering if he would have enjoyed more of these Sunday night suppers with her family if he
and Dakota had built a life together in Flowering Grove.
“Well, I guess we should be going,” Nick announced a while later, resting his hand on his wife’s lower back. “We have to get
up early tomorrow for work and school.”
Eileen cupped her hand over her mouth to cover a yawn. “That’s true. My fifth graders always turn rowdy in April. When the
weather warms up, they start getting the itch for summer break. Thanks for having us, Dakota.”
“Like I had a choice.” Dakota hugged her sister-in-law. “The cake was amazing.”
Her mom stood. “We’ll have to do this again.”
“Or I could just come to your house so you all don’t catch me by surprise when I haven’t even vacuumed.”
“Is that why there’s cat hair everywhere?” Nick teased, brushing his hands down his jeans. Everyone laughed and Dakota gave
him a playful punch.
Hudson followed Dakota’s family into the house, where he said goodbye to everyone before Dakota walked them out to their cars.
Hudson leaned on the back of the sofa while the credits for a movie rolled on the television. He felt something warm and soft
brush against his leg and found the cat blinking up at him.
“Hey there, Trouble. Have you given your mom any more scares?” When he scratched the cat’s ears, Trouble started to purr.
“I hope not. You really upset her.”
The cat meowed and scampered off to the kitchen.
Hudson followed the feline. He wasn’t ready to leave yet. In fact, he hoped he could stay and talk to Dakota for a while.
But first he was going to look for a screwdriver and take care of those cabinet doors.