Chapter 20
Two weeks later, the sound of the bell at the front of the store startled Dakota. It was a Thursday afternoon, and she was
working on Layla’s gown in the back room. She rushed to the store floor and stopped where Hudson stood by the counter, flanked
by Shane and his three groomsmen. She rubbed her eyes and hoped she looked alive. She’d worked late the night before and felt
as if she hadn’t quite woken up this morning. In fact, she’d even managed to pour salt instead of sweetener into her coffee.
A warm glow filled her as she took in Hud’s worn jeans and short-sleeved collared shirt, which sported the logo for Wallace
Construction where the breast pocket would’ve been. His strong jaw was covered in a few days’ worth of scruff that she longed
to run her fingers over. She mentally pulled herself off the ledge and smiled at the men.
“You must be here for your final fittings,” she said, and they all nodded.
“My dad said he’d come tomorrow,” Shane said. “He couldn’t get away from the office today.”
“That’s no problem at all. Give me a moment and I’ll just grab your tuxes.”
She retrieved the garment bags and handed them out before the men disappeared into the dressing rooms. Then, one by one, they
came to stand by the platform, and her stomach pitched. The sleeves on Shane’s coat were too long, while his best friend Dalton’s
sleeves were too short. Steve, the groomsman, had trousers so loose he had to hold them up, and to add to her embarrassment,
his coat was too tight. Even Hudson’s trousers needed hemming.
Oh no.
She’d really messed up this time. The lack of sleep was taking a toll on her, affecting her job quality and her reputation.
Heat infused her cheeks as the men stared at her. “I’m—I’m so sorry. I’ll make it right.” She pointed to the groom. “Shane,
let’s get your sleeves fixed first. I’ll grab my supplies.”
She pinned Shane’s sleeves and then checked his trousers. After dealing with the issues with Dalton’s and Steve’s tuxes, Hudson
climbed up on the podium.
Dakota kept her focus on the hemline while working to calm her fluttering nerves.
“Where’s Skye?” Hudson asked as she carefully pinned the hem.
“She had a meeting after school.”
He was silent for a moment. “Everything all right?”
“Just fine,” she quipped. Inside, though, she was falling apart. Having to work on these tuxes again would set her behind, and she still was dealing with final adjustments to Layla’s gown. “I can’t be lieve it’s the middle of May already. The wedding is only a few weeks away. I’ll get these tuxes fixed quickly though.”
When she pushed another pin through the material, she missed her mark and stabbed herself. “Ow!” she hollered before shaking
her hand and sticking her throbbing finger in her mouth.
“You okay?” he asked, his expression warming with concern.
She nodded and wiped her finger on a tissue.
“Those dark circles under your eyes tell me you’re not sleeping, and it’s not like you to mess up tailoring.”
She returned her focus to his hem. He was right. She hadn’t been sleeping, but she couldn’t give him the satisfaction of admitting
it out loud.
“Have you thought about that loan I offered for the store?”
Anger sluiced through her, and she glared up at him. “Are you trying to throw money at me like you throw money at everyone
else?”
“You’re really bringing that up again, huh? That all I care about is money?”
“Obviously! Your solution for every problem is to pay for it.” Her voice was louder than she’d planned, and when she turned
around, she found Shane and his friends staring at her. Her face was so hot she thought it might combust, and her hands quaked
as she checked the cuffs on his jacket and the waist of his trousers.
An instrumental version of Alison Krauss’s “When You Say Nothing at All” began to play through the sound system, but she ignored
it. “You’re all set. I’ll just take care of the hem on your trousers.”
Hudson’s face was twisted with a glower.
“You found a house?” Dakota heard one of the groomsmen ask Shane.
Hud’s head snapped toward the groomsmen.
“Shh,” Shane hissed. “Yeah, I’m going to show it to Layla and see if she likes it. I’m already approved for the loan, and
my folks are helping with the down payment.”
Hudson’s eyes homed in on his future brother-in-law. “Shane, did I hear you say you found a house?”
Shane shot his friend a sharp look before he turned toward Hudson. His expression sparked. “Yeah.”
“Where is it?” Hudson asked.
Shane licked his lips. “It’s on Catawba Avenue near Red Rock Court.”
“How many bedrooms?”
“Two.”
“Bathrooms?”
Shane crossed his arms over his chest. “One and a half.”
“Huh.” Hudson’s expression was stern. “Square footage?”
“A little under eleven hundred.”
Hudson shook his head. “That’s a bit small, don’t you think, Shane?”
Anger flashed in Shane’s eyes. Dakota could almost feel the tension mounting between the men, and she couldn’t stay silent
any longer.
“Stop it, Hud.” She rested her hand on his wrist and pulled him toward her. “Don’t grill Shane that way.”
His brow puckered. “What?”
“You sound like a father chastising his son.”
Hudson’s blue eyes smoldered. “He’s marrying my sister. I need to make sure she’s well taken care of. That’s my job.”
“No, it’s not. It’s your job to love her and support her decisions. Stop standing in the way and let her and Shane live their
lives.”
“You need to stay out of this,” Hudson told her.
She shook her head. “No, you need to stay out of Shane and Layla’s business.”
One of the groomsmen grasped Shane’s shoulder. “Listen, I need to get back to work. We can talk about the bachelor party plans
later.”
The other two groomsmen agreed.
Shane nodded and cast his eyes toward Dakota. “Thanks, Dakota. I’ll see you later.”
She waved to the men before they disappeared out the door. Then she spun back to Hudson. “Back off of them, Hud, or you’ll
lose your sister forever.”
“You don’t know everything I’ve had to deal with over the years with Layla,” he snapped.
“What does that mean?” she asked.
“She’s given exes money before, and I’ve had to bail her out again and again. This could end the same way for her. If they
get tied up in a house and default on the loan, then I might be the one bailing her out again—only this time I’ll be paying
for a divorce too. Her credit will be wrecked to boot.” He studied Dakota before he added, “What do you know about getting
married anyway?”
Fury burned through her. “You need to leave, Hud.” She pointed toward the door. “Hang your tux in the changing room, and I’ll
take care of it.” Then she marched toward the back of the store, her body vibrating.
***
“We found a house, and it’s so cute,” Layla told Dakota and Kayleigh on Friday night as they sat together in a booth at the
rink. “It has two bedrooms and the cutest little kitchen and den. It’s just what we need.” She pulled out her phone and scrolled
through photos of the happy little yellow house and its modest backyard.
Kayleigh touched her shoulder. “That’s so exciting, Layla.”
“I agree,” Dakota said, pretending she didn’t already know about the house.
“But the best part is that we made an offer, and they accepted it.”
“Congratulations,” Kayleigh told her. She pointed to a photo of the front of the house. “It looks like the previous owner
planted a garden. Look at those pink roses.”
“Shane says they’re Queen Anne roses. My favorite.” Layla beamed.
Dakota leaned over. “It’s perfect, Layla. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks. We showed it to Shane’s parents, and they love it. In fact, they offered to help us with the down payment as part
of our wedding gift since Hud is paying for everything else.” Her smile faded a bit as she said the words.
“That’s very generous,” Dakota said, and Kayleigh agreed.
“We haven’t showed it to Hud yet. Shane said he wanted to wait, but I’m not sure why.”
Dakota knew why. She could still see the resentment in Shane’s eyes while Hudson grilled him about the house.
Layla set her phone on the table and rested her chin on her palm. “I can’t believe I’ll be married in three weeks. It seems
like just yesterday Shane and I met at the coffee shop. I had accidentally taken his coffee, and when he asked for it back,
we both laughed. Then he asked me out, and we spent the entire evening together. I’d seen him around in high school, but we
never really talked. But that night it was as if we’d known each other forever. I had a hunch from that night that he was
the one. It was so magical.” She sighed. “I can’t wait to be his wife.”
Dakota and Kayleigh shared a smile before Kayleigh took a sip of her Diet Coke.
“Whenever you have time, I’ll need you to come in for one last fitting,” Dakota told her. “The gown is almost done.”
“Awesome. I’ll text you to make an appointment. I can’t wait to see the finished product.”
“I think you’ll be pleased.” Dakota moved her fingers over her cup. “I finished the beading last night. It was more challenging
than I expected.”
“I really appreciate it, Dakota. You’re the best.”
Dakota tried to force a smile, but a yawn overtook her. She pressed her hand to her mouth, then sipped more of her own Diet
Coke. If only the caffeine would give her the jolt of energy she needed.
“Oh, Shane’s here. Gotta go!” Layla scooted to the end of the bench, then skated off to meet her fiancé by the snack bar.
“Oh, to be young and in love,” Kayleigh sang.
Dakota shook her head.
“What’s that look for?” Kayleigh leaned forward.
Dakota slumped back in the seat. “I have a feeling Hud is going to ruin the house for Layla.” She explained the conversation
she witnessed at the boutique during the tuxedo fittings. “I told Hud to back off, but he wouldn’t listen. We actually argued
about it, and I told him to leave my store.” She shared more details of the incident. “I can’t believe I lost my cool in front
of Shane and his friends. So embarrassing.”
Dakota covered her face with her hands. “I feel like I’m falling apart. I spilled hot coffee all over my suit this morning.
It’s a good thing I keep a few extra outfits at the store. At least I didn’t pour salt into my coffee again.” She recoiled
at the memory. “Anyway, I just can’t stop thinking about how angry Hud made me. I feel like I don’t know him anymore. All
he cares about is money.”
“Do you really think that’s true?” Kayleigh asked.
Dakota took another sip of Diet Coke, and her lips twisted. “He keeps offering me a loan to help me out. He thinks that if he throws money at people, it will make everything better. It’s like he’s trying to prove something.” She moved her hand over the cool tabletop. “Maybe he thinks offering money instead of dealing with his real issues will solve all of his problems.”
Kayleigh moved her straw up and down in her cup, and the straw squeaked in response.
She could almost hear her best friend’s opinions churning in her head. “Just say it, Kay.”
“You still care about him,” Kayleigh said.
“No, I don’t. I thought I did before, but the way he wants to use money to control everything, including his sister, makes
me nuts.”
Kayleigh shook her finger at Dakota. “Dakota, he’s done more than that.” She started counting off on her fingers. “He took
care of you after you crashed while skating. He found Trouble when he went missing. He fixed your kitchen cabinets. He loaned
you a propane tank when your family showed up for a cookout you never expected. And we can’t forget that he also changed your
tire when you were running late to an appointment.”
“Yeah, he did.” Dakota blew out a dreamy sigh and rested her chin on her palm.
“You still love him.”
“He broke my heart once. Why would I risk it again?”
Kayleigh lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. “Unfortunately, we can’t help who we love.”
“I don’t love him,” Dakota insisted.
“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 thanks oh so 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?”
Shane shook a finger in Hudson’s face. “I am so sick of you and your smug comments. You think you’re better than everyone
else because you have money. Well, money doesn’t buy you class.”
Hudson glared at him and tried to act like the comment didn’t sting.
“All you want is to control your sister, but she’s ready to live her own life. If this is the house she wants, accept it.”
His voice held a harsh edge.
“It’s not about control,” Hudson retorted. “I’m trying to make sure she can support herself.”
“I’ve already told you we’re going to support each other.” Shane moved closer. He stood a couple inches shorter than Hudson,
scowling up at him.
“What if one of you were to get hurt or sick?” Hudson made a sweeping gesture toward his sister. “I’ve seen her make some
pretty reckless, impulsive decisions over the years. One mistake can ruin you both financially. That’s why living paycheck
to paycheck isn’t good enough.”
Shane was nearly nose to nose with him. “Is anything ever good enough for you? Does anyone meet your highfalutin standards?” He jammed a finger at Hudson’s chest. “You know what, Hudson? You throw your money around
like it will solve your problems, but you’re the one who’s alone.”
Hudson balled his hands into fists. Oh, he’d had enough of this guy.
Layla took Shane’s arm and tugged him back a couple of steps. “Thanks for your generous offer, Hud, but this is the house
we’ve chosen, and we’d like to buy it ourselves.”
“Whatever you say,” Hudson muttered.
Aunt Trudy clasped her hands together, looking desperate. “How about we all go to lunch?”
Layla took Shane’s hand and steered him toward the front door. “Great idea.”
***
Later that afternoon, Hudson sat behind the wheel and glanced over to where Layla kissed Shane goodbye. They’d had an awkward
drive in Hudson’s SUV to the restaurant and then a much-too-long lunch during which Aunt Trudy and Layla talked on and on
about wedding plans. Shane spent most of his time staring down at his plate when he wasn’t shooting daggers at Hudson with
his eyes.
The ride from the restaurant to Aunt Trudy’s house had been just as uncomfortable if not worse. Since Layla and their aunt
seemed to have run out of things to discuss, Hudson had turned on the radio—but every time he looked into his rearview mirror,
he found Shane silently glaring at his reflection.
As soon as Hudson had parked his SUV in the driveway, Shane had leapt from the car as if his life depended on it. Layla followed close behind him, and now it seemed she was trying to calm him as he sat in his truck.
“You need to back off,” Aunt Trudy warned Hud.
He’d been expecting his aunt to share her thoughts. “I’m just trying to help.”
“But your idea of helping is actually causing more harm than good.” Aunt Trudy’s expression seemed sad instead of angry. “Hudson,
you show your love by buying things for Layla and me, but honestly, we love you for you , not for the things you can give us with your money.”
He grasped the steering wheel.
“Do you want to start off Layla’s marriage estranged from your brother-in-law?”
Hudson remained silent.
“If Layla has to choose between her husband and her brother, she’ll choose her husband every time.”
Hudson pushed the door open. “That won’t be necessary.”
“Wait.” Aunt Trudy touched his arm. “Why were you looking at Flowering Grove real estate in the first place?”
Hudson shrugged.
“Were you looking for a place for yourself or just trying to prove to Shane that you can provide a better life for your sister
than he can?”
“I’m not trying to prove anything to Shane.” He paused for a moment. “You told me he had gotten expelled from high school.
He was deep into drugs and alcohol, and it took him a while to get his life on track—to get his GED and find a trade.” He
licked his lips. “What if he relapses and takes Layla with him? What if she gets hooked on drugs and alcohol again?” His voice
sounded raspy.
Aunt Trudy shook her head. “You’ve got to trust your sister to make the best decisions for herself. She was in a bad place in high school, but that’s not who she is anymore. She’s grown up, and you need to accept that. Stop punishing her for her past, Hud. If you keep interfering, you will lose her, and that will devastate both you and her, not to mention me.”
Hudson climbed out of the car and shut the door.
Layla stood up on her tiptoes and kissed Shane while he sat in the driver’s seat of his truck. Then he closed the door, started
the engine, and backed down the driveway toward the road. Layla waved goodbye to him and then spun to face her brother.
“Layla,” Hud said.
“I’m not a little girl anymore.” She marched over to him. “If I want to buy a house with my fiancé, then I will, and you can’t
stop me.”
“I can get you a bigger house that will give you and Shane room to grow.”
“But I want my house, the one Shane and I chose together . Why can’t you understand that?”
“But if I can help you—”
“Stop trying to help me!” Her cheeks reddened. “This is my life, Hud.”
Hudson stuck his hands in his pockets as aggravation surged in his chest. “I only want what’s best for you, Layla. That’s
all. I don’t understand what’s wrong with that.”
“Why are you so insistent on rejecting every single thing Shane and I do?”
“I’m not.”
She touched her forehead. “You’re always trying to force us to do things your way.”
“That’s not true.”
She sighed. “Forget it.”
As she turned and started toward their aunt’s house, Hudson thought back to his conversations with Dakota and realized she’d said the same things to him.
Irritation flooded him. He just couldn’t deal with it now. They were both wrong. He wasn’t trying to control his sister; he
was only taking care of her. Surely she’d come around to that truth eventually.