Page 140 of When We Were Us
“Can I give you some advice?” Hudson says and takes the seat next to me.
“Sure.” I look over at him and his face is serious. Maybe more serious than I have ever seen Hudson.
“Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from having what you want.”
I draw my eyebrows together. “Okay, Deepak,” I say with a little laugh. “That’s a little deep for you, buddy,” I say, a little unnerved by the intensity in his gaze.
He chuckles, then sobers again. “I’m just saying, I’ve spent the better part of my adult life wishing I had done things a hell of a lot differently. Sometimes we don’t act on things we should have because we’re afraid of the ramifications if we do. I only have one regret in life, and it’s a pretty damn big one. I don’t want that to happen to you,” he glances toward the backyard, “or my brother. I’ve never seen him happier.”
I nod, and I get the impression he is talking to himself just as much as he is me.
“Thanks, Hudson,” I say with a smile. “And for what it’s worth, I think you should think about taking your own advice.”
Finn comes in just then and I tip my head in her direction, then meet his eyes again with a smile. I lean in and whisper, “And you’re not getting any younger.”
“We better go soon, Huddy. Paige is fading fast,” she says, leaning against the counter on her elbows.
His eyes slide from mine to Finn and back. He taps his knuckles on the counter twice before pushing to stand. “Thanks, Wren.”
To Finn, he says, “I’ll get everyone together really quick for goodbyes.”
Hank steps through the back door and our eyes meet across the space. He gives me a nod.
“Hey, Finn, Hudson. Can we talk to you really quick before you get everyone else?” I say.
They share a glance. “Sure,” Hudson says.
Hank comes around to stand next to me. Lacing his fingers through mine, he looks down at me with a grin.
“Ok, what’s going on?” Finn says, eyeing me suspiciously.
“I’d love it if you bought my grandparents’ place if you still want it.”
The squeal that leaves Finn is ear-piercing. Then, she’s launching herself around Hudson and slamming into me, her arms around my neck.
“Holy shit! This is so amazing, Wren! I am so excited!” She turns to Hudson, her expression jubilant. “Huddy, get in here!” She grabs his hand and hauls him into an awkward group hug, causing a laugh to burst out of him.
I laugh against her hair and then she abruptly pulls back, searching my face. Then, she flicks her eyes up to Hank.
“What about you?” she asks, looking at Hank and then back at me. “Are you…leaving?”
I glance up at Hank and then back to her. “I am.” I nod.
Her face falls, and her eyes ping-pong between mine.
“I still have to pack up my condo and wrap up a few things, and then…I’m coming home.”
Another ear-piercing squeal splits the air, and she launches herself at me, pulling me in. She grabs for Hank’s shirt, pulling a rough chuckle out of him, too.
Just beyond her shoulder, I see Hudson’s lips quirk up before he gives Hank a satisfied little nod and a wide smile.
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
hank
We wentout riding all afternoon. Apollo is still recovering, and although he’s doing well, he won’t be in riding shape for a while yet. So, I took out Pop’s horse, Blackjack, and Wren rode Mom’s horse, Mystic.
I thought working with Wren was fantastic, but being out there on horseback with her was something else entirely. I loved her before, but watching her today, I realized there is still so much more to her than I ever realized.
