Page 136 of That Moment
I glance up, cautious. “Why?”
He shrugs. “Because I was wrong about him.”
That pulls me up short. “Come again?”
He smiles faintly. “I thought he’d hurt you. Thought he was just another guy who didn’t deserve you. But… maybe he does.”
I study him carefully, waiting for the punchline. “You sure you’re feeling okay?”
He grins. “Don’t push it. But yeah, I’m serious. You look different lately. Happier. I figured that had to mean something.”
My throat tightens. “It does.”
“How much something are we talking about?” he presses.
I hesitate, then smile. “We said I love you.”
Axel’s eyebrows shoot up. “Holy shit.”
“Yeah.”
He sits back, stunned. “So… he’s the one?”
I bite my lip, heart steady but certain. “Yeah. I think he is.”
For once, Axel doesn’t make a joke. He just nods, with a genuine smile. “Then I’m happy for you, sis. Really.”
“Thanks.”
He pushes up from the chair, stretching. “Guess I'd better go before you start crying on me.”
I roll my eyes. “You wish.” He’s almost at the door when I add, “And Axel?” He glances back, “I’m going to talk to Dad tonight. This conversation with him isn’t over.”
“Give him hell, sis.”
I smirk. “Always.”
I park halfwaydown the drive, needing the extra seconds to steady myself before facing my dad. The house glows warm from inside, but that familiar comfort doesn’t reach my chest tonight. I park my car, taking in a few deep breaths before heading toward the porch.
Dad’s shadow moves past the back porch window. I square my shoulders, grab the bottle of bourbon I brought as a peace offering, and climb the steps. He’s already sitting out there when I push open the screen door. He’s in his uniform of jeans, flannel, and a bourbon glass resting on the arm of his chair.
“Hey,” I say quietly.
He looks up, one brow lifting. “Didn’t expect company.”
“I figured we should talk. I brought a peace offering.”
He studies me for a beat before nodding to the chair beside him. “You want a drink?”
“I’ll take a glass,” I say, setting the bottle on the table between us.
He pours without a word, slides it over. I take a sip before breaking the silence. “Axel told me you’ve been asking about Scotty.”
Hudson exhales slowly, eyes fixed on the dark horizon. “I asked a few questions.”
“Behind my back.”
He doesn’t flinch. “Didn’t seem like you wanted to talk to me about it. Especially after the way we left things at dinner.”
