Page 16 of Catching Feels

“Animal person, farm people, we’re like not the same but kind of.”

“Makes perfect sense, kind of.” I laugh as I follow her out.

The sign over the entry doors reads “Brooks Barn and Brew.”

Mom’s, still misty-eyed and still looks to be in a bit of shock.

I love today. Truly love it.

Inside the entry, an easel is set, telling us, “Seat yourself. We’re busy,” which makes me giggle, but it’s speaking truth—the place is packed.

We all follow Hudson toward the bar, three sides of which are seating. On the back wall is a one of the massive TVs, between two doorways, which I assume lead to the kitchen.

Smiling, Riley Brooks comes out of the back and spots us. “Hey, look, it’s the Harts.”

“Sure is.” Hudson winks.

A sandy-brown-haired, nice-looking guy comes up behind her and wraps an arm around her waist. “It’s the off season; what are you doing back from”—he pauses—“where in Bumfuck, Virginia?”

Hudson lifts his chin. “I own a house here, and so does my beautiful mother.” He pulls her under his arm. “This is home no matter the seasons.”

“Should have been here earlier. Not looking good for even a Knight to find a place to?—”

Riley elbows him and laughs. “The loft has plenty of space. Grab a table. I’ll send a server up.”

Hudson winks at her. “Family-style works. Load us up. To the round table we go, fam.”

Before we walk away, I hear Riley’s boyfriend say, “This was supposed to be a day off for you. I thought we’d get some time together.”

“Guy’s a fucking tool,” Hudson mutters under his breath as we make our way to the stairs.

The loft is freaking awesome. One side overlooks the bar below, and just like the main level, it has a wall of windows overlooking the lake.

“How many lakes are there around here?” Cora asks.

“It’s called the Finger Lakes region,” Hudson replies. “There’s eleven close by. Mom’s lake is the best.”

Upstairs, there’s one family and, of course, Hudson knows them.

“Hey, look, it’s the Rosses.”

“Hey, look, it’s the Harts.” A blonde woman smiles. “Come sit with us.”

Hudson looks at CeCe. “Alex and his son, Liam, are veterinarians.”

“Dad’s a part-time vet now.” Liam, the son, chuckles.

“Not part-time yet,” Alex corrects his son. “Not until the fall.”

“Too young to retire.” Roman shakes his hand. “I’m?—”

“We know who you are. You’re Roman Hart.” She holds out her hand. “I’m Phoebe, and this is Remington. The other Rosses.”

Hudson sucks in a breath. “No disrespect met, Mrs. Ross. Roman’s girlfriend’s a vet, too, and her sister’s going to be.”

“Once I get off the waitlist at Rutgers.” Cora shrugs.

“You apply to Cornell?” Alex asks.

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