Page 107 of Georgia-Blue & Hudson

“You were grieving, that’s allowed.”

“And in doing that, I was more miserable, never allowing myself to feel any joy. It’s not what Mom would’ve wanted.”

I snuggle into him again. “It’s not. I know I’ve said it before, but I believe she is looking down on you now, so proud. She’s rooting for us.”

He kisses the top of my head.

“Well, this looks cozy.”

We spring apart and I almost fall off the fence but Hudson grabs my arms to break my fall.

When my head whips around, I see Brooklyn. Shit. He rode up on his horse, Sailor, and was so quiet we didn’t hear him.

“I was, uh, cold,” I sputter.

He eyes Hudson, unsmiling. This isn’t like Brook. He always has a smile.

Hudson palms the back of his head. “It isn’t what you think.”

My heart sinks.

Here we go. Deny. Deny. Deny.

“Looks like itiswhat I think.”

“Let me finish.” Hudson waves a hand at him. “In Florida.” He swallows hard. “Something happened.”

Brook’s eyes almost bug out of his head. “Florida?”

I keep quiet, unable to meet his gaze.

“We’ve been seeing each other in secret,” Hudson says, knocking the wind out of my sails. He could’ve just told Brook I really was cold; he would’ve believed it. “I’m a chicken shit, and that’s no excuse, but this isn’t just a fling, this is the real deal, Brook.”

“You’re damn right it’s no excuse.” Brook circles around with Sailor, keeping her steady. “You need to fess up before Gray finds out.”

“Are you gonna tell him?”

Brook rolls his eyes. “Give me some credit.”

I frown. “So, you’re okay with this?”

Brook glances at me. “Please, I’ve been in your corner forever. Just took you two a little longer to figure it out.”

“What?” I stammer.

“You think all I do is come up with genius ideas for distilling bourbon and rescuing animals?” he snorts. “Not to mention, mine and Blake’s veggie garden, which should win some type of award. I’ve got eyes in my head. You two give off a vibe that’s off the charts, just so you know.”

“Have you been drinking mushroom tea?” I shake my head. “Your calmness over this is making me nervous.”

He points at Hudson. “Need to talk to Gray, you know how he is, then Dad.”

“In that order?”

“In that order, brother.”

I swallow hard. “Are you sure you’re not going to say anything?” I look up at him. “Before we get the chance to?”

Brooklyn jumps down off his horse and walks toward me. “What kind of brother do you think I am? You should also tell Beau right after; you know how sensitive he is and you keepin’ it from him won’t do any good.”

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