Page 113 of Georgia-Blue & Hudson

All eyes are on me, but I land my eyes on Bob. “I’m sorry, Bob.” If I call him Mr. Bassett, he’ll probably punch me too. “I didn’t want you to find out this way.”

He stares me down, hands on hips. Oh, boy. “Find out what?”

I clear my throat. Beau and Gabe come to a stop next to their father. Brook, to his credit, stands by me. “I’ve been seeing Georgia since Florida.”

Silence hangs around the room and I’ve no idea what Bob is going to say, but my eyes stay focussed on him. “Since Florida?”

“Yes, sir.”

Gray scoffs. “How long has this really been going on?”

I level him with my glare. “I told you. Florida. Neither of us meant for this to happen, but if I’m being honest, this last little while, we’ve had more of a connection.”

“I don't believe this.” Gabe runs a hand over his face.

“Me either,” Beau says. “But I confess, Georgia told me this morning.” At least Beau doesn’t look like he wants to punch my lights out.

“Why didn’t you say something sooner?” Bob says, his voice eerily calm.

I swallow hard. “I should have, I realize that now.”

“But you didn’t,” says Gabe.

“I’ve no excuse. I knew how I felt about Georgia, and I wanted to make sure she felt the same way about me.”

“You’re too old for her.” Grayson folds his arms over his chest. “We all know it.”

“We’ve discussed that, and while I agree with you, we also know how we feel.”

“Do you love her?” asks Bob.

“Dad—” Gray starts but Bob holds his hand up to stop him.

I flick my eyes to his. “Yes,” I say without hesitation. “I do.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Gray shakes his head. “You’ve known her since she was born.”

I point at him. “It’s not like that.”

“Enough!” Bob shouts and everyone jumps to attention. Robert Bassett doesn’t raise his voice very often, but when he does, everyone takes notice. He turns toward me. “You’re not just yankin’ my chain, Hudson? I’ve known you since you were a boy.”

I stare him dead in the eye. “I’m not yankin’ your chain, I wouldn’t mess around with Georgia if this wasn’t serious.”

He grips my shoulder, not super hard, but firm enough. “If you really love Georgia, then you’ll do the right thing.”

“I hear wedding bells,” Beau mutters.

“Christ.” Gabe shakes his head.

“Dad, you’ve got to be kidding. You’re okay with being lied to while the two of them snuck around behind our backs?” Gray is a tough nut to crack, but I kinda expected it.

“They’re adults,” Bob says firmly. “And frankly, I can’t imagine anyone more perfect for my girl than Hudson. The age gap is a concern, but as you say, you’re both adults.”

I’m stunned when he pulls me into a hug.

“Welcome to the family.” Brooklyn smacks me on the back and I’m taken aback by Bob’s reaction.He’s okay with this?

“Uh, are you sure you don’t wanna take a swing at me first?”

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