Page 17 of Georgia-Blue & Hudson

“Come on in, we’re just getting prepped for everyone arriving.”

I notice there are no other cars here yet. “How are you doing in the new place? Are you finding your feet yet?”

“We’re just loving it,” she gushes. “It’s so great being on the property now rather than in town. It’s so quiet and peaceful out here.”

There’s literally no one else for miles. I follow her into the massive open plan living and dining area, which welcomes the light perfectly with large windows to the front and the back,offering a different view from every one of them. Their home has been built to really fit the landscape, using the perfect blend of rustic charm with modern appliances.

“I’ll bet it is.”

“Hey, brother.” Gray walks out of the long adjoining hallway where his study is. He looks comfortable in his dark sweats and bare feet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look so unstressed and carefree. It’s about time.

I give him a chin lift. “Hey, bud.” He walks over and we give each other a manly pound hug. “This place is fantastic. You guys must be over the moon.” Of course I’ve seen it all coming together, but not them actually living in the space with their furniture and stuff. Now it really looks like a home.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Gray says as Hart makes her way back over to the kitchen at the other side of this expansive room. It’s surrounded by windows, giving off a view from all the different angles in the space. Trees surround us, and the beautiful Stoney Creek blue sky that changes every single day. No view from any window is the same. There are big double sliding doors leading off the back to a large decked alfresco area, with more trees at the rear. “We moved in on the weekend, so far so good.”

“No one deserves it more than you.”

“Thanks, Huds. Appreciate it. How’s things for you?”

“Busier than ever.”

“Your dad good?”

“He’s doing fine, you know Huck.”

Gray chuckles and walks toward the kitchen. “Up for a beer?”

“Of course.” I’m not the world's biggest drinker these days. Let’s just say I went off the rails a little after my accident and spent a lot of time in the mountains feeling sorry for myself and drinking way too much. I know how to pace myself now. Being known as the town drunk isn’t an aspiration I need to pursue.

I take a seat at the island bench overlooking a large granite benchtop, while Hartley puts the final touches together on the platters and nibbles she’s been preparing.

“We decided to grill for the main course,” Gray says. “Any excuse to get the Traeger out.”

I chuckle. “I like how your mind works.”

He pops open the fridge and grabs us both a beer, passing mine over the island.

“So, a little birdie told me the girls are taking over your farm and looking for the perfect wedding backdrop.” Hart flicks her big blue eyes up to me for a second. She’s cutting up some carrot and celery sticks for the platters.

I press my lips together as Gray chuckles. “Guilty as charged.” I hold up my hands. “The cotton sure is pretty this time of year. We’re harvesting right now, but I’ve assured the girls there will be plenty in the field for the big day.”

“And my sister isn’t driving you nuts?” Grayson rolls his eyes.

I smirk. “I didn’t say that. But you knowBlue Belle, she’s a little firecracker. I know she’ll find the perfect backdrop, she has a knack for getting exactly what she wants.”

“She’s been that way since she was born.” Gray kisses Hartley on the cheek and strokes a hand over her belly. My gut twists. I’m happy for them, truly, but a part of me envy’s my best friend.

“You need to go light the grill,” she tells him.

I reach across the bench and we fist bump. “You’d better not keep your old lady waiting, bud. I heard pregnant women can get a little cranky.” I tip the bottle to my best friend and take a swig of beer.

“Hey!” Hart whacks me on the shoulder with a dish towel. “I’ve still got ears, and for your information, I’m not cranky, but I do have ankles the size of an elephant.”

“You’re perfect,” Gray tells her.

I’ve always pictured myself with a bunch of kids running around, enough for a football team. Not that I’m great with children or have any other siblings, but it’s just something that’s always felt natural. But as I’ve gotten closer to forty, those kinda things seem to be further away than ever. I can’t even find a decent woman around here. The ratio of men to women is three to one in Stoney Creek, or so I’m constantly told by the other single men in town. I can’t say I’ve actively been looking for a woman. In fact, I’ve been abstaining since my last encounter forever ago. It made me realize having one night stands at my age is just not the way I want things to be. I’m better off on my own.

“This place sure suits you both,” I say as more cars arrive outside.

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