Page 60 of Engaging with Her Enemy

She tried not to hesitate. Cameron read people like a freaking Jedi sometimes. “Maybe because he loves me?”

“Oh, it's not like a special occasion?”

Becky didn't know if Cameron knew something she didn't, so she shrugged. “Poor Addie if she only gets flowers for special occasions.”

“Addie is perfectly happy.”

She brushed past him and walked into her kitchen. “Go away, Cam. Cats or no cats, I'm about to pour myself a glass of wine and sing Carrie Underwood at the top of my lungs while I get ready for my hot date.” She waved him away a second time. “So, scoot.”

His expression darkened a little. “Got it. Have a good night.” He gave her one last odd look before walking away. “And lock your door,” he shouted from the bottom of the porch.

The perpetual cop. She did as he asked and went back to get ready. An hour later, she hustled herself out of the house. Hudson had really gone over the top with the flowers. The card was just as sweet.

Dear Becky,

You're an amazing woman. I know how hard you've struggled with your disability to get through these classes, but I have to say I see it as a blessing. I would have never fallen in love with you the first time in high school if it wasn't for all the tutoring sessions that forced you to be with me. And you would have never fallen in love with me the second time if it wasn't for your determination to get your degree. I love everything about you. Including that smart mouth that's only mine to kiss.

Love, Hudson

She could easily read that card every day for the rest of her life. He made her feel smart, like she could really do anything in the world. She'd make sure he knew that tonight.

* * *

Hudson had never satin the back of a cop car before. But, with Dewey's lights silently flashing, they made record time getting to the jewelry shop two towns over and back before his date with Becky. A two-carat diamond ring sat in his pocket. Princess cut set in a thin platinum band. It'd set him back close to eight thousand, but he didn't care. He wanted it for Becky.

“You look as gloomy as some of the other people that ride back there.” Dewey turned up the music a little. “Do you need some music? Did you make the dinner reservation?”

“Yes. A steakhouse about an hour away. Close to Valdosta. Supposed to be delicious.”

“Becky does like steak. If you don't mind me asking—”

“You will, anyway.”

“Hazard of the job. Seriously, why did you decide to do all this last minute? You seem like you typically plan things out.” Dewey shifted lanes around a car and accelerated. “Planning is your livelihood, right?”

Hudson stared out the window again. “Figuring out the right time was a little last minute. Not for you to go repeat, because Becky would kill me, but she finally told me she loves me. I don't want to let the opportunity slip away.”

“Strike when the iron’s hot. I get it.” Dewey finished the drive to Statem in silence, giving Hudson far too much time to think of the million different ways to propose. And the million- and-one-ways Becky would say “no.”

* * *

Becky climbedout of her car. She fiddled with her purse strap for a moment, scanning the empty street. Hudson hadn't answered his phone. Was he still out at the work site wrapping things up? Had he changed yet?

“Becky?” Juliana walked down the sidewalk, her hand gripping Carrie's hand. “I just ran into Cameron.”

“He's getting around today, isn't he?” She pushed her hair away from her face, careful not to touch it too much until she saw Hudson. “Where are you two pretty ladies headed?”

Carrie bounced on her toes. “We’re going to see Grandpa.”

“I'm going to drop her off at Ms. Iris's house. Daddy is there until she gets off work later.” She chewed on her lip a moment. Becky zeroed in on the nervous movement.

“What's wrong? Is everything okay with you and Grayson?”

“Yes. We're fine.”

“Then what's wrong?”

Juliana chewed on her lip for another moment. “Cameron asked me a question, and I didn't know what to say to him.”

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