Page 90 of With This Ring

Dakota leaned over. “It’s perfect, Layla. I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks. We showed it to Shane’s parents, and they love it. In fact, they offered to help us with the down payment as part of our wedding gift since Hud is paying for everything else.” Her smile faded a bit as she said the words.

“That’s very generous,” Dakota said, and Kayleigh agreed.

“We haven’t showed it to Hud yet. Shane said he wanted to wait, but I’m not sure why.”

Dakota knew why. She could still see the resentment in Shane’s eyes while Hudson grilled him about the house.

Layla set her phone on the table and rested her chin on her palm. “I can’t believe I’ll be married in three weeks. It seems like just yesterday Shane and I met at the coffee shop. I had accidentally taken his coffee, and when he asked for it back, we both laughed. Then he asked me out, and we spent the entire evening together. I’d seen him around in high school, but we never really talked. But that night it was as if we’d known each other forever. I had a hunch from that night that he was the one. It was so magical.” She sighed. “I can’t wait to be his wife.”

Dakota and Kayleigh shared a smile before Kayleigh took a sip of her Diet Coke.

“Whenever you have time, I’ll need you to come in for one last fitting,” Dakota told her. “The gown is almost done.”

“Awesome. I’ll text you to make an appointment. I can’t wait to see the finished product.”

“I think you’ll be pleased.” Dakota moved her fingers over her cup. “I finished the beading last night. It was more challenging than I expected.”

“I really appreciate it, Dakota. You’re the best.”

Dakota tried to force a smile, but a yawn overtook her. She pressed her hand to her mouth, then sipped more of her own Diet Coke. If only the caffeine would give her the jolt of energy she needed.

“Oh, Shane’s here. Gotta go!” Layla scooted to the end of the bench, then skated off to meet her fiancé by the snack bar.

“Oh, to be young and in love,” Kayleigh sang.

Dakota shook her head.

“What’s that look for?” Kayleigh leaned forward.

Dakota slumped back in the seat. “I have a feeling Hud is going to ruin the house for Layla.” She explained the conversation she witnessed at the boutique during the tuxedo fittings. “I told Hud to back off, but he wouldn’t listen. We actually argued about it, and I told him to leave my store.” She shared more details of the incident. “I can’t believe I lost my cool in front of Shane and his friends. So embarrassing.”

Dakota covered her face with her hands. “I feel like I’m falling apart. I spilled hot coffee all over my suit this morning. It’s a good thing I keep a few extra outfits at the store. At least I didn’t pour salt into my coffee again.” She recoiled at the memory. “Anyway, I just can’t stop thinking about how angry Hud made me. I feel like I don’t know him anymore. All he cares about is money.”

“Do you really think that’s true?” Kayleigh asked.

Dakota took another sip of Diet Coke, and her lips twisted. “Hekeeps offering me a loan to help me out. He thinks that if he throws money at people, it will make everything better. It’s like he’s trying to prove something.” She moved her hand over the cool tabletop. “Maybe he thinks offering money instead of dealing with his real issues will solve all of his problems.”

Kayleigh moved her straw up and down in her cup, and the straw squeaked in response.

She could almost hear her best friend’s opinions churning in her head. “Just say it, Kay.”

“You still care about him,” Kayleigh said.

“No, I don’t. I thought I did before, but the way he wants to use money to control everything, including his sister, makes me nuts.”

Kayleigh shook her finger at Dakota. “Dakota, he’s done more than that.” She started counting off on her fingers. “He took care of you after you crashed while skating. He found Trouble when he went missing. He fixed your kitchen cabinets. He loaned you a propane tank when your family showed up for a cookout you never expected. And we can’t forget that he also changed your tire when you were running late to an appointment.”

“Yeah, he did.” Dakota blew out a dreamy sigh and rested her chin on her palm.

“You still love him.”

“He broke my heart once. Why would I risk it again?”

Kayleigh lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. “Unfortunately, we can’t help who we love.”

“I don’t love him,” Dakota insisted.

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