Page 193 of Beautiful Collide

“Uh . . . surprise?” I scratch the back of my neck. God, I sound awkward. Not what I want Molly to see, but whenever my mom is around, I revert to a momma’s boy.

She laughs. “Well, you’ll have to come visit soon. I want to hear all about the wedding. And, Molly, I need to know everything—how did he propose? Was it romantic? Did he cry?”

Molly laughs nervously, and I groan again. “Mom, please.”

This woman is going to be the death of me.

“Oh, hush, now,” she says. “Molly, dear. Welcome to the family. We’re so lucky to have you.”

Lucky to have her.

My throat tightens, and I glance at Molly, who’s staring down at her lap, her expression unreadable.

“Thank you,” she whispers, and I wonder if my mom even heard her.

“Well, I’ll let you two go. I’m sure you’re both very busy.” My mom giggles.

Great, my mom has her head in the gutter.

Knowing her, she will probably start wondering when we will give her grandbabies. “But don’t be strangers. And, Hudson, don’t mess this up. Molly’s a keeper.”

The call ends, and the silence in the room feels heavier than before.

Molly sets the phone down slowly, her hands trembling slightly. “I can’t do it,” she says suddenly, her voice shaking.

“Can’t do what?” I ask, frowning.

“I can’t divorce you,” she says, meeting my eyes. “Not after that. Not after hearing how happy your mom is. At least not yet. I don’t want her to know the truth. We can just keep this up a little longer, and then we can—”

“Molly . . .”

“Hudson. You don’t understand. She welcomed me into her family like I’ve always been part of it.” Her voice breaks. “She’s so excited, Hudson. I can’t take that away from her. It won’t be forever, but long enough for you to get your deal and for your mom not to hate me.”

My chest tightens, and I stare at her, unable to speak.

She doesn’t have to do this.

She doesn’t owe me—or my mom—anything. But the fact that she cares enough to stay, even if it’s only for a short time, hits me harder than I expected.

“You don’t have to do this for her,” I say quietly.

“I know.” Her voice is steadier now. “But I want to. Your family . . . they’re incredible. They care about you so much. And if I can help make this whole thing easier, I will.”

I swallow hard, my throat burning. “Why are you like this?” My voice sounds rough, and I wonder if she can hear how moved I am by her words.

“Like what?” She frowns.

“Caring,” I say. “About my family. About me.”

She laughs softly, shaking her head. “Because someone has to.”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut, and all I can do is stare at her.

“Molly,” I say, leaning closer. “You know this changes everything, right?”

She nods, her eyes meeting mine. “Yeah. I know.”

Fuck. I’m in way over my head. Because when the time comes, I’m not sure I’ll be able to let her go.

---