Page 224 of Beautiful Collide

“It’s beautiful.” I sigh.

It really is beautiful. Too beautiful, maybe.

Like something out of a dream I would never let myself have.

We fall into silence—not awkward, not tense, just quiet.

Everything about this moment is perfect.

The way the air smells of wildflowers to the soft breeze in the air that tugs at the loose strands of my hair.

Hudson’s hand reaches out and tucks the piece behind my ear, and when he does, I let him.

I love being here with him.

It feels right.

“Do you miss this?” I gesture around us, making it clear I’m talking about the farm.

Hudson takes a deep breath before looking out over the fields.

“Every day,” he admits on a sigh. “But what other choice do I have? Hockey’s the dream, you know? Always has been.” He pauses. “But this . . . this is home.”

There’s that word again.

Home.

And it lands as heavy right now as it did before.

I tighten my grip on the jar. My throat feels tight, and I’m not sure why.

“What’s that like?” I ask, my voice barely more than a whisper.

Hudson turns toward me, his brows pulling together in a gentle crease. “What do you mean?”

“Having a place that feels like home,” I say, keeping my eyes fixed on the horizon. My voice is steady, but it feels like I might break. “I don’t think I’ve ever had that.”

There it is.

I did it.

I said the one thing I never thought I’d say out loud.

Why did I say it now? Why does he make me feel like it’s safe to admit it?

The easy humor in Hudson’s expression fades.

He sets his jar down on the ground beside him, turning fully to face me. His eyes search mine, and I resist the urge to look away.

“You know”—his voice is quieter now—“home doesn’t always have to be a place.” He leans in slightly, just enough that I can feel the shift in his presence. “Sometimes it’s just . . . people. The ones who make you feel safe.”

My chest tightens, the weight of his words pressing against something fragile inside me.

A lump rises in my throat.

I try to swallow but can’t.

I break his gaze, not wanting him to see the tears filling my eyes.I won’t let them fall.

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