Page 221 of Beautiful Collide

“Just trust me,” I say softly, because what else can I say? “I’ll take care of it. You don’t have to worry.”

I want to tell her more, but now is not the time.

There’s so much she doesn’t know. For years, ever since I went pro, I’ve been putting money aside for her. To help her.

She doesn’t know that Mom and Dad will only take help from me if it’s for her.

Her shoulders slump.She looks so young.

“Hudson . . .”

“No objections. I’ll handle it. That’s what big brothers are for.”

She snorts, making a face. “Cringe.”

I stand, then hold out my hand to her. “Come on. Get off that bucket. Mom’s cooking chili.”

She takes my hand, letting me pull her up. “Fine, but only because chili is my favorite.”

“Obviously.” I playfully roll my eyes.

Together, we walk back toward the house.

The whole time, I’m thinking about how I’ll broach this with Mom and Dad again. Our parents might be stubborn as hell, but not more than I am. I’ll make them take my money.

Somehow.

“Hudson?” Her voice cuts through my thoughts.

“Yeah?”

Anna looks over at me, her lips twitching into a grin. “You need to get me ice cream after dinner.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Oh, is that so?”

“Yep.” Anna laughs.

“No.”

“Fine. I’ll steal your car and buy it myself.”

“With what money?”

“The money you give Mom and Dad for me.” She smirks, clearly enjoying teasing me. “I’m not stupid. I know you’ve been being sneaky and giving them money for me.”

I run a hand over my face. “You could’ve said something.”

“Why? It was more fun letting you think I didn’t know.”

“Unbelievable.”

But as she skips ahead, laughing, I can’t help but smile.

Maybe everything will be okay after all.

79

Molly

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