Page 178 of Bridesmaid By Chance
So Hudson could gain access to this club in order to talk to you.
So there was a very slim chance that I might be able to fall into bed with him, but that’s neither here nor there.
I look up at Hudson’s carved jaw, peppered in scruff, and I smile, thinking about how much I love the feel of that jaw moving between my legs. “It was an easy decision for me,” I answer, which is not a lie. “He’s unlike any man I’ve ever met.” Also not a lie. “I have two siblings as well, a brother and a twin sister, and I saw in him what I see in myself, deep andgenuine love for family. Dedication to family. It’s what made me fall for him first. He’s also incredibly smart. I started working for him and quickly noticed how intentional he was with his employees, during meetings, and even in emails. He wasn’t demanding but respected everyone around him, and that impressed me and was an incredibly attractive trait. From there, I couldn’t stop falling because of how he treated me, like I’m a queen. He made me feel seen. He made me feel valued. He made me feel like I had something to offer to this world.” I shrug. “He’s a one-of-a-kind man, and I’m grateful he chose me.” Then I cup his cheek and press a light kiss to his lips that he returns.
“I can see that you two are very much in love, and I value those qualities too,” Terrance says. “Qualities I haven’t seen firsthand with your father.”
“Maybe he’ll get back to them one day,” Hudson says.
“For your benefit, I hope so.” He pats his leg. “Well, I just have one more thing to ask: What kind of wedding did you have? Because when I spoke to your father, he seemed unaware that you are married.”
Oh.
My.
God.
I feel an immediate sweat break out on my upper lip as Hudson goes stiff next to me.
Terrance talked to Hudson’s dad?
About us?
About our marriage.
No, this cannot be good. Did his dad talk to anyone else?
Hudson rubs his hand over his thigh as he clears his throat. I can see the distress in his eyes, in the way he carries himself, but it’s hidden to everyone else. “Small, intimate. Just family, well, close family.” He manages a small smile, but it’s all for show, because behind those intense eyes of his, I know his mind is whirling.
“It was more about us,” I add, trying to let him know that I’m here with him in this moment.
“With the intention of doing something later on down the road with family and friends,” Hudson finishes. “But I wanted her as mine as quickly as I could make it happen.”
“I can understand that. Do you plan on inviting your father?”
Jesus, this guy with the daddy issues. He already knows Reginald has been a dick to Hudson and he keeps pushing some sort of reconciliation. I hate that for Hudson.
“At the moment, I want to say yes, but we’re battling a lawsuit he’s filed against us. Maybe if we can get past the damage that he has done to our relationship, I will. The door is open to him to talk and make amends. I would love nothing more than to put this all behind us.”
Such a diplomatic response, despite the war that Hudson’s battling internally.
“I really hope you do. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like if I weren’t a part of my child’s life. I shall encourage him from my end.”
“That means a lot. Thank you.” Hudson stands and reaches his hand out to me. “If you don’t mind, Terrance, I promised my wife a dance out on the lawn.”
“Of course, by all means.” Terrance gestures for us to leave. I offer him a wave, and then hand in hand, we take off down the side steps that lead to the portable dance floor where a few couples are slow dancing under the stars.
“Are you okay?” I whisper.
“Just keep a smile on your face, he’s going to watch us.”
“Okay,” I say as we make it to the floor where a string quartet is playing a beautiful rendition of “Rewrite the Stars.”
Hudson pulls me in close, wraps his arm around my waist, while he connects his other hand to mine, holding it close to his chest. He lightly kisses my forehead and then connects our heads together while we slowly move to the music.
Whispering, I say, “Did you know your dad knew?”
“No fucking clue,” he says stiffly.
