Page 177 of Bridesmaid By Chance
“I was unaware you had such a brilliant wife,” Terrance says while taking a seat across from us.
He spent the evening chatting with me while we were served dinner, essentially blocking everyone else out, even Hudson. We spoke aboutmusicals, something he seems to be very passionate about. He is a big fan of the old-timey ones with the tap dancing. While I told him I was a die-hard fan ofHamiltonandKinky Boots.
He told me all about beef Wellington and the proper way to cook it.
I told him I had zero cooking experience but it was something I was hoping to get better at so I could make some fun meals for me and Hudson.
He asked if I had ever been to the UK before, and I told him I came from humble beginnings that prevented travel, and this time away, plus the trip to Bora Bora, were really the only big trips that I’ve been on.
We joked and shared stories, and when the meal was over, he went to go smoke a cigar while I snuggled into Hudson.
With the sun now set, pretty bulbed string lights hanging above us, and a whisper of people around us, Terrance has joined us again.
“I’m really glad you were able to meet her,” Hudson says, then looks me in the eyes. “She’s remarkable.”
God, the way he says that combined with his expression, it almost feels like he absolutely means it. Like he cherishes me.
And excuse me if I don’t freaking melt right on the spot.
How could I not with this man?
He’s been such a closed-off, bossy, grumpy man who hasn’t let me in an inch. But slowly and surely, with each passing day, he’s warmed up to me. He’s allowed me in to a part of his life, to help him. He’s given me his trust. He’s shared his insecurities. He’s allowed me to support him. On top of that, he’s seen me. He’s made me feel valued, needed, like I actually have something to contribute.
And now, with that look, that kiss…I feel this connection to him that I’ve never felt with another human.
“She truly is,” Terrance says, breaking my eye contact with Hudson. “Makes me wonder if I’ve misjudged you.”
Hudson grows serious as he says, “I don’t think I’ve given you theopportunity to get to know me better.” Hudson presses his hand to his chest. “And that’s on me, sir. I’ll be honest with you. There were many times when I sat in my office and flipped a switch, turning on my business mode, and then forgot to turn it off. I’d get caught up in making the deal, in bettering the world. Moments like this, outside the office, where I get to spend an evening with new friends, in a beautiful city, with delicious food, I remember there is so much more than making the deal. So maybe you did judge me properly at first because it’s all you truly knew about me.”
I’ve always been impressed with Hudson Hopper. He’s business savvy but kind. He has a good head on his shoulders, but this…this is another level.
This is him at peak performance.
“That’s very commendable of you to say.” Terrance leans back in his chair, studying us. “Can I be candid with you?”
“Please,” Hudson says as his thumb rubs over my thigh.
“What happened with your father—from what I’ve heard, you and your brother betrayed him, claiming you wanted to run the business your way.” He nods at Hudson. “What’s your side of the story?”
Hudson shifts, but only slightly, indicating that he’s uncomfortable but not too uncomfortable that he’s going to skip the question.
“I’m not sure if you are aware, but my sister got married a little while ago in Bora Bora.”
“Vaguely, congratulations.”
“Thank you. It was a wonderful occasion, but during that time, we found out some things about our father that we couldn’t align ourselves with. Of most concern, he was using a potential business partner to blackmail our sister into coming back to work under the Hopper umbrella. She left the family business years ago and built her own life. Dad was never happy about it and was doing everything he could to bring her back, to undermine her business, even by blackmailing and threatening others.Haisley means everything to us.” Hudson pauses, no doubt corralling his anger. “Hardy and I were not going to stand by and let our dad control her. That’s when we dug deeper and discovered the inappropriate ways he was conducting business. We tried to discuss our concerns with him, but he wanted nothing to do with it, so we separated. We bought out the almond farm, a part of the business that he’d always found little value in, and we signed a few smaller businesses under the umbrella and joined together with the Cane brothers to work on more philanthropic projects.”
He slowly nods. “And with the property here, your plans are legitimate?”
“Yes. We plan on creating low-income housing. It’s what the Cane brothers started in San Francisco and have slowly been expanding throughout the US. We love the concept and feel passionate about extending this project outside the States. The opportunity with Archie arose, and well, I jumped on it because I have such respect for you both and would love the opportunity to work with Wimbach International on such a relevant and rewarding project.”
“We could always use more low-income housing here,” he says, still studying Hudson. He takes a second and then turns toward me. “Why did you marry Hudson? What do you see in him that I might not see?”
Why did I marry him?
Ummm…
So my sister and I could purchase our childhood home.
