“Promotion?” Hudson stiffened, staring hard at Ronnie. She hadn’t mentioned that complication.
“Yeah. Marketing director.”
“Wow, that sounds like a big deal.” Hudson’s emotions tangled in his chest. Excitement for Reese at such an outstanding accomplishment. The titledirectorwasn’t given out lightly, and definitely not at the prestigious corporation Reese worked at. “Congratulations, Reese. That’s quite an accomplishment.” Though he meant it, part of him deflated. He’d never convince Reese that her home was here in Starlight with him if it meant sacrificing a promotion of that merit. Her parents would never forgive her, for one. But worse, Reese might never forgive herself if she turned it down for him.
“When did this happen?” Ronnie tipped the breadbasket, a frown forming when she discovered it empty. “You never said anything.”
“Yesterday,” Reese answered. “I have to give them my answer next Monday, when I get back.”
“I’m sorry for saying this, but I’m glad Peter dumped you.” Ronnie flagged Misty and asked for more bread. “He obviously couldn’t handle you being more successful than him. You don’t need a man in your life who’s going to hold you back for the sake ofhisego. You need one who supports you no matter what.”
Hudson hid his frown behind his water glass, assessing his sister. He couldn’t decide whether she was helping or sabotaging him. How could he possibly support Reese’s big promotion if it meant she could never stay?
“Sorry about Peter.” Hudson was fishing, but he couldn’t help himself.
“Don’t be.” Reese took another sip. “Maybe it makes me sound like a terrible person, but I’m not even sad. I’m . . . relieved.”
That same relief floated through Hudson, though he shouldn’t be surprised that his sister was right about this boyfriend being like the others. Athrowaway. His thoughts drifted as the two women continued their conversation. Reese never got close to anyone, and despite his best efforts to find out why, she’d never shared that detail with him. If he could solve that mystery, he might have a chance.
Ronnie kicked him under the table. “Reese wants to know about the house,” Ronnie said, warning hidden behind her smile.
“I didn’t know you were buying one until Ronnie mentioned it a couple weeks ago. You’ve been talking about it for years, though. I shouldn’t be surprised.”
“It’s a little more than a house,” said Hudson with a laugh. “It’s a three-hundred-acre ranch. One that was headed into foreclosure. I bought it on a short sale.” The memory of that horridly long process and dozens of sleepless nights threatened to ruin his appetite. He was happy the grueling process was over and his name was officially on the deed.
“He saved that land from being bought up by some outside corporation that would’ve torn everything down and filled it with condos and strip malls,” Ronnie chimed in. “Ever since my show took off, every ranch in the area has been offered ridiculous sums of money to sell their land.”
Hudson considered it short of a miracle that the previous owner of his ranch accepted his offer over that of a seedy corporation. One willing to fork over three times what Hudson paid. It was one of the many reasons he loved Starlight. The integrity of the land and its history meant everything to the people here.
“You bought a whole ranch?” He loved Reese’s eyes when they went wide like that. Did she have any idea how adorable she looked when she was surprised?
For the first time since he sat in the booth, his heart slowed its marathon pace. The familiar ease between them was returning. With any luck, things would feel completely normal by nightfall. “Don’t worry, I only need help with the house. I’ve got Jed for the chores.”
“The house is old, but it’s built solid,” Ronnie added, accepting her glass of strawberry lemonade and a fresh breadbasket. The three placed their entree orders, and Hudson relaxed even more.
“Do we have any help?” Reese looked back and forth between Hudson and Ronnie.
“I might be able to spare a couple guys to help with some demo. Carpet removal and that sort of thing,” Ronnie said. “But everyone else is pretty tied up with our newest project. The owners were very clear aboutnotbeing featured on TV, so we have to get it done before filming resumes. Plus, my marketing person just handed in her notice. She’s moving to Bali with her new hubby. I don’t have much time to absorb all her knowledge, much less find a replacement.”
Hudson caught the flash of curiosity in Reese’s eyes, however fleeting. The one that promised the wheels were turning. Though the planted seed guaranteed nothing, it returned an ounce of hope Hudson had lost upon hearing about the promotion.
“Will you be around at all?” Reese drew squiggles through the condensation on her glass, reminding Hudson of the very first kiss they shared. How her soft fingers caressed his stubble-covered cheek.
“You know, it’s probably better if I steer clear. Hudson and I haven’t exactly been seeing eye to eye on this one. With the baby hormones, I burst into tears every time he tells me he doesn’t like something I picked out.”
“You wanted to paint the kitchen bright yellow.”
“It’s cheerful!”
Hudson leaned closer to Reese. “You should’ve seen the paint sample. A man could go blind staring at it too long.”
Reese’s soft laughter warmed him from the inside out. He dared for a single moment to imagine what life might be like if he was fortunate enough to hear that sweet melody every day, for the rest of his days.
Their eyes met, and the entirety of the restaurant—the patrons, the noise, the very walls—seemed to disappear. Time seemed to slow.
A server dropped a plate and silverware clattered against the wood floor, shattering the moment.
Reese was the first to look away. “If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I need to use the ladies’ room.” She swiftly slid out of the booth and zipped away. He should’ve known better. There was nothing slow and methodical about the woman. She was always in a hurry, never able to sit still.
