"Son," he greets Hudson with a nod.
"Harper. Lovely to see you again," he says, and erupts into a coughing fit that shakes his whole frame.
I freeze. Audrey rushes over and hands him his water, one hand on his back, that same practiced gesture I noticed at the gala.
"Sorry," he mutters, shaking his head. Annoyed with himself. With his body for betraying him in front of company.
"No need to apologize, Mr. Blake," I say with a smile as Hudson guides me to my seat, pulling it out. Almost resembling a gentleman.
"Thank you," I whisper and sit.
I nearly die when he leans in and kisses my cheek. Not a quick peck. A kiss. Slow enough that his parents see it. Deliberate enough that my skin crawls.
Hudson settles into the chair beside me. A waiter appears in a black tux, carrying a silver tray of champagne flutes. I take one, and Hudson snickers beside me.
"What's so funny?" Audrey asks.
I take a sip and turn to face him.
"Harper is more of a whiskey gal," he tells them.
I shoot him a glare as he wraps his arm around my shoulders.
"This champagne is lovely, though," I say, holding up the glass.
"Only teasing." He grins, making his parents laugh.
He plays the card well. I'll give him that.
Hudson clears his throat. My heart begins to hammer.
"Before we eat, there is actually something I'd like to do." He stands.
My mouth drops open, just like I practiced in the bathroom mirror an hour ago.
He pulls the ring box from his pocket.
A gasp escapes me. Right on cue.
"Harper Jones. I loved you from the second I laid eyes on you when you walked through those doors at LA Press. Your smile that lights up a room. The way you make me laugh without even saying a word. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
He drops to one knee.
Jesus Christ.
My cheeks are burning. Not from joy. From embarrassment. From the absurdity of kneeling in front of three people and pretending this is real, while the woman across the table is clapping with tears in her eyes, and the dying man at the head of the table is smiling for the first time all evening.
"Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Audrey squeals from across the table. I haven't even said yes.
"Yes," I say. "Yes, I'll marry you."
I launch myself out of the chair, and he stands, wrapping his arms around me. His hand strokes my cheek, his eyes burning into mine.
And for that split second, I picture Ace's dark eyes. His rough hands on my face. The way he used to hold me after, like I was something precious he was terrified of dropping.
"Can I kiss you now?" Hudson whispers.
