Page 49 of The Complication with the Best Man
She shrugs. “No reason. What’s his fiancée think of that?”
I shift in my seat. “Actually, he’s not engaged anymore.”
Palmer nods slowly. “Had a feeling that might happen.”
“I can’t say anything more than that. It’s not my story to tell. I’m sure Finn will probably fill Hudson in tonight, and he’ll tell you.”
Her forehead wrinkles. “Interesting. So, he’s moving here for good I take it?” I nod. “And how do you feel about the fact that he’s single and available?”
My head rocks back. “What do you mean? It makes no difference to me.”
“Mmm-hmm.”
I cross my arms. “Okay, what’s with that tonight?”
She shrugs. “It’s just that I saw you guys the morning after the wedding, and you two seemed pretty smitten with each other. I guess I’m just wondering if the two of you plan to see if there could be something between you.”
I’m already shaking my head before she finishes talking. “Not happening. The priority is the baby.”
“Is that what he says?” She arches a dark eyebrow.
“Well, we haven’t talked about it, but…”
“But… you have no idea where he’s at then. I understand not wanting to complicate things, I do, but you two need to have a conversation and make sure you’re on the same page.”
She’s right, I realize. As uncomfortable as it might be, we do need to talk about it.
I groan and let my head drop back, not looking forward to having that conversation. But I guess this is what it means to become a parent—choosing to do the hard things.
nineteen
FINN
“Wow. Didn’t see that coming.” Hudson tips back his beer.
We’re at the bar in downtown Lake Starlight called Lucky’s. I know a lot of people with a drinking problem won’t even step a foot into a bar, and I didn’t at first, but now it’s easier for me. Back when I was drinking, I wanted to drink whether I was at work or smack dab in the middle of a bar. The location made no difference.
If I walked in and felt the pull any more than I do on a normal day, I’d walk right out. But as it is right now, I’m fine.
I sip the ginger ale in front of me. “Yeah, not my proudest moment, agreeing to a fake marriage, but I just wanted to help my parents out.”
“It’s that bad?” When I nod, he cringes. “I’m sorry, man. We grew up on those slopes.”
Most of our childhood was spent at my parents’ ski resort. It was our go-to place as teenagers with all of our friends. “I know, but it’s taking a toll on them to keep it up. Might be worth just closing. I don’t know.”
“I wish I could do something.”
I shrug. It’s not his fault. “I’ll see if I can figure something else out, though I don’t know what.”
“Let me know. You know I’ll do whatever I can.”
“Congratulations again on you and Palmer expecting.” I change the subject, still feeling like a horrible son for not being able to help my parents when I thought I was going to save their business.
Hudson’s grin is one of true happiness. In fact, besides his wedding and Adley’s birth, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this happy. “Thanks. I’m hyped about it. How are you feeling about everything going on with you?”
I blow out a breath. “A little overwhelmed. So much is changing so fast. But I don’t know, I’m getting more used to the idea with every day that passes. It’s starting to feel more real.”
He nods as though he understands. And he probably does, given that he and Palmer were friends who hooked up one night and then found out she was pregnant as a result.
