Hudson stretched his neck, contemplating me for a few seconds before he said, "I don't know that you can fix it."
My stomach dropped, but I said, "That's fair."
"You can help out if you want." Then Hudson turned on his heel and headed toward the truck.
Brady dropped more wood on the pile. "That go well?"
"I guess?" I said, still not sure what had happened.
Brady chuckled. "I, for one, am happy to have you back. We missed you." Then he pulled me in for a brotherly hug, one I hadn't enjoyed in far too long.
The tension eased from my body slightly at the gesture.
Brady pulled back with a grin. "Now let's get to work before big brother yells at us."
I couldn't help but laugh at that. Hudson had been the one who kept us in line, and I had been usually by his side. It felt a little different being on the other side of that. But I hoped we'd be able to regain the friendship we used to have. He couldn't hold a grudge forever, could he?
With the four of us, we had the wood on the grass in no time. Shep showed me the configuration that Phyllis had approved. We each got to work on our own flower box, so I wasn't working directly with Hudson.
It was almost better because we worked together but not talking. We were in each other's presence but not forced to deal with the unfinished business. We could just be. And it felt good to work with my hands again. In no time, I had the sides built, then set them in the dirt, referring to the plans as I went. Once it was done, we filled it with potting soil, then Saylor arrived with the flowers. "Can you help me plant these?"
"I don't know what I'm doing."
Saylor smiled at me. "Don't worry. I'll help you."
She dug small holes for the plants, then handed me a hand shovel so I could do the same on the other side of the box.
"Did you and Hudson talk things out?" Saylor asked softly.
I sighed. "I think it's going to take a while for us to work on our issues."
"This is a start, isn't it?"
I had to admit it was. "Thanks for inviting me here."
Saylor nodded toward Hayden, where she was helping Elena plant her flowers. "If Hayden decides to volunteer here, then we'll call it a win."
I had to admit it turned out to be a better morning than I expected. "I think I'd like to do more things like this. At least until I have to get a job."
Saylor beamed. "Phyllis would love another volunteer around here."
"I should probably talk to my dad about that." I wasn't sure if he'd want me offering my services to the community unless I was officially on board with Kingston Construction.
"I'm sure he'd love to talk to you."
I wasn't so sure about that, but after Brady's welcome hug and Shep's indifferent acceptance, I thought it was possible my family might be happy to have me home. At least some of them. Hudson would take more work, but I was patient. I had a lot of time to think about the way I acted, and I knew I had some things to make up for. I just hoped Hudson was willing to listen.
Chapter Eight
Saylor
The sky was gray, and the rain had been coming down steadily all afternoon. Marshall was installing cabinet doors in the kitchen.
I decided to work in the living room. After several hours of work, I set my laptop aside for a few minutes, stretching my back. I used the powder room in the hallway, and when I came out, Hayden was waiting for me.
Pensive, she asked, "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure," I said, following her into her bedroom. I hadn't been in here since her and Marshall moved in, respecting her privacy.
