Chapter 4

4

Hudson

Friday night

I haven't had a chance to catch up with Gray all week, I've been meaning to have a proper catch up with him since their baby news. He confessed to me before anyone that he was going to propose and that he had his grandmother's ring to seal the deal. So I had to keep it quiet until Gray could let the family know. We all know none of the other Bassett family members can keep a secret.

My mind drifts to the enjoyable morning I spent with Georgia at the Hundred Acre Woods. Showing the girls my favorite spots and where my horse Snow and I used to ride growing up, was a highlight. My beautiful white Palomo. She's long gone now, but it reminded me of how much I miss her and riding on this rickety farm. What started as barren land, is now thriving.

I know Brook has at least four horses over at his place, and I've been meaning to go have a ride while the weather is still nice. A thought crosses my mind about asking Georgia, but I shake it off. She wouldn't want to do that with me.

All we're good at is annoying the shit out of each other and teasing.

She sure was cute though; in her tight jeans, rain boots and what I like to call her ‘classy flannel'. It's pink and blue striped, and doesn't look one bit dowdy or farmer girl. She threw it over a white Bassett Brothers Bourbon Distillery t-shirt, but then tied it around her waist when the sun came out…

"Now this is the perfect spot!" She holds her face up toward the sun as it peeks through the trees, making a burst of golden light appear over her head. It's almost like a halo, which is kinda fitting. She is a fucking angel even if she can be a brat most of the time.

"I told ya."

"The shots will look fantastic in color and black and white." Autumn gives me her full approval.

"I'm glad you like it out here. I mean, we have the creek running through further down, just like over at the distillery, but the cotton fields make the backdrop a little different."

"Thanks, Huds." GB nudges me on the way back to my truck. "Telling us all your secret hideaway spots, they might not be so secret anymore."

I laugh. "Princess, I still gotta keep some things to myself."

"Ooh, so mysterious." She waves her fingers at me and I shake my head. Angel? Who was I kidding…

I laugh again thinking about that. If only she knew half of the skeletons in my closet.

I glance myself over in the rear-view mirror when I park at Gray's place; Coyote Run.

I smooth my short beard with my hand and decide to leave my cowboy hat on the seat. My black hair is cropped super short these days, shaved a little shorter on the sides and slightly longer on top. I used to have long hair but went for the big chop some time back. Now, working on the farm, long hair just gets in the way.

I glance up to the two-story ranch as I walk up to the heavy set wooden front door.

I marvel at the work that's gone into Gray's place. He had a local contractor oversee everything with his team, but Gray's done most of the work himself on the interior.

I helped him lug truck loads of lumbar and the unique light oak timber flooring we laid together; with the help of Callan and Brooklyn. The guy has been through a lot with his psychotic ex who's now in jail, along with making the move back to Stoney Creek from Nashville after being away for ten years. I like Gray because he's a lot like me, maybe that's why we get along so well.

I knock on the door and a few moments later Hartley appears, smoothing out her apron. She smiles as soon as she looks up at me. "Hey, Hudson."

"Hey." I smile back.

"Come on in, we're just getting prepped for everyone arriving."

I notice there are no other cars here yet. "How are you doing in the new place? Are you finding your feet yet?"

"We're just loving it," she gushes. "It's so great being on the property now rather than in town. It's so quiet and peaceful out here."

There's literally no one else for miles. I follow her into the massive open plan living and dining area, which welcomes the light perfectly with large windows to the front and the back, offering a different view from every one of them. Their home has been built to really fit the landscape, using the perfect blend of rustic charm with modern appliances.

"I'll bet it is."

"Hey, brother." Gray walks out of the long adjoining hallway where his study is. He looks comfortable in his dark sweats and bare feet. I don't think I've ever seen him look so unstressed and carefree. It's about time.

I give him a chin lift. "Hey, bud." He walks over and we give each other a manly pound hug. "This place is fantastic. You guys must be over the moon." Of course I've seen it all coming together, but not them actually living in the space with their furniture and stuff. Now it really looks like a home.

"It's been a long time coming," Gray says as Hart makes her way back over to the kitchen at the other side of this expansive room. It's surrounded by windows, giving off a view from all the different angles in the space. Trees surround us, and the beautiful Stoney Creek blue sky that changes every single day. No view from any window is the same. There are big double sliding doors leading off the back to a large decked alfresco area, with more trees at the rear. "We moved in on the weekend, so far so good."

"No one deserves it more than you."

"Thanks, Huds. Appreciate it. How's things for you?"

"Busier than ever."

"Your dad good?"

"He's doing fine, you know Huck."

Gray chuckles and walks toward the kitchen. "Up for a beer?"

"Of course." I'm not the world's biggest drinker these days. Let's just say I went off the rails a little after my accident and spent a lot of time in the mountains feeling sorry for myself and drinking way too much. I know how to pace myself now. Being known as the town drunk isn't an aspiration I need to pursue.

I take a seat at the island bench overlooking a large granite benchtop, while Hartley puts the final touches together on the platters and nibbles she's been preparing.

"We decided to grill for the main course," Gray says. "Any excuse to get the Traeger out."

I chuckle. "I like how your mind works."

He pops open the fridge and grabs us both a beer, passing mine over the island.

"So, a little birdie told me the girls are taking over your farm and looking for the perfect wedding backdrop." Hart flicks her big blue eyes up to me for a second. She's cutting up some carrot and celery sticks for the platters.

I press my lips together as Gray chuckles. "Guilty as charged." I hold up my hands. "The cotton sure is pretty this time of year. We're harvesting right now, but I've assured the girls there will be plenty in the field for the big day."

"And my sister isn't driving you nuts?" Grayson rolls his eyes.

I smirk. "I didn't say that. But you know Blue Belle , she's a little firecracker. I know she'll find the perfect backdrop, she has a knack for getting exactly what she wants."

"She's been that way since she was born." Gray kisses Hartley on the cheek and strokes a hand over her belly. My gut twists. I'm happy for them, truly, but a part of me envy's my best friend.

"You need to go light the grill," she tells him.

I reach across the bench and we fist bump. "You'd better not keep your old lady waiting, bud. I heard pregnant women can get a little cranky." I tip the bottle to my best friend and take a swig of beer.

"Hey!" Hart whacks me on the shoulder with a dish towel. "I've still got ears, and for your information, I'm not cranky, but I do have ankles the size of an elephant."

"You're perfect," Gray tells her.

I've always pictured myself with a bunch of kids running around, enough for a football team. Not that I'm great with children or have any other siblings, but it's just something that's always felt natural. But as I've gotten closer to forty, those kinda things seem to be further away than ever. I can't even find a decent woman around here. The ratio of men to women is three to one in Stoney Creek, or so I'm constantly told by the other single men in town. I can't say I've actively been looking for a woman. In fact, I've been abstaining since my last encounter forever ago. It made me realize having one night stands at my age is just not the way I want things to be. I'm better off on my own.

"This place sure suits you both," I say as more cars arrive outside.

"Do you think I make a good country girl?" Hart puts on her best southern accent which makes me chuckle because she's from Boston originally and moved here to be closer to her dad and take over his law firm.

"A perfect one, darlin'"

Gray gives her a little squeeze around the middle as he walks back over to the front door, ready to greet whoever it is.

The first thing I see is a little brown ball of fur dart across the floor, running past me into the kitchen where Hart bends down to scoop up the little critter.

It's Daisy, Gabe and Skye's little dog. Hart plops her down after cooing her and getting a lick on the face for her trouble. Daisy makes her way around to me and presses her paws to my leg as I slide off the stool to bend down and pet her.

She nuzzles into my large palm as Gabe and Skye walk in, followed by Georgia-Blue who's piggybacking his daughter, Trinity.

"Hey, man." I stand and give Gabe a pound hug and Skye leans in to give me a quick hug.

"Hey, bro." Gabe pats me on the back. "Finally dragged yourself away from the tractor?"

"Someone has to do it," I laugh.

Skye makes her way into the kitchen to greet Hartley while my eyes flick to Precious Princess as she bends a little, letting Trinity, who's waving her little bunny toy around in the air, slide to the ground where she runs over to me.

"Uncle Hudson!" Of course I'm not her real uncle but she calls me that anyway.

"Hey, Honey-Bee." I scoop her up and give her a cuddle. She's such a delicate, slight little thing with the same sharp blue eyes as the rest of the Bassetts, and long, dark hair in braids. "You and your bunny here for the grill?"

"Yup, but Bunnykins is a vegetawian like Bwake and Uncle Bwook!"

"Ah," I muse, running a hand through my hair as I glance up at Georgia who's laughing at me.

"Nice work, Hudson. " Georgia rolls her eyes. "Bunnykins is a vegetarian."

I ignore the brat and ruffle Trinity's hair. "Well, your aunt Hartley has some carrot sticks for Bunnykins, I'm sure he'd like those. He's a ‘he' right?"

Trinity giggles. "Yep! He rides horses too. Thanks, Uncle Hudson."

She's a good kid with nice manners, you gotta admire that.

"You look well," I say to GB as I cast my eyes over her while her parents filter in with an armful of goods. She's wearing a set of denim overalls and a lacy pink top underneath. She'll be the death of me.

"You don't scrub up too badly yourself, GP."

Here we go.

I stifle a laugh because it's been three days since I saw her. I'm not even dressed up tonight, just jeans and a wifebeater. This is the country, after all.

Looks like Momma Bassett, Gayle, wasn't able to help herself when Gray came back on the chat to tell us not to worry about bringing anything, just ourselves. Papa Bassett, aka Robert, holds two bottles of wine in his hand. He places them on the counter giving me and Gabe a pat on the back as he greets the women. Scooping Trinity up in one arm and Daisy in the other, his smile is wide. "My girls," he chuckles as Trinity giggles uncontrollably and Daisy licks his face.

I've never seen Papa Bassett look this relaxed either; he must be enjoying his retirement. They're finally planning their long-awaited European vacation at the end of the wedding season, or so GB tells me.

Georgia makes her way around to the kitchen and gives Hartley a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. "You two better spill the news before the grill!"

"Spill the beans about what?" Hartley frowns.

"I'm confused, you two never have us over, we assumed you had something big to tell us," Georgia says.

Hartley taps her nose. "Just be patient, GB."

So there is news. I'm not trying to say Georgia's a blabber mouth or anything, but let's just say she gets a little excited whenever there's even an inkling of family gossip.

Brook and Eden pile in next with their daughter, Blake, and their dog, Noodle, along with Celeste, Callan and their beloved Am Staff, Sunny, followed by Beau and Autumn. It only takes Callan's parents, Patti and Jack, and his sister, Trudy, to truly call it a full house. This family is getting bigger and bigger. When Hart's dad Jim and his wife, Linda appear, I seriously think we may run out of seating. Gray might need to invest in a bigger table.

"Haven't seen you around in a while," I say as Callan gives me a pound hug.

He looks over at Celeste. "Been kinda busy."

"I see that."

"Looking after my soon to be wife and baby Mama will do that to you."

I glance at Celeste chatting excitedly to the girls, GB laughing as they share a joke. Maybe it's Georgia's overalls, I don't know, but my mind flicks to Georgia-Blue pregnant in overalls and the way she'd look with a large, rounded belly. I can almost imagine her running her dainty little hand over her bump lovingly. Holy fuck.

Her eyes suddenly find mine. It's then I realize I'm staring and look away quickly.

What's gotten into you, asshat?

Maybe it's lack of sleep and lack of sex. A bad combination. I could fix one of those problems any day of the week. Stoney Creek may not be exactly abundant where the single ladies are concerned, but I could hook up easily enough. If only that's what I really wanted.

I run a hand over my hair just as Gray ting's a fork against his beer bottle and the bustle in the room dies down as we all turn to look at him and Hartley.

"Welcome, family. Thanks for being here for our housewarming. We couldn't have done this without everyone's help and support." He slips an arm around Hartley as she looks up at him with a big smile. They look so content with each other.

"Get to the good stuff!" Brook calls out through cupped hands and everyone laughs.

When Eden elbows him in the ribs, I can't help but shake my head.

"Since my family is so damned impatient and couldn't wait until dinner, Hart and I wanna make this not only a housewarming dinner, but we're very pleased to announce that we've set a date for the wedding." He reaches down to peck her on the lips as everyone howls and cheers.

"I knew it!" Georgia claps her hands with excitement, Hart's giant diamond sparkler shimmers in the light as Georgia reaches over to squeeze Hartley's hand.

"I know you knew it," Gray says with a wink. "But that's not all the surprises for one night. Hart, do you wanna do the honors?"

Hart presses her hands together as she looks up over the counter to the vast sea of family waiting for the announcement. "Gray and I would love your help. It's not ideal getting married right after the baby, but we just don't want to wait. We've set a date for next year, July eighteenth."

"This is fantastic!" Gayle shrieks, her hands over her mouth. Babies are her thing, but weddings come a close second.

More howls and cheers follow as everyone claps and toasts. Georgia and Eden are already busy discussing a wedding theme and color schemes. These women.

"Best news ever, plus more Bassett babies." Brook hugs his brother then plops down next to me. "Me and E are going to be trying for another in the near future."

I glance sideways. "Nice. Your mom will be beside herself."

Beau plops down the other side of me. "This is turning into one hell of a party." He gives me a playful punch on the shoulder. "You wanna be careful, Huds. The love bug is going around. You might end up catchin' it."

I snort, almost choking on my beer. "The love bug?"

"It's true," Gabe says, overhearing as he pops the lid to his beer and takes a long pull. "I'll be the first to say I never thought I'd want to get married again. But when I met Skye, everything changed."

"Not you too," I joke, but I give him a chin lift. "I might be the only single guy left in Stoney Creek soon. Look out single women." It's best to make a joke out of my dismal situation.

Beau shakes his head. "Never say never, my friend. And I hate to break it to you; rumor has it you've slept with all the single women in town."

I shake my head. "That's simply not true. You make one wrong turn, and nobody lets you forget it."

The boys all snort.

And I don't know why, but those overalls flash in my mind again, and the woman wearing them with a large, pregnant belly.

There's obviously something wrong with me.

Or maybe I do need to get laid, after all.