“Huddy?”
We all turn our focus to Hadley who is holding out a second piece of paper. She has tears in her eyes as Hud takes it from her. He looks down at the letter and begins to read aloud:
Congratulations! Ashbridge State University would like to welcome you to the elite club of students who have previously received the William Wells Academic Scholarship. Through your dedication to your academic success, you have been chosen based on your merits in academia and your community. We look forward to seeing you this fall for the upcoming school year. Go Raptors!
Sincerely,
Susan Finch, Director of Student Financial Services
My heart leaps. Hud is still looking at the paper, a tear dripping onto the page. His head slowly rises, his eyes taking in the smiles of everyone surrounding him.
“I got my scholarship back,” he gasps. His body begins to shake, and another tear falls. A smile cracks wide across his face, then he’s shouting into the quiet kitchen. “I got my scholarship back!”
We all break out into celebration, laughter ringing out as we pull each other into more hugs.
My lips crash into Hudson’s, giving him every bit of love I have to offer. His fingers cup the back of my head, giving it right back.
Hud breaks the kiss, and I swipe away the happy tear stuck to his cheek. He looks around at his family, his smile radiant.
“I know I said this when my charges were dropped, but thank you all for never giving up on me. What I put everyone through…” he shakes his head, more tears escaping his eyes. “Not everyone is as blessed as I am with a family who loves them. Who shows up for them, no matter what.”
“We love you, son,” Mr. Daniels says, his own face wet. “There is never anything we wouldn’t do for you or Hadley. Even you, Cullen.” He playfully knocks my shoulder with his fist, his smile pulled up on one side of his face.
I return the lopsided smile, my arm going around Hudson’s waist.
“Okay, I guess this means we need to go do some dorm shopping?” Mrs. Nora exclaims with an excited hand clap.
“Guess so,” Hud agrees, his eyes rereading his letters, smiling wide.
“Wonderful! I’ll call Eliza and we can all go this afternoon and get everything you boys need. Maybe some new cleats for tryouts?”
Hud’s head snaps up. “Soccer tryouts? Holy shit. I can go try out!” He’s bouncing on the balls of his feet, elation vibrating through his body.
“Okay, then it’s all settled. I’ll go call Eliza.”
Mrs. Nora walks off to call my mom, Mr. Daniel’s winking at us before he follows his wife from the room.
Hadley comes over and wraps her arms around both Hud and me, pulling us into a hug. “I’m so happy for you, Hud. I love you so much. Both of you.”
“We love you too, Hads,” I admit. Because we do. My love may have morphed into something platonic, but Hadley will always mean something to me.
“Okay, I’m gonna go call Chad. I’ll see you two doofusses later.” With a toss of her blonde hair over her shoulder, she’s gone from the kitchen.
Today has been the best day we’ve had in months, and it reminds me that there is something I’ve been meaning to do, but I’ve been waiting for the right time.
That time is now.
“Hey, Hud? Will you come somewhere with me?”
His brow furrows, but he smiles. “Yeah, of course.”
I take his hand and lead him to my car, opening the door for him.
“Always a gentleman,” he says, kissing me on the cheek.
That earns him a wink and a slap to his butt as he gets in.
I jog around the hood and then climb in, cranking the engine and backing us out of the driveway.
