Page 41 of Too Broken to Love

So, you two have met. If you’re reading this, I wasn’t there in person to see it, but trust me, I’m watching.

Hudson, stop touching that scar on your palm that reminds you of my last attempt to set you up with a pretty girl.

Tessa laughed as she caught Hudson snatch his finger away from his palm like he’d been burned. A fat tear, then another, landed on the scar.

Her tears landed on her hands clasped in her lap.

Don’t worry, boy, I’m not matchmaking. Just making sure the two most important people in my life know about another important person in my life who I lost a long time ago.

By now, both of you should have the matching ruby rings I bought when I was in Vietnam. I never said much about the ring I wore around my neck, and I can’t pinpoint a reason why. The only person who knew the story was your grandmother, and bless her heart, that woman didn’t mind if I wore the ring I’d intended for another woman around my neck.

Hudson sniffed. Tessa reached for his hand like she’d been doing it for years. Heat enveloped her palm as she wrapped her fingers around his and squeezed. “Sam asked me to make sure fresh roses were always in the vase on the windowsill next to your grandmother’s picture in the Belmarva house.”

“They were her favorite.”

“Mine too.”

He inhaled. “I know.”

Hudson tucked the page behind the stack and sniffed again.

One ring was supposed to be an engagement ring for Ruby, the first woman I ever loved. The other was to be my wedding band.

Ruby grew up on my side of the duplex. The night I met her on the boardwalk just weeks before I left for boot camp, I knew I would make her my wife someday. I was planning on asking her to marry me when I returned, but she died in a kitchen fire at the restaurant where she worked just days before I got home.

Tessa swiped at her eyes. “Oh, Sam.”

When I saw that the house where we held hands for the first time on the porch was on the market, I didn’t think twice about buying it.

Tessa, you reminded me of Ruby when I met you. I like to think if we’d had a daughter, she would have been strong and brave, caring and kind, and beautiful inside and out, just like you.

Tessa covered her mouth with her hand as a sob escaped. She melted as Hudson wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his side.

This ring is a reminder that you are all those things and so much more. Again, if you’re reading this, we didn’t have nearly enough time together, but never question the depth of my love and respect for you. Even though I’m not by your side making sure you don’t let out too much line and lose a nice catch, I’ll always be with you, and always be your grandfather.

Hudson, your ring is a reminder not to wait for when the time is right, or safe, or ideal. I listened to my head instead of my heart and lost the opportunity to make Ruby my wife.

I won’t get all sappy with you, boy. You already know being your grandfather has been my greatest honor and an eternal source of pride and happiness. Just ask anyone on PBI.

Tessa poked Hudson’s good side. “It’s true.”

A wet sigh bubbled from his throat. “I know.” A tear stained the paper as he revealed the last page.

The terms of my will may have been a surprise, but please trust me. This old man knows what he’s doing.

Hudson, I have loved you since the day your parents told me I was going to be a grandfather. Tessa, I’ve loved you since before we became neighbors. Until I can fish and drink with both of you again, take care of Ralphie, and Josie, and Vivian, and even Shayla. (I don’t give a rat’s ass about Nathaniel. Trust me, it won’t be long before Vivian kicks him out.) Please tell the family about Ruby and keep her memory alive. And most importantly, take care of each other.

Your grandfather, Sam

P.S. I swear I’m not matchmaking from the grave!

Hudson dropped Pop’s letter in his lap. “Bullshit.”

Tessa sat up and wiped her eyes. “Agreed.”

“Fucking, Pop.” Hudson raised his gaze to the beach. “I believe in mermaids more than I believe that the old man isn’t matchmaking from the grave.”

Tessa shifted to her knees as she picked up the pages and faced Hudson. “You know why he ended his letter that way, don’t you?”