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They continued to chat as they walked, falling into single file occasionally when they met others on the path. After walking for about fifteen minutes, they came out of the more heavily treed part and headed for a large flower garden.
“They do such a beautiful job with the landscaping in this area,” Kayleigh said as they walked down a sloped cement walkway toward the flower beds.
Contentment filled him as they wandered through the sections of the garden. He hadn’t even realized how much he’d wanted—perhaps needed—a place to really feel like he belonged.
Serenity had given him that, and not just because of how things had worked out with Kayleigh. He’d found a spiritual home, as well, in the church that Kayleigh and her family attended.
“Let’s sit,” Kayleigh said, pulling him over to an empty bench.
It was in a more shaded part of the garden, which Hudson appreciated as the breeze had dropped off, and it was getting warmer. He settled onto the bench, stretching his legs out in front of him.
“Hope my family didn’t overwhelm you,” Kayleigh said.
“They didn’t,” he assured her. “I enjoy them all. I haven’t met anyone in your family yet that I don’t like.”
Kayleigh laughed. “Would you tell me if you did?”
“Probably not.”
Kayleigh tucked her hand through his arm, then leaned her head against his shoulder. “I’m so happy and thankful that you came back.”
Hudson covered her hand with his. “I’m happy too. I thought I knew what returning would mean, but honestly, it’s been even better than I could have imagined.”
“Even though your apartment here doesn’t have a view of New York?”
“I didn’t spend a whole lot of time staring out the windows of my apartment, to be honest. So I’m not missing the view. I’d miss you more if I were still living in New York.”
“You’d miss me more than a view of New York?” Kayleigh asked, humor lacing her tone.
It was those lighthearted moments they shared that he loved so much. “That would be a definite… yes.”
“Glad you didn’t think too long about that.” Kayleigh laughed. “I’ve never seen New York from an apartment window, but I’m pretty sure I’d miss you more, too.”
“Maybe someday we could go to New York, so you could know for sure.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary.” Her softly spoken words had lost their humor. “I will always miss you more than anything else.”
Her words filled him with warmth and emotion. He’d never had anyone tell him that before, though he was sure his mom would have felt the same way. But since she wasn’t around anymore, it was nice to know that someone would miss him. Especially since it was Kayleigh.
“I love you.” The words that had been on the tip of his tongue for so long spilled out, freed by the emotions her words had stirred in him.
Kayleigh froze, her hand tightening on his arm. When she straightened, lifting her head from his shoulder, she tugged on his arm.
Hudson hoped that when he looked at her, it wasn’t to find that she didn’t feel the same way. Shifting slightly on the bench, he angled himself to face her. The smile on her face gave him hope.
“I love you too,” she told him, thankfully not making him wait for her response.
“Really?” Okay. That word, too, came out before he could stop it.
Kayleigh lifted her hand to his cheek. “Do you not believe me?”
Of course he did. Maybe.
He hadn’t had many people in his life tell him they loved him. Most recently, Gail had begun telling him, apparently assuming that he’d be more receptive to hearing it now that he was an adult. Teenage Hudson wouldn’t have been.
“You’re such a wonderful man, Hudson,” Kayleigh said before he could respond. “I’m so blessed to have your love and to be able to love you in return.”
He had to swallow against the emotion that choked him at Kayleigh’s words. “I never imagined I’d have this one day. I was less than thrilled when Alexander first sent me to Serenity, but I couldn’t be more grateful now.”
