asked Ava to explain, but Ava had just laughed, promising that all would become clear soon. Sometimes her sister could be so infuriating! Ava was acting like this was all a game, but Luna’s head was on the chopping block.
Luna had been trying to work up the nerve to tell Hudson the truth all week. Several times, the words had been on the tip of her tongue, but she just couldn’t make herself say them. However, she’d reached the point of do or die. Hudson was due to arrive any minute. Luna would take him out by the pool and tell him everything. What he chose to do with that information was up to him.
The doorbell rang. Beverly went to get it. A second later, she called up to Luna, who was standing by the stairs, positioned where she couldn’t be seen from below.
“Ava, Hudson’s here.”
“I’ll be right down.” She took in a deep breath and offered a silent prayer for help. Pasting a smile on her face, she went down the stairs.
“Hello, beautiful,” Hudson said as she stepped up to him. He leaned in and kissed her mouth, sending tingles rushing through her.
“I’ll leave you two kiddos alone,” Beverly said with a twinkle in her eye as she left the foyer.
Luna’s heart was pounding so fiercely that she was afraid Hudson would hear it. She realized he was holding a bundle. “What’s that?”
He grinned broadly. “For you.” A loving smile curved his lips as he placed the bundle in her hands. “I have been writing you letters for years.”
She went cold all over. “You have?” she stammered. He’d been writing Ava for years. She felt sick at heart.
He kept his hands over hers. “I love you, Ava Giles.”
Her eyes grow moist. “I love you too,” she croaked.
“That’s the first time you’ve ever told me that. You have made me the happiest man on earth,” he said jubilantly. “Tonight, we’ll announce to the world that we’re engaged. This is just the beginning.” He winked. “From now on, It’s just me and you.”
She tightened her hold on the letters. “Um, there’s something I need to talk to you about.” Blood was thrashing like a washing machine against her ears.
His phone rang. “Sorry, I should probably get this. I promised my dad I’d keep my phone handy in case he needed to reach me.” He pulled it out of his pocket and answered. “Hey, Dad … right now?” He looked at Ava. “Are you sure it can’t wait? Okay, I’ll be right there.” He ended the call with a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry. I have to go.”
Her eyes rounded. “I thought we were spending the next several hours together.” She needed to do this now, before she lost her nerve!
“One of our distributors is in town. Dad called an impromptu meeting about the new label. I’m so sorry.” His eyes glowed turquoise. “Tonight, I’m all yours.” He gave her a quick peck on the lips, and then he was gone.
She stood, staring at the closed door, tears welling in her eyes. She looked down at the letters. He’d been writing them to Ava for years. A tear dripped onto the top envelope as she wiped it away. With a heavy sigh, she turned to go back to her room.
After closing the door, she locked it. Then she went to the bed and sat down. She untied the twine and picked up the first envelope. Feeling like she was opening Pandora’s Box, she slid her finger beneath the edge of the seal to open it. It was dated eight years ago. Her breath caught as she began reading.
Dear Ava,
Tonight was the greatest night of my life. You would be furious if you knew that my dad was the one who gave your dad the idea for us to work alongside the harvest crew. I enjoyed having you all to myself for the night … away from Richard Kimball and all of those other sharks who are trying to get you to go out with them.
Those jokes you told had me in stitches. And when you talked me into sneaking back to the house, and then your dad caught us. That was the icing on the cake. I wish I could tell you in person how wonderful you are, but I know you would only laugh. So, I’ll tell you here. Ava, you’re amazing. I know how cheesy this sounds, but when I saw your skin glowing silver in the moonlight and the vivacious