Considering everything else that was going on in her life, singing was the least of Luna’s worries right now. Ava had said that Ramsey would take care of Spencer Wellington, but would he? What if Spencer showed up at the birthday party, demanding that she pay him the money? Shivers ran down her spine. She couldn’t think about that right now. She had to take things one step at a time.
Todd pulled the Lexus up to the country club entrance. A valet came up as he got out. Todd came around and opened the car doors for Beverly and Luna. As they walked inside, Beverly hurried ahead saying that she needed to have a quick word with the caterers. Todd hooked his arm through Luna’s, pulling her close.
“Something’s wrong. Are you having second thoughts about the engagement?”
“No,” Luna said, trying to keep her voice light.
“You don’t have to marry him, sweet pea.”
Tears rose in Luna’s eyes. “I know. I want to marry him. I love him.”
“Then, what’s wrong?”
She stopped in her tracks as she turned to Todd, her heart pounding. She’d promised Ava she’d wait until after the party to break the news, but her heart was so heavy that she felt like it would drop through her stomach if she didn’t unburden it. “There’s something you need—”
“Hello,” Alistair Davenport said heartily as he came trotting towards them, wearing a chipper smile. “How’s the man of the evening?” he asked as he clasped Todd’s hand in a firm shake and patted him on the back. He turned to Luna. “Hello.” A charming smile spread over his lips. “You look lovely.” He gave her a hug. He smelled of cloves and spice. “Congratulations on your engagement. Juliette and I are thrilled beyond words.”
“Thanks,” Luna said with a gracious smile. She could see the familial resemblance between Hudson and his dad. Alistair was tall and lean. His wavy hair was messy like Hudson’s, but snow white. His skin was tanned and weathered from being outdoors. She could easily picture Alistair working beside Hudson to restore The Windswept. This genteel man who exuded confidence with his every mannerism would have been her father-in-law. He would have bounced his grandchildren on his knee. He would have been an intimate part of Luna’s life. He would have come to love her as he loved Hudson. She could already tell that about Alistair, that he was a solid, good guy. Moisture rose in her eyes as she blinked it back. No sense in dwelling on what might have been.
Alistair jutted his thumb behind him, a boyish grin overtaking his features. He looked so much like Hudson in that moment that it pierced her heart. “There’s a guy in there who’s chomping at the bit to see you.”
Luna smiled. “I’ll go and find him.” She looked briefly at Todd and could tell that he was concerned about her. She’d have to explain everything to him later, after the party. Perhaps tomorrow. She went into the ballroom where the party was being held. Luna was surprised at the number of guests who were present. She’d thought it would be a smaller, more intimate gathering. Then again, it was Beverly they were talking about.
She spotted Hudson off to the side laughing and talking to some guys that she didn’t recognize. When Hudson saw her, a dazzling smile lit his face. He crossed the room in quick strides. His eyes flicked over her appreciatively. “Wow,” he uttered, “you look amazing.”
“Thanks. So do you.” It was true. He was dressed impeccably in black trousers and a white dress shirt. His curls were tamed and pushed back from his face, enhancing the masculine lines of his features. He kissed her lips before slipping a protective arm around her waist. Luna loved how well the two of them fit together. A very large part of her wished that she could just keep living the dream. But that was impossible. She had to tell Hudson the truth.
He gave her a tentative look. “Did you read the letters?”
“Yeah,” she said casually as she forced a smile. “Thanks.”
His eyes tightened. “Did you read them all?”
All that I could stomach, her mind shouted. “Hey, there’s something I need to talk to you about … before we make our announcement.”
“Okay,” he said carefully. “Is it about the letters?”
“Yeah, sort of.”
He nodded. “I thought that might be the case.” Several emotions pinged over his features—regret, apprehension—she couldn’t get a definite read on what Hudson was feeling. He took in