I would’ve never met Kerry if Hudson hadn’t been out of town, forcing me to attend the damn flower shop opening in his place.

“So, your dad’s being his ole’ stubborn self, huh?” Hudson says, lounging on my great room furniture.

“Hey, feet down,” I sternly advise. “And I’m not being stubborn. I know Ms. Kind’s a great fit, but now’s not a great time. I’ve done a good job homeschooling you girls over the years, haven’t I?”

“No!” Syd yells. “You aren’t that great at math, Dad, but Ms. Kind makes it fun. And I want to make friends, and you aren’t friendly. Ms. Kind says her friends have kids our age. You’re just not cool anymore. At least not as cool as Ms. Kind.”

Ari nods in agreement.

“Whoa,” Hudson laughs, adding fuel to the fire. “Who is this woman?”

“A godsend!” My mother interjects, barging into the conversation. “Ooh, Hud! She’s a beauty, too. She had your big brother here all twisted up, giving her googly eyes. Vic, you need to apologize! Not only do the girls need to get caught up on their studies, but you also missed lunch with the former governor this week after I worked extremely hard to get you on her busy schedule.

In mock dismay, I sigh. “Oh, crap! I forgot!” Then, leaning back in my chair, I suggest, “Well, Hud’s back. He can go in my place.”

Hudson gives me a wry smile and shakes his head. “Uh, that’s a no, big bro. You’re taking point, remember? You’re the CEO, the patriarch of the fam.” He says in a bitter tone. “I’m sitting this one out. Besides, I’m enjoying scrolling through these pics on the town’s social media page. You’re cheesing hard as hell. You’re a certified country boy now. And you weren’t lying about this Kerry woman. Whew, she’s gorgeous. There’s no way she’d be interested in a mean bastard like you. Think I might have to introduce myself.”

Ari catches my eye with a knowing glance, signaling that it’s time for less mature ears to leave so the grown-ups can talk. “Time to go to our rooms, Syd,” She directs her sister. “We don’t need to hear this.”

The girls slowly shuffle out, and I grab the nearest soft object, a doll, and lob it at Hudson’s head in a moment of frustration.

“Ow! What was that for?” Hudson exclaims, rubbing his head.

“Stay away from Kerry,” I warn him, my voice tense. “She’s not interested in you. Given how badly I treated her, she probably wants to stay far away from anything related to a Grimes.”