The surprise on Melody’s face as she stood made Hudson smile. He’d learned from the discussion tonight that her whole life revolved around the women’s and children’s ministries at The Village. She obviously deserved this award. While she made her way to the stage, the applause grew louder.
Adam gave her a hug and handed her a plaque when she reached the podium. “Considering all the work you do, this isn’t much, but we wanted you to know we appreciate everything you’ve done for The Village.”
Taking the plaque, she wiped a tear from her cheek as she faced the audience. “This is certainly a surprise. I want to thank everyone who came out tonight. Thank you for your support of this very important project. You’re helping women and children have a better life. I want to especially thank my coworker, Annie Montgomery. Thanks again.”
People stood and more applause filled the ballroom as Melody made her way back to the table. Hudson resisted the urge to give her a hug. He didn’t know how she would take it. Despite her giving nature in regard to The Village, she seemed personally guarded. He wanted to find out why.
After Melody resumed her seat, Adam announced the dance portion of the evening. When two of the couples from their table went to the dance floor, Ian and Annie came over, sat down and congratulated Melody on her award.
Melody picked up the plaque and looked at Annie. “Did you know about this?”
Annie shook her head. “Adam said he wanted to do something for you, but he never said what.”
Melody put the plaque back on the table. “It wasn’t necessary.”
“Yeah, but it’s always nice to get some recognition.” Ian nodded his head. “The auction went very well. It brought in a lot of funds.”
“I wish Lovie could’ve been here to see her quilt produce so much money.” Melody rubbed a hand across the shiny face of her plaque. “She’s attending a grandchild’s birthday tonight.”
Hudson took in the discussion, his admiration for Melody growing. She’d rather have recognition for a coworker than for herself. He’d been hanging around the wrong kind of women.
“So what are you doing with yourself these days?” Ian looked at Hudson.
“Not much.” Hudson shook his head.
“You could join us at The Village. We could use another attorney now that our financial situation has improved.”
“Ian, I’ve never used that law degree. I wouldn’t be of much help.” Hudson wished he had a better plan for his life, but he wasn’t interested in being a lawyer or a corporate executive. He wasn’t sure where he belonged, but he wanted an adventure of his own, not one his father had planned for him. “When the weather gets warmer, I intend to do some skydiving instructions with an outfit near here that does tandem jumps. Anyone want to give it a try?”
Melody’s look slipped from astonishment to fear. “You skydive?”
Hudson nodded. “I was a paratrooper in the army. Since I left the service, I’ve become a certified skydiving instructor. I missed doing that when I was working overseas, so I aim to get back into it. And I have plans to do some race-car driving.”
“Wow! Impressive, but I’m not sure I’m that brave.” Annie chuckled.
“Enough of this discussion.” Standing, Hudson waved a hand toward the dance floor, hoping Melody didn’t think he sounded like a spoiled rich kid. But he probably was. “There’s some good music playing, and I’ve got a beautiful woman to dance with.”
“I’ll definitely take the dancing over the skydiving or racing cars.” Melody stood.
Hudson chuckled as he held out his hand. “While we dance, maybe I can change your mind.” When Melody put her hand in his, the rush he felt was as good as skydiving or speeding around an oval track. How had this woman triggered his interest in such a short time? He’d better be careful or he’d be jumping without a parachute. His experience with Nicole had taught him caution when it came to women.
“Hardly. I don’t have to leave the ground when dancing.”
“Then, you’ve never danced the jitterbug with me.”
“Not something I plan to do in this evening gown.”
“Probably not.” Hudson put an arm around her as they joined the other couples dancing to a slow romantic tune.
She looked up at him. “I have to let you know the last time I danced was at Ian and Annie’s wedding.”
“Never fear. Just follow my lead.”
“Easier said than done. I’m not used to following.”
“Somehow I knew that.” Smiling, Hudson guided Melanie across the dance floor.
“You do dance very well.”
“I should. I had enough lessons when I was a kid. While the other boys were out playing ball, I was gliding around Miss Smithers’ dance studio with some girl I didn’t like and hating every minute.”
Melody laughed. “Must’ve been rough being you.”
Happy to make her laugh, Hudson let the sound wind its way into his heart. “It’s always been tough being me. I was the youngest kid with three older sisters. Three. They ganged up on me constantly.”
“But they must’ve been a window into the lives of women.”
“I never thought of it that way.” Hudson shook his head. “I should’ve taken notes, but sadly I didn’t. I was too young to appreciate the knowledge I could’ve gained. I was merely a nuisance to my older sisters.”
“I can see that.”
“You wound me, and here I thought you were a kind person.”
She laughed again, and the sound filled his chest with warmth. He pulled her a little closer as another slow number started. For a few moments they danced without talking. He hadn’t felt this unguarded in years. This was one date he wished didn’t have to end.
Copyright © 2016 by Merrillee Whren
ISBN-13: 9781488007194
The Nanny’s Secret Child
Copyright © 2016 by Lorraine Beatty
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