Page 69 of One More Time

Grace breathed a massive sigh of relief, and felt Charlie do the same next to her.

‘Aw, that’s wonderful, love.’ Grace stood and went to hug him.

Hudson stepped back and held his hands up. ‘I’m not finished yet, Mum, so can you please sit back down?’

Wide-eyed, Grace shared a bewildered look with Charlie as she sank back to her seat.

‘I’m in love with … a man.’ Hudson fired every word, and then blinked owlishly.

‘What do you mean, you’re in love with a man?’ Charlie’s voice was gruff, and his brows had met in the middle.

‘Charlie.’ Simply happy that her son appeared happy, Grace’s tone was cautionary. ‘Don’t say anything more until you’ve taken a breath, or ten breaths, if needs be.’

Silence fell and extended uncomfortably. Grace had a million replies running through her mind, all filled with love for her son. And although she was dying to reassure Hudson, she wanted Charlie to step up and do it first. Hudson worshipped the ground Charlie walked upon – he needed to see that his father was going to support him. So instead of words, she offered Hudson a loving smile and subtly gestured toward the seat nearest to Charlie with her eyes.

Edging closer, Hudson took the seat opposite. ‘I’m sorry if this news upsets you, Dad, but I am who I am, and I can’t help how I feel.’

Charlie was doing as Grace had asked, taking deep, slow breaths. ‘Right, I see.’ He clasped his hands atop the table, his forehead puckering. ‘Well, I can’t say I fully understand it, but as long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters to me.’

Hudson shot Grace a look full of optimism, and met his father’s gaze. ‘Do you really mean that?’

‘I love you, son. Nothing will ever change that.’ Charlie lifted his stare from his folded hands to Hudson’s gaze. ‘If life has taught me one thing, it’s to not waste it. If you’re in love, you shouldn’t lose any precious time.’

‘Thank you, Dad.’ Reaching out, Hudson gave Charlie’s folded hands a pat.

‘Oh, I’m so happy to hear this! Hudson, I don’t care who you love, just as long as they treat you like the wonderful man you are.’ Grace finally allowed her feelings to be heard. ‘Tell us, what’s his name?

‘Jacob Travers.’ Hudson’s face was a picture of happiness. ‘And before you ask the next question, he’s a solicitor.’

‘Did you hear that Charlie? Jacob’s a solicitor?’

‘Of course I heard, Grace, I’m sitting at the same table you two are.’ He half chuckled. ‘Why don’t you bring him along tonight, so we can all meet him?’

Hudson’s eyes couldn’t possibly get any wider. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes, otherwise I wouldn’t have suggested it.’ He looked to Grace. ‘Is it okay with you?’

‘Of course it’s okay with me.’ She opened her arms wide. ‘The more the merrier.’

* * *

Hope and Kelvin arrived right on time, along with Sharni and Rose – quite the feat, given the twins were now four and an absolute handful. Ava wasn’t far behind them. Bryn hitched a lift with Hudson and Jacob, but raced into the homestead first, and gave Charlie and Grace an advance take on his twin brother’s new relationship status. Like Hope and Ava, who Hudson had called and told during the day, he couldn’t be happier for him.

Charlie wished he could be as optimistic as the rest of his family, but it would take him time. Once he got to know Jacob, he might feel more at ease with Hudson’s relationship. As with all his children, he needed to see how their partners treated them before he trusted a newcomer to the family. This wasn’t going to be any different in that sense just because it was a same-sex relationship.

Greeting the pair at the door, Grace was making sure Hudson’s partner felt welcome. ‘Hi Jacob.’ She pulled him into a warm hug. ‘We’re so glad you could make it at such short notice.’

‘I’m honoured you invited me.’ Unravelling from her embrace, he placed a hand over his chest. ‘I wholeheartedly appreciate it.’

His initial impression of Jacob a positive one, Charlie waited patiently for Hudson to do the introductions. ‘Dad, this is Jacob. Jacob, this is my dad.’ He waved a hand from one to the other.

‘It’s lovely to meet you, Jacob.’ Charlie shook his hand, liking Jacob’s firm grip and that he held eye contact. That said a lot about a man.

‘Likewise, Mr Wilson.’ Jacob offered a genuine smile.

‘Call me Charlie, please.’

‘Okay, thanks, Charlie.’ Jacob tucked his hand back into his trouser pocket. ‘Hudson has told me so much about you both, and the family. I’ve been dying to meet you all.’