“I’ve seen you make coffee. And popcorn. Neither experience bodes well for this dinner.”

Hudson placed his hand over his heart. “So little faith. I’m wounded. I think you may be pleasantly surprised.” He nodded toward the kitchen. “Although I had hoped to have the mess cleaned up before you arrived.”

Allie followed his gaze to the state-of-the-art kitchen. Although she was the only guest Hudson had ever invited to his lake house, the architect had clearly designed the space with large gatherings in mind. The beamed ceiling and planked floor of the living room flowed into the open space, and the same multicolor stones on the two-story fireplace created a similar hearth around a twelve-burner cooktop. A large island sat in the middle of the room with copper lights strung above it and a slab of marble on top that was bigger than most dining room tables. But it wasn’t the sight of the six distressed wood barstools that prompted Allie’s question—it was the dozen or so pots and pans strewn about the countertops that had her asking, “How many people are you expecting?

“It may have taken a few attempts,” he mumbled. “But the final batch is nearly as I remember.”

“As you remember?” Allie’s heart swelled. Hudson mentioned his past so infrequently, any detail was precious to her simply because he was willing to share it. “Is this a family recipe?”

“Yes. My mother wasn’t much of a cook, at least not that I can remember. But every now and again she would make my grandmother’s Bolognese.”

A wide grin spread across her face.

“Don’t get too excited,” he warned. “You haven’t tasted it yet.”

“I’m sure I’ll love it. Do I have time to change before we eat?”

Hudson nodded. “I thought we could have some wine and relax a bit before dinner.” He pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “Go ahead and freshen up while I try to restore a bit of order to the kitchen.”

Allie hurried upstairs and showered quickly before changing into a pair of well-worn jeans and a soft cream sweater. She loved how relaxed and casual they both were at the lake. Far from the boardrooms and ballrooms, Hudson’s cabin was a place where they could be themselves, eating Chinese takeout on the floor or dancing barefoot across the living room. Her lips curved into a giddy grin just thinking about the time they’d spent there in the fall, and she was still smiling as she made her way back down the stairs.

Soothing strains of classical music filled the room, and a cluster of candles flickered on a tray that rested atop a tufted ottoman. The tapestry pillows that normally dotted the leather sectional had been piled in front of the fireplace along with a soft throw. The kitchen was cleared of everything but one All-Clad pot, and a bottle of red wine had been opened and left to breathe on the island alongside two stemless glasses. Everything was perfect with one exception. Hudson was nowhere in sight.

Allie wandered into the kitchen. The sauce Hudson made had been turned to a low simmer. She lifted the lid and was tempted to sneak a taste, but decided to wait for him before sampling his efforts. As she recovered the pot, something caught her eye through the window. Hudson was standing just outside the French doors leading from the kitchen to the expansive deck. The torches on the railing posts were dark, but she could see him in the moonlight that shone down from the clear night sky. He had his back to her, but she could tell that something was bothering him. It was evident in his stance and the tension in his shoulders. Allie frowned. This was Hudson’s favorite spot, the one place in the world he felt truly at home. The fact that something from her world could spoil even a moment for him here made her heart ache with sadness.

“What are you doing out here?” she asked, tugging on a parka she’d grabbed off one of the hooks by the door.

“Enjoying the view.” Hudson turned, and at the sight of her all the tension left his frame. “Although I admit it’s improved significantly now.” He pulled her in front of him and wrapped his arms around her from behind. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“You seemed upset before I came out here. Were you worrying about Julian?”

“Your safety is never far from my mind, Alessandra. But no, that wasn’t what I was thinking about.”

“What, then?”

He nuzzled her hair. “Are you happy?” His voice was hoarse against her ear.

Allie turned her head, pressing a kiss to his jaw. “Very. Despite everything that has happened over the past two months, I’ve never been happier than I am when I’m with you.” She placed her hand on his cheek, urging him to look at her. “I love you, Hudson.”

His gaze was soft on her face. “I love you too, Allie.”

She let out a contented sigh as she leaned back against his chest. The sun had long since set but the moon glittered across the half-frozen lake. “And I love being here with you. It makes me feel like no matter what waits for us back home, it will all work out because we have this, we have us.”

“There’s something I need to . . .” His voice trailed off and his arms released their hold on her. Allie felt the warmth of his body leave her as he stepped back.

“Hudson?” When his eyes met hers his gaze was distant, almost lost, and the blood had drained from his handsome face. Panic gripped her, tightening her throat as she choked out the words. “What is it, what’s wrong?”

“I was going to wait until later, but . . .” Hudson swallowed hard before dropping to one knee. “Alessandra Sinclair, I love you. And I want to love, honor, and cherish you for the rest of our lives.” From the pocket of his jeans he pulled out a small, red leather box. He flipped it open to reveal a stunning diamond solitaire. This time when his eyes met hers, they were filled with a mix of adoration and nervous anticipation. “Marry me?”

Chapter Sixteen

Hudson gazed up at Allie, who had a look of complete shock on her face. As he knelt in front of her, the reality of the situation sunk in and anxiety hit him hard. She wasn’t saying a word. Silence . . . more silence.

“I’m on my knees here. Say something. Tell me no, or to go to hell, but I’d rather a yes.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Not the reaction I was hoping for.” Hudson stood up.

“It’s not that . . . yes, I love you . . . but it’s just . . . I mean, you hardly know me . . . and we’ve barely been together six weeks . . . and technically we’re not even together right now and . . .”

“To the outside world we’re not, but we’re together in the only place that matters—in our hearts. That’s one thing after all these years that’s never changed. I lost you twice before and I’m a man who learns from his mistakes. Hell if I’m going to lose you again. And despite the litany of reasons you just provided for why we shouldn’t marry, I’m fairly sure I heard a ‘yes’ somewhere in the middle. So let me do this again.”

Allie laughed despite the tears that filled her eyes. “You want a do-over, Mr. Chase?”

“I believe our entire relationship is a do-over, Miss Sinclair.” Hudson took a step back and dropped to one knee. He cleared his throat as he held out the red leather box again. “Alessandra Sinclair—my love, my life—will you marry me?”

“Yes, yes, I will marry you.” When he stood up, Allie launched herself at him, hitting his chest so hard they took a couple steps back. His hands shot up to cup the sides of her face. He brushed his mouth against hers before pressing a tender kiss to her lips.

“Say it again,” he whispered.

Tears spilled down Allie’s cheeks and a huge smile spread across her face. “Yes, I will marry you. Big wedding, small wedding, whatever you want.” She laughed. “But please don’t say the Drake.”