Falling For The Millionaire. Merrillee Whren

      “I see my parents.” Annie looped her arm through Ian’s. “We’d better say hi to them. Talk to you later.”

      As they walked away, Hudson looked over at Melody. “Ian and I haven’t been in touch much since we left law school. I thought I remembered him getting a divorce. Is Annie his second wife?”

      Melody stared up at him with her light brown eyes flecked with green. She looked as though she didn’t know how to answer. “I’m not sure what to say about that. It’s complicated. Maybe you should ask him rather than me.”

      Shaking his head, Hudson let out a halfhearted laugh. “Did I step into a minefield with that question?”

      Melody’s face turned ashen, and she took a deep breath as she placed a hand over her heart. “Sorry.”

      “Don’t be sorry.” Hudson motioned toward their seat. “Let’s sit down and forget I made the inquiry.”

      Melody nodded, the color still not returning to her cheeks. He pulled out her chair, and she sat down without saying a thing. As he took his seat, Hudson tried to figure out why the discussion had triggered Melody’s reaction. Had she and Ian been involved before he married Annie? While Hudson stewed over Melody’s reaction, two middle-aged couples approached their table. Melody got up and hugged them all.

      Hudson stood as she turned to him and introduced him to Ian’s parents, Doreen and Jordan Montgomery, and to Adam Bailey, the administrator of The Village, and his date, Debra McCoy. After the two couples left, Melody greeted the folks who would share their table, an advertising executive and his wife, a couple who owned a printing business and a couple who were both doctors.

      The laughter and conversation that buzzed through the ballroom came to an end as Adam Bailey greeted everyone from the podium at the head table. After Adam’s greeting, Jordan Montgomery gave a blessing for the event. Immediately following the prayer, the waiters and waitresses served the food.

      The discussion during the meal centered on the ministries of The Village. Hudson admired the way Melody maneuvered their talk toward supporting The Village without being pushy. Thankful that she controlled the conversation, he sat back and watched. He didn’t have to say a thing, and he appreciated that. Best of all, no one asked him about his family connections. That made for a perfect dinner.

      While the servers removed the plates and brought out the desserts, Adam Bailey came to the podium once again and gave a quick talk about The Village. Jordan Montgomery followed with a short but motivational speech that encouraged people to look beyond themselves and help those in need. Soon after, they began the auction of donated items, as well as the silent auction that would be going on during the evening.

      The auctioneer entertained the crowd as he moved each article along. Hudson watched Melody’s joyous reaction as a quilt made by Lovie Trimble, the receptionist at The Village, garnered five thousand dollars.

      When the auction concluded, Adam came back to the podium. He thanked everyone for their participation, then turned and picked up something from a nearby chair. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to honor someone tonight who deserves a lot of credit for this evening’s activities. She’s the dynamic force behind this project. Please give a huge round of applause for Melody Hammond.” Adam looked down at their table. “Melody, come on up here.”

      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