Struggling Dad Gave Woman His Scarf in Blizzard, Not Knowing The Millionaire Would Melt For Him

A Crimson Scarf in the Blizzard

The bitter January wind cut through Hudson Green’s worn jacket as he trudged through the rapidly accumulating snow. His 8-year-old daughter’s mitten clad hand clasped tightly in his. Boston hadn’t seen a blizzard like this in decades and the weatherman’s light flurries prediction had proved catastrophically wrong.

“Daddy are we almost home?” Emma asked her small voice nearly lost in the howling wind.

Her cheeks were flushed pink from the cold, her blonde pigtails peeking out from beneath her knit hat.

“Just three more blocks sweetheart,” Hudson replied trying to sound cheerful despite the worry gnawing at him.

The subway had shut down unexpectedly due to the weather stranding them miles from their apartment after Emma’s doctor appointment. His phone battery was dead and the few taxis still braving the storm were already occupied.

At 32 Hudson had learned to handle whatever life threw at him. Especially since becoming a single father four years ago when his wife lost her battle with cancer.

But today watching Emma shiver despite her layers he felt that familiar pang of inadequacy. If he could afford a car or even a ride share service.

“Let’s duck in here for a minute,” he said steering Emma toward the awning of a closed boutique.

“Catch our breath.”

As they huddled against the building Hudson unwrapped his beloved red and gray scarf the last Christmas gift his wife had given him and bent down to wrap it around Emma’s neck tucking it snugly beneath her chin.

“But Daddy it’s your favorite,” she protested her big brown eyes so much like her mother’s looking up at him with concern.

Hudson smiled tapping her nose gently.

“You need it more than I do right now M Besides tough guys don’t get cold.”

Just as he said this a particularly vicious gust of wind sent a shower of snow cascading off the awning. Hudson instinctively turned to shield Emma exposing his back to the frigid onslaught.

When he turned around he noticed a woman stumbling along the sidewalk fighting against the wind. She wore an expensive looking coat that was clearly designed for style rather than substance.

High heeled boots that slipped precariously on the icy sidewalk and nothing protecting her head or neck from the driving snow. As Hudson watched a strong gust nearly knocked her off her feet.

“Miss,” he called out his voice carrying in the momentary lull between wind gusts.

“Are you okay?”

The woman looked up startled. Even with snowflakes clinging to her eyelashes and her face reened from the cold Hudson could see she was beautiful early 30s with honey blonde hair and striking green eyes.

“I’m fine,” she called back her voice cultured and confident despite her obvious struggle.

“My driver was supposed to meet me but she gestured vaguely at the nearly deserted street.”

Hudson glanced down at Emma then back at the woman who looked utterly unprepared for the worsening blizzard. Making a quick decision he unwound his daughter’s scarf from around her neck.

“Daddy” Emma questioned.

“It’s okay sweetheart That lady needs help.”

Hudson approached the woman holding out his scarf.

“Here you look like you could use this more than we could.”

The woman stared at him clearly taken aback.

“I couldn’t possibly please.”

Hudson insisted, “It’s only getting worse out here Are you far from home.”

“I was supposed to be at a meeting downtown,” she replied reluctantly accepting the scarf.

“My building’s about a mile from here.”

Hudson winced. A mile in these conditions could be dangerous especially for someone so unprepared.

“We live just a few blocks away,” he said gesturing to Emma who was watching curiously.

“You’re welcome to wait at our place until the storm dies down or you can reach your driver.”

The woman hesitated looking between Hudson and Emma. Emma ever the social butterfly piped up.

“We have hot chocolate with mini marshmallows.”

The woman’s expression softened as she met Emma’s earnest gaze.

“Hot chocolate does sound wonderful right now.”

“I’m Hudson by the way Hudson Green and this is my daughter Emma Grace.”

The woman said wrapping his scarf around her neck.

“Grace Davenport.”

The name tickled something in Hudson’s memory but he couldn’t place it. Instead he simply nodded and offered his arm for stability.

“Well Grace let’s get you somewhere warm.”

The three of them battled the remaining blocks to Hudson’s apartment. Hudson keeping one hand on Emma and offering his other arm to Grace when the footing became particularly treacherous.

By the time they reached his building a modest brick walk up in a working class neighborhood they were all thoroughly chilled and covered in snow.

“Sorry about the climb,” Hudson apologized as they trudged up to the third floor.

“No elevator After that walk I’m just grateful to be inside,” Grace replied her teeth chattering slightly despite the scarf.

Hudson unlocked the door to 3B feeling a flash of self-consciousness as Grace stepped into his small apartment.

It was clean and well-kept but undeniably modest a far cry from what he suspected was her usual environment.

“Emma why don’t you go change into dry clothes while I get our guest some tea?” Hudson suggested helping his daughter out of her snow-crusted coat.

“But you promised hot chocolate,” Emmer reminded him with the seriousness only an 8-year-old could muster.

Hudson laughed.

“Hot chocolate it is.”