Chapter 19
Holding – when Hudson realizes he’s feeling possessive about the mother of his child
Hudson
I frown when the phone rings and rings. Why isn’t Nova answering? She seemed sad this morning but when I asked her what was wrong, she merely shrugged.
I’m worried she’s not feeling well. She tries not to tell me when she’s sick since she’s afraid I’ll judge her for being a hypochondriac. She’s growing my baby. I would never judge her.
I thought I’d make a special dinner to cheer her up but I wanted to check what time she’ll be finished with work. Thus, the phone call. But she’s not answering.
I hang up and dial her extension at the brewery. No answer.
Now, I’m getting worried. Is she at the hospital? She’d tell me if she went to the hospital, wouldn’t she?
I pace my office for a few minutes as I contemplate what to do. I can drive to the brewery to check on her. The Five Fathoms Brewing restaurant has the best burgers in town. I could say I had a craving. Nova wouldn’t know I was there to check on her.
It’s not yet noon but I’m not waiting any longer. I grab my keys and hurry toward the parking lot. My phone rings before I reach my truck.
Relief pours through me. Nova’s okay. There’s nothing wrong. But when I check the screen of my phone it’s not Nova calling.
“Where’s Nova?” I ask Maya.
“Um…”
I realize I barked out my question and try to soften my voice for Nova’s shy friend. “Maya, where’s Nova?”
“I don’t know.”
My heart races and fear fills me. “You don’t know? Isn’t she working with you?”
“We gave her four hours to be alone but it’s been three and no one knows where she is. Lucas and Weston have been searching the island but no one’s seen her.”
I stop in front of my truck. “Hold on. Start over. Why did you give her four hours to be alone?”
“I’m not supposed to tell,” she whispers.
“I think it’s too late for secrets, Maya.”
“She’s going to kill me.”
“Maya, I need to find Nova. Please help me.”
She blows out a breath. “Today is the anniversary of the day Nova’s mom died.”
Fuck! And she didn’t tell me. I knew there was something wrong. My sunshine’s light was dimmed today. And I’m the asshole who let her go to work when it was obvious she was upset.
“And you let her go off on her own!”
“It’s an island. Where could she go?”
“Not far since she’s on foot.”
“Um…”
I growl. “Out with it.”
“She has my car.”
My nostrils flare and I inhale a deep breath before I yell at Maya. This is not her fault. It’s mine. I knew something was off with Nova this morning and I let it go.
“Message me the make and model of the car as well as the license plate. I’m getting in my truck now.”
“I’m sorry, Hudson. I thought I was doing the right thing.”
I blow out a breath. “It’s okay, Maya. Let’s concentrate on finding Nova for now.”
“I’ll message you,” she says and rings off.
As soon as the call disconnects, I dial Weston. While the phone rings, I switch on my truck and start driving out of the parking lot.
“Huddy,” Weston answers.
I ignore the childish nickname. “Where am I driving?”
“Are you out searching for Nova?”
“Why is this a question? Of course, I’m searching for Nova. Where have you searched?”
“You care for her.”
I growl. “Of course, I care for her. It’s Nova. Enough with the stupid questions. What direction should I drive in?”
He clears his throat. “Lucas is covering Smuggler’s Rest and I’m on my way to Rogue’s Landing.”
There’s only one other town on the island. “I’ve got Pirate’s Perch.”
“Let us know if you find her.”
I grunt and hang up.
I turn left toward Pirate’s Perch and start speeding down the road. I need to find Nova. I can’t stand the idea of her somewhere all alone grieving her mom.
Grieving her mom? Of course. That’s it. I know where she is. I do a U-turn and head back toward Smuggler’s Rest. There’s one cemetery on the island and it’s in Smuggler’s Rest.
I screech into the parking lot and search the area for Maya’s car. There. It’s here. I feel as if I can breathe for the first time today. Nova’s here. She’s safe.
But the urge to find her, to hold her in my arms, to comfort her still pounds through my veins. I jump out of my truck and rush through the cemetery.
When I finally spot her, I shout her name, “Nova!”
She glances over her shoulder and the devastation on her face nearly causes me to stumble. My sunshine should never be sad.
“What are you doing here?”
I don’t answer her question. I fall to my knees and haul her into my arms. She doesn’t protest. She melts into my hold. She hiccups and I realize she’s crying again.
I hold her while she cries. Until my shirt is soaked with her tears. When she’s quiet, I pinch her chin to lift her face. Her eyes are puffy and her nose is red.
“I’m sorry.”
I scowl. “What are you sorry for?”
She huffs. “For being a mess. I promise I’ll be happy tomorrow.”
“Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Act as if you’re happy when you’re not.”
She smiles at me. “I am happy. Most of the time at least. I promised Mom I wouldn’t let her death cause me to live in sorrow. And I haven’t.”
She’s amazing. She suffered more grief in her teenage years than most people suffer in their entire lives and yet she’s happy and smiling and my sunshine. No wonder I’m falling in love with her.
The realization doesn’t surprise me. I’ve always wanted Nova. When we were in high school and she was an adorable teenager who got blackballed from the cheerleading squad, I wanted her. Since I’ve returned to the island, I’ve wanted her.
I’ll always want Nova. She’s the light to my darkness.
“Do you want to sit a little while longer with your parents?” She grins up at me. “There’s my sunshine.”
“Do you want to meet them?”
I nod.
Her grin widens. “Mom, Dad, this is Hudson.”
I don’t know what to say but the problem is solved for me by Nova when she starts babbling to the graves of her parents.
“He’s my baby daddy. You remember him from high school. Don’t say anything, Mom. He doesn’t need to know how I crushed on him in high school.”
I chuckle and Nova gasps.
“You laughed.”
I scowl. “I didn’t laugh.”
“I heard you.” She stands and wipes the dirt and grass from her clothes. “Bye, Mom and Dad. I’ll see you soon.”
I clasp her hand and lead her toward the exit. Her hand is small compared to mine but it feels right walking with her and holding her hand.
This is the woman for me. I don’t want to dim her sunshine with my grumpiness but considering what she’s been through and how she still smiles and lights up a room with her sunshine, I’m no longer worried about darkening her light.
“Are you feeling better?”
She bobs her head. “I am. The anniversary of Mom’s death is always sad, but I’m glad I got a chance to visit with her.”
“Do you come to the cemetery often?”
“A few times a year.” She pauses. “How did you find me here anyway? Wait. Did Maya send you?”
“Whole town is looking for you.”
She groans. “The whole town?”
I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. I want to touch more than her face but I need to be patient. Except for our one night together, Nova’s made it clear she doesn’t want me. I’ll change her mind. But I need time.
I drop my hand. “They love you. They care for you. They worry about you.” They’re not the only ones.
“I’m never going to hear the end of this.”
“If anyone gives you a hard time, let me know. I’ll handle them.”
She giggles. “The big bad grump is going to handle it.”
She thinks I’m joking. I’m not. I won’t allow anyone to hurt Nova. She’s mine to protect.