Lucy
Two days later, I was deep in editing mode, nearly done with the latest manuscript in my queue. Ranger lay at my feet contentedly, having been my loyal shadow since Hudson left town.
When I said I wouldn’t mind taking care of him, Hudson jumped at the chance, clearly relieved I’d have the extra security.
We texted almost constantly. His meetings were going well in Nashville, though he didn’t hide how eager he was to come home. Our calls before bed lasted hours, sometimes until I was falling asleep.
One thing was for sure, the more I got to know Hudson Carter, the more besotted with him I became.
The doorbell rang as I rolled my stiff shoulders, ready to take a break. When I opened the door, a tired-looking Daphne stood there with a babbling Josephine.
“Have you had any sleep?” I asked as she stepped inside, handing Jo over to me without preamble and heading for the couch.
“Hello to you too. And barely.” She sighed. “I think she’s cutting a tooth.”
“What are you doing to your mama, JoJo?” I blew a raspberry on her neck, making her squeal as Ranger sat at my feet.
“I’m sorry for showing up unannounced,” Daphne apologized as I sat beside her, JoJo in my lap. “I’m off today, and my car just kind of drove its way over here.”
“I’m so glad you did. It’s what I’m here for.”
“Judging by your new canine friend here and the show I heard you and Hudson put on at Goodie’s the other night, it’s not the only thing you’re here for.” She waggled her brows theatrically.
“Everyone probably thinks I’m nuts.” I sighed. “I just rolled into town like two seconds ago.”
Her expression softened into reassurance.
“Lulu, you snatched up the most eligible bachelor not only in Green River but on the country music scene. People either think you’re a genius or they’re just jealous.
You can’t let them get to you. It comes with the territory.
As for me and Mom, after everything you’ve been through, if you’re happy, then we’re here for it.
And like I’ve said, I’ve always liked Hudson. He’s a good guy.”
“Thanks, Daphne.” I reached over to squeeze her thigh.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind. And I know I’ve only seen a portion of it, what with his fame.
But I’ve never felt like this. It felt wrong to deny what could be just because of the timing—or because I’m worried about what people think.
I’ve spent my whole life living for other people.
Your support means a lot to me. And I want to be here for you too.
I’m sure you need a break. I honestly don’t know how you do it. ”
I rested my cheek on the crown of JoJo’s head. “And, on that note, what if I took this peanut for the rest of the day? I just finished up work, so the timing’s good. You could go home and take a nap or go get a pedi, whatever you want to do.”
She visibly deliberated, and the fact that she was even considering it told me how tired she was. She was nearly as reluctant to ask for help as her mother. But I was getting through—at least with Goodie—slowly but surely. My shift at the bar the other night had proved it.
“Only if you’re sure. I don’t want to put you out,” she said.
“Are you kidding? I love me some baby time. We’re all good. I can bring her home after dinner.”
Her eyes suddenly filled with tears. “I feel guilty. I want to be with her. But trying to stay on top of everything at the hospital and being a single mom—it’s just a lot sometimes,” she admitted.
“I was holding it together when I was at least sleeping better, but now I’m just bone-deep tired.
The dishwasher broke this morning, and I swear it just about pushed me right over the edge. ”
“That would do it for anyone,” I assured her softly. “You have nothing to feel guilty about, Daph. You’re an amazing mom.”
And she was. She was so naturally loving and maternal, always putting Jojo’s needs above her own. There was no doubt she loved her little girl with everything she had. I aspired to be like her if I was lucky enough to have kids of my own.
“Go get some rest. She’s in good hands. When you’re up for it, maybe we could talk about a regular day I can take Jojo. Or maybe an evening when you don’t already have daycare lined up. It would give me more of a chance to bond with her.”
She nodded, rising to stand. “She adores you, that’s for sure. And I’ll definitely think about that. Thanks, Lulu.”
“Anytime.” I waved a hand.
After grabbing what I needed out of Daphne’s car and waving her off—once again assuring her we’d be fine—I carried JoJo back into the house.
The few times I’d taken care of her before had been for things like swim or music class. Now, I realized that without a planned activity, I didn’t have the faintest idea what to do with her.
“Got any ideas?” I asked Ranger, who cocked his head to the side. “No? I always think better with caffeine. Let’s start there,” I suggested as JoJo gurgled in response.
After sending Hudson a quick selfie of me and JoJo, with Ranger looking like he might actually be smiling, I left him out back, strapped JoJo in the stroller, and headed for the bakery.
“Oh my goodness, look at you, JoJo!” Greta squealed when we walked into the bakery, the sugary scent making my mouth water as always.
“She’s the cutest,” I agreed. “And all mine for the day.”
“So, a large coffee then?” She quirked a brow, making me laugh.
“Definitely. I love being with her, but I have to admit I’m not used to planning my days around an eight-month-old. And I have Ranger too. He’s back at the house.”
“Doing Hudson a solid on that, huh?”
“More like he seems to think I need security while he’s out of town,” I muttered. “But Ranger is just an added bonus, so I don’t mind Hudson being a bit over the top.”
“Seems to come with the territory when it comes to you.”
“That’s what I’m gathering.” I couldn’t hide my smile.
“Katie mentioned going to the lake today. That could be something to do with Jo,” she suggested as she handed me my coffee.
“Good idea. I’ll give her a call.”
Riley’s now-familiar truck pulled up out front, and a moment later, the man himself strode into the bakery.
“Ladies,” he greeted with an easy smile. “And baby,” he added before a look of concern crossed his features. “Daphne okay? I don’t think I’ve ever seen her without Jo—unless she’s working.”
“She needed a break,” I replied, mindful of my response. I was touched, if not surprised, by the evident concern in his gaze, but I didn’t want to share anything too personal on Daphne’s behalf. Though I still hadn’t gotten to the bottom of it, they clearly had history.
But when his intense stare persisted, making it clear I hadn’t given him enough information, I offered him a bit more.
“Jo’s cutting a tooth, so there’s been some sleepless nights.
And I guess her dishwasher broke this morning.
It’s just a lot. She does everything on her own and does it so well.
But she deserves some time to herself, so I offered to help out. ”
“She tryin’ to nap?” Riley demanded bizarrely.
“What?” I asked, confused by his line of thinking.
“Daphne, is she trying to nap?” he repeated.
“Um, hopefully?” I was still confused.
“I’ll go take a look at the dishwasher.”
“Oh, I’m not sure—”
“When she wakes up, I’ll go look at it,” he cut me off before turning to Greta to order a drink. I simply stared at him, shocked by his intensity when it came to my cousin.
“Are you good?” he asked me after Greta had handed over his coffee.
“Yeah, all good.”
Hudson must have asked his brothers to keep an eye on me. Both had texted to check in while he’d been gone—their responses short and to the point, but still making it clear they were available if I needed anything.
“Hud still getting back tonight?”
“That’s the plan.” He was due back later in the evening but said he’d come straight to my house. The very idea had my toes tingling with anticipation.
With a chin lift to Greta and me, he strode for the door. A moment later, his truck roared to life.
“Whoa, seems like the Carter men have their sights set on more than one of Goodie’s girls.” Greta arched a brow.
“Seems like it.” I resolved to pester Daphne about Riley as soon as she was up for it.
But for now, I had other priorities in the form of a baby—who, by the smell of it, needed a diaper change pronto.
My phone rang as I was nearing home that evening, Hudson’s name on the screen.
“Hi, honey,” I greeted, surprised to be hearing from him so early.
“Hi, baby.” His deep voice made my belly swoop. “I was able to wrap things up early and landed a few minutes ago. I’m on my way.”
I grinned from ear to ear. “Awesome. Ranger and I are nearly back to my place.”
“How’d the rest of the day with Jo go?”
“Good. Katie and I had fun with her at the lake, though she kept trying to crawl toward the water. We had to keep pulling her back. She was like a turtle.” I laughed.
“I carried her in. The water was a little chilly, but she seemed to love it. Ranger clearly did. He’s wiped out from all the swimming he did.
” I looked over at Ranger, who was sleeping on my passenger seat.
“I helped Daphne get Jo settled and just took off. Daphne seemed like she got some sleep, so that’s good.
” I was disappointed that I hadn’t had the chance to grill her about Riley.
“That’s good, darlin’. I’m sure she appreciated the break.”
As I pulled up to my curb, about to ask if he’d eaten, I caught sight of my front door. A shocked breath escaped me when I realized it was open, which was definitely not how I’d left it.
“Luce?” Hudson demanded, sounding worried.
“My front door, it’s open.” My hands were shaking as they gripped the steering wheel. “I know that I locked it when I left.”
There was a tense beat of silence before he spoke, his tone calm. “Okay, baby, listen to me, okay? I’m nearly there. I want you to stay in your car with the doors locked. I’m going to call Griff and have him meet us over there.”
“Oh God,” I said, the reality of the situation hitting me all at once.