Lucy
“Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever run with a pack before.” Katie laughed two days later as we made our way up our favorite running trail, with Ranger and Griffin’s shepherds leading the way. Our tanks and shorts had been swapped for long-sleeved tees and tights due to the chilly morning air.
“Isn’t it great?” I grinned. “Hudson’s on this whole kick to get a few guard dogs of our own so we don’t have to steal Griffin’s.”
“I doubt you’re putting up a fuss about having more animals.” She snorted knowingly.
“As long as they’re good with kids and Ranger, I’m good.” “How’s it going at the hospital?” I asked, changing the subject.
She’d been picking up extra shifts, and between her schedule and mine, we hadn’t seen each other as much as I would have liked.
“Busy as always. Glad to have a few days off.”
“Any dates lined up for said time off?” I bumped her shoulder lightly.
She huffed. “In this dating pool? Um, no.”
“We’ve got to get you on the apps then. You are way too gorgeous to be binging true crime TV on your days off.”
“Hey, those detectives are far better company than most of the men I’ve dated.”
“They’re also fictional, Katie.” I laughed breathlessly as we crested the last hill before turning to head back.
“Not all of us can snag Green River’s golden boy.” She elbowed me playfully.
“I did luck out.” I smiled, warmth spreading through me. “But there are other fish in the sea.”
“Oh my God. That reference! How old are you?” She laughed. “And I’m seriously good on my own for now. After all those years in school, I’ve got the job I always wanted, but my schedule is nuts. I don’t see how a man fits into that. And I’m not sure I even want to make the effort right now.”
I nodded in understanding. Hell, that had been my plan before Hudson turned everything upside down—in the very best way.
“What can I bring to this dinner party?” she asked, steering the conversation elsewhere.
I’d been touched when Hudson had insisted on inviting Katie and Greta, saying they were part of our extended family.
“Just yourself.” I smiled as we started down the hill. “Greta insisted on bringing dessert, but we should be set otherwise.”
“That girl never stops working. Talk about someone who should get on the dating apps.” She shook her head.
“True. I’ll go after her next.” I grinned mischievously.
“Anything to get the fish analogy off me.” Katie snorted. “Speaking of our girl, should we stop in for a coffee after our run?”
“I’d love to, but I need to get the dogs home.” I couldn’t picture the three of them waiting all that patiently in my SUV.
“Yeah, you probably wouldn’t have any upholstery left.”
We lapsed into comfortable silence, the chorus of birds, wind filtering through the trees, and panting dogs forming our soundtrack. By the time I was back at my SUV and lifted the hatch for the dogs, my sweat-soaked shirt was already making me shiver in the cool air.
I eyed the dogs, amazed they’d avoided most of the mud—save for Ranger, who was in desperate need of a bath.
Katie and I said our goodbyes, and I got behind the wheel, heading for home.
I drove past my old cottage, nodding toward it with affection and marveling at the memories I’d created there in such a short period of time.
My landlord had graciously let me out of my lease, and the home had already been rented to a young couple.
I wondered if they’d kept the remaining mallard paintings on the walls or, like sane people, taken them down in a bid to redecorate. Somehow, I hoped they hadn’t.
When my phone rang and Goodie’s name flashed on the screen, I answered with a smile. “Hi, Goodie.”
“Hey, Lulu.” Her voice sounded hoarse. “I’ve come down with a goddamned cold.”
I winced. Daphne had already warned me that there was no worse patient than my aunt when she got sick. Thankfully, it didn’t happen often.
“What can I do to help?”
“There’s some paperwork at the restaurant I need. Would you be willing to swing by and grab it for me?”
“Of course.” Despite the inconvenience, I celebrated this small victory—she was asking me for help without reservation, which had been my goal all along.
After ending the call, I turned the car around and dialed Hudson’s number.
“Baby.” His deep voice never failed to send a delighted shiver through me.
“Hi, honey. You still in town?”
He’d been with Riley and their dad at a jobsite.
“I am, but I was just about to head home.”
“Would you mind meeting me at Goodie’s and grabbing the dogs from me? I just got done with my run, but Goodie needs me to pick up some paperwork and take it to her house. She’s sick. I might spend a little time with her, see if she needs anything else.”
“Jesus, might want to be armed when you go over there. I’ll be there in five.”
Clearly, Goodie’s reputation preceded her, which didn’t surprise me.
“Thanks, honey. I can handle her. See you in a sec.” I laughed as I pulled into a parking spot in front of the restaurant and ended the call. Unsurprisingly, the lights were off, as it wouldn’t be opening for another few hours for the lunch shift.
I decided to run in while I waited for Hudson.
“I’ll be like five minutes, guys. Don’t eat anything you’re not supposed to,” I told the dogs as I swung out of the car and headed for the building.
I was already walking out, folder in hand, when Hudson’s truck pulled alongside mine. When he jumped out, clad in blue jeans, a white Henley, and a ball cap, I nearly lost my ability to speak at the sight.
He gave me a knowing grin, clearly catching me ogling him, and slid his cap backward before pulling me in for a long, lingering kiss.
“I’m all sweaty,” I protested weakly as he held me close.
“I’ll save you a shower then.” He patted my behind and moved to open my hatch, guiding the dogs into the back of his truck.
“Later, baby.” He flashed that dimpled grin that always made me melt.
“Later.” I waved before climbing back in my car and heading off to try to tame the beast named Goodie.
“You should be resting,” I grumbled a little while later as I sat at my aunt’s counter, watching in dismay as she cleaned out her fridge. The woman barely sat still, a tendency that had only intensified over the last few years.
“Rest, schmest.” She waved a dismissive hand, congestion evident in her voice and her eyes red and watery.
I studied her thoughtfully, realization dawning. “Do you worry you’ll think about him too much if you stop moving?” I asked quietly, thinking of my uncle.
She sighed, the sound deep and weary, and regarded me. “Oh honey, no amount of distraction takes him from my mind.”
“I’m so sorry you lost him, Goodie.”
A sad smile touched her lips. “The way I see it, I was lucky to have him for the time I did.”
“I get that.” I understood wholeheartedly now, knowing I’d relish even a short time with Hudson if—God forbid—it meant heartbreak for the rest of my life.
But I was counting on a lifetime together.
“So, you had some surprise guests in New York?” She arched a brow. No doubt she’d heard the news from Daphne.
“We did. I’ve been thinking about it ever since,” I admitted. “They were almost remorseful…” I trailed off, searching for the right words. “They were saying all the things I’ve been wanting to hear, but it all felt too… neat.”
“You’re smart to be skeptical.” She wrinkled her nose in thought. “I don’t know what to think of it myself. Your father reached out to me too, saying he wanted to make amends.”
My eyes widened in shock. “He did? And you took his call?”
She shrugged lightly. “He caught me at the right moment. We talked for a short time. It was awkward. We’re so different, and we haven’t spoken in years.”
“Do you think… do you think I should give them another chance?” The question came out in a whisper, as though I were afraid to voice it too loudly.
“Honey, I would never dream of telling you what to do. If you chose never to speak to them again, I’d respect and understand that—just as I would if you wanted to try again. I hate to say it, but that decision has to be yours and yours alone.”
“What do you think caused the sudden change of heart?”
“Well, Lulu… you,” she answered simply. “They didn’t handle you with care—they didn’t take the time to know the person you truly are.
But that doesn’t mean you weren’t important to them.
Now, I’d imagine they’re staring down the barrel of their older years, and it likely looks fairly bleak.
But that’s not your responsibility to repair—that’s their own doing.
” She reached for a tissue and blew her nose.
“I don’t even know how I would go about a first step.”
“God knows they’re awful on the phone.” She snorted softly.
“I felt like I was talking to my banker. But I could tell he was trying,” she added, “and he’s my brother.
I just have to decide if that’s enough.” She turned a knowing gaze to me, soft with understanding.
“I’d imagine it’s not all that different for you. ”
I shook my head. “No, it isn’t. But in terms of family, you and Daphne have given me the family I was searching for. And now, with Hudson and his family, I feel so loved. But…”
“But they’re your mom and dad.” She finished the thought gently, as though that was all there was to it. And maybe, when it came to my inner turmoil, it was.
“Yeah.” I sighed.
“Well then, maybe you have your answer.” She quirked a brow before standing to her full height. “Now, this old lady is going to take a bath and knock myself out with something so I’m up and at ’em tomorrow.”
“Yes, get some rest. But if you’re not up to it, I can help at the restaurant tomorrow.”
“I’ll take you up on that if I need to.” She offered a reassuring smile, though we both knew there was a slim chance of that happening.
I called Hud as I was pulling down Goodie’s drive, heading for home.
“You on your way to me, baby?” he asked by way of greeting.
“I am.” I couldn’t help but smile, already looking forward to slipping into a hot shower with my man.
“Goodie all good?”
“She’s in a healthy state of denial.” I snorted affectionately.
“But she’ll survive.” I thought of my aunt’s quiet strength and resilience.
Sure, it manifested as stubbornness at times, but her sheer drive to live and to love those around her—even after losing the love of her life—was downright inspiring.
I was determined to savor every stretch of future I had with mine.
If only I’d known that future would be put at risk sooner than I could have imagined.