He eyed me shrewdly.“You’re serious about her.”
“Very.”Davis and I weren’t friends per se, but he’d gotten to know me well over the years, and I trusted him.
He cocked his head to the side.“How do you think she’ll do with all of this?”He gestured to the onlookers around us.
“I think she can hold her own.But if she doesn’t want to, I certainly won’t force it on her.”I took a sip of the whiskey I’d been nursing.
“This is a huge part of your life, Hud.”
“There are plenty of stars who have spouses out of the limelight.”I shrugged.“We’ll just have to take it as it comes.”
“Spouses?”His brows rose to his hairline.“How long have you known this woman?”
“Feels like all my life,” I replied easily.
“Well, then I’m happy for you.”He clapped me on the back.“We should talk next steps when you’re ready.If anything, you want to make sure you two are prepared for what could come your way.You’ve been country’s biggest bachelor for years.Fans will be salivating to know about her.You’ll want some protections in place.”
If only I knew how soon that protection would be needed.
Chapter 10
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.”
