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.
Chapter 24
“One more.Give me one more, Luce,” Hudson ground out as he thrust inside me later that night.
My back arched as he held my legs against my body, reaching impossibly deep inside me, his blue eyes scorching as he stared down at me.My hungry gaze roved him, appreciating the way his muscles flexed with effort as his thrusts intensified.
“Need you with me, babe.”His guttural tone signaled he was at the very edge of his control—just where I wanted him most.
I cried out, losing sense of everything but Hudson as he groaned in relief moments later.
My legs fell limply on either side of him as he remained kneeling, his large hands settling on my hips.He stared down at me with unmistakable appreciation.
He’d looked at me like that from the very beginning.At first, I’d been self-conscious, bracing for some sort of rebuke.Now, I reveled in it, trusting his love for me—a love I had finally learned to give myself.
“I’m going to need another shower.”He chuckled as he withdrew from my body and collapsed gently over me, nuzzling my neck.
“Mm-hmm.”Blissful and boneless, I could barely form words.
“She’s gone nonverbal.I’ll take that as a good sign.”Amusement colored his voice.
I swatted him playfully before wrapping my arms around his neck, wanting to keep him close.
When I was coherent enough, we showered together for the second time that day—this one shorter than the last, both eager to return to bed.
“I talked to Goodie about my folks.”After he turned off the light, I draped my leg over his while his arm settled around me in our standard sleeping position.“I think maybe I’ll call them,” I murmured as his fingers sifted through my hair.“I think I’ll always wonder if I don’t.”
That was the crux of it.Though the idea of inviting them back into my life—even in some small way—made me anxious, I knew I’d always wonder what might have been.They were getting older, and I didn’t have forever with them.In my heart of hearts, I knew I still had it in me to try.
I felt his lips touch my hair.“Whatever you need, Luce.If you want, I’ll sit with you when you do.”
“Yeah.”I sighed, sleep tugging at me.“I think that would be good.”A yawn escaped.“Everything good downstairs?”
He chuckled softly.“Yeah, the standard fur pile.Both cats are cuddled with Ranger, much to his dismay.The shepherds are content on the stairs.”
