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He grunted. “I suppose that’s understandable enough.”
“However, even though I shouldn’t have said those things the way I did or when I did, I still meant them.”
Hudson grimaced. “I know. Believe me when I say that I didn’t intend for this to happen. Nor do I intend to let it happen again.”
She put up a hand. “Don’t sound so bleak. It’s not a hopeless case or anything. You just have to learn how to adjust your life with her now a part of it. When you become a parent, all your priorities need to shift to center around helping that child.”
She reached a hand out to pat his shoulder but then hesitated and thought better of it. The closed-off Hudson probably wouldn’t appreciate it, and their relationship wasn’t there yet. Even if the thought of touching his strong arm muscles made her stomach flutter.
“And I know it isn’t easy,” she continued instead. “Trust me, I’ve seen all sorts of parents. Even the ones who have read every parenting book they can find, yet still struggle. But you also don’t have to go at this alone.”
He perked up a little. “Are you saying you’re willing to help me learn?”
A small smile crept onto her face. “Well, you did hire me to help Hannah to the best of my ability. And helping her includes helping you.”
“I would appreciate that greatly. Thank you,” he murmured.
She nodded. “Good. Then, the first priority should be making this house as accessible for Hannah as possible. We’ll figure out everything else after that.”
EIGHT
HUDSON
After his talk with Nora, Hudson immediately called a fellow contractor who specialized in ADA remodeling and arranged for them to come the next day. What Nora had said to him shook him to his core. And most of her comments had stung his pride more than a little.
He was an alpha. He was supposed to be attentive to his pack. To know their wants and needs and how to provide and care for them. And yet, he hadn’t been able to meet the needs of his own ward.
It irked him to no end that he hadn’t realized how neglectful he was being. How it hadn’t even occurred to him to do half the things that Nora had spent the rest of the day suggesting. In hindsight, they were blindingly obvious and necessary. How had he been so oblivious? It wasn’t like he couldn’t afford it.
Hannah could have gotten hurt if Nora wasn’t there. Or the girl could have easily gotten herself hurt anywhere else in the house at any point. That simply was unacceptable.
And so changes had to be made.
“We’ll start with the wing Hannah’s staying in. Then, from there, we’ll make our way through the rest of the house,” he told the project manager in charge of the redesign. On the other side of him, Nora studied the drawings intently.
Hudson had wanted her to be there to approve everything they were doing. After all, she knew best in this case.
“However, we don’t want to just make this place wheelchair accessible,” she said. “Hannah’s recovery might be very gradual right now, but she will get better. Then, we will need to make sure she can still get around the house easily as her mobility needs change. For example, she may be using crutches in a month, so we’ll need to address all those stages.”
The project manager nodded. “All right then. The men and I will get started.”
Soon, the house was bustling with men in construction uniforms. Rugs were thrown out, and floor transitions smoothed. Doors were widened. Ramps were built.
And there in the heart of it was Nora. She was giving instructions to the men like she was a general preparing for battle.
Nora was never sharp with them or rude or impatient. She was firm, certainly, but she always explained things calmly, talked it out, and collaborated with the men. And the men, in turn, listened to her attentively and did everything she asked.
Despite being the smallest one there, no one questioned her authority.
Hudson felt his respect for the woman rise. Anyone could be demanding and loud, but Nora was a true leader. She knew how to take charge while showing respect and authority at the same time. It took a unique type of person to accomplish that.
After a while, he was happy to sit back and let her direct the men. Even the bear inside him seemed to enjoy the show.
At lunch, she sat with a tired sigh. “I shouldn’t feel tired. I’m not even the one doing all the heavy lifting.”
Hudson quirked a smile. “Yes, well, I imagine that has something to do with you taking the lead on this project. You know, maybe I should have hired you to run my company instead.”
Her cheeks turned red. “I didn’t mean to overstep. I can back off if you want me to.”
