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He chuckles softly, a warm sound that makes me feel slightly more at ease. “No, you’re right where you’re supposed to be. Go ahead and come in.”
Before I can respond, he steps aside, inviting me in with a sweeping gesture. I hesitantly cross the threshold, my gaze taking in the high ceilings, expensive-looking artwork, and plush furniture. It’s a stark contrast to the cramped, dingy apartment I left behind.
“Wow,” I breathe, feeling overwhelmed by the opulence. “This is…incredible.”
“Thank you,” Hudson replies, closing the door behind us. “We do our best to make it feel like home.”
“Wait, you live here too?” I ask, my confusion deepening.
“Yep,” he confirms, grinning. “All three of us share this space. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of room for everyone. We have a bedroom set up just for you.”
Will the kids fit?I guess right now that doesn’t matter. What would my mother say if she knew I was thinking about taking them from her to live with three firefighters I barely know?
Still, even though I haven’t talked to them much, I feel like I knew them. I feel protected with them, which is something I haven’t felt in a long time. But, I’ve already decided that I’m going to feel this out before bringing my kids here.
“Really?” I can’t help but feel touched by their generosity. “You didn’t have to do that for me.”
“Of course we did,” Hudson insists, his eyes holding mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. “You’re basically a part of our family now, Harper.”
Family.When has that ever been a word used for anything other than my kids and me?
His words touch something deep within me, and I find myself blinking back tears. It’s been so long since I’ve felt truly cared for, and the weight of that realization hits me all at once.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice cracking. “I appreciate it more than you know.”
“Hey, no need for tears,” Hudson says gently, reaching out to brush a stray tear from my cheek. The warmth of his touch makes my heart skip a beat, and I can’t help but lean into it.
“Thank you,” I manage to choke out, my throat tightening with emotion.
“Come on,” Hudson says, his voice warm and inviting. “Let me show you your room.”
As Hudson leads me down the hallway, I find myself wondering what my life will be like now. The apartment is beautiful and luxurious, something I never could have afforded on my own.
“Hey, Harper?” Hudson stops at a door and turns to face me, his eyes filled with concern. “How are your kids doing? Where are they?”
I take a deep breath, trying to steady the sudden wave of anxiety that washes over me. “They’re…they’re with my mom right now, still,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“Trust me, it is, but with him still running around…” I shut my mouth, realizing where my words were going, and dart my eyes forward. I’m so comfortable that I was about to tell him something I’ve sworn I wouldn’t tell anyone.
“With who…?”
My thoughts start to go down a dark path, as I think abouthimand everything he’s put my kids and me through. I thought we’d be safe after he went to jail, but I should have known with all the money his family has that it wouldn’t last for long.
“No one,” I answer quickly, not even wanting to think about it.
“Are you sure?”
“One hundred percent.”
“Let’s get your mind off things for now,” he suggests, opening the door to reveal the bedroom he mentioned earlier. “Here’s your room.”
The space is cozy and inviting, with soft lighting and neutral colors. A plush king-size bed sits against one wall, topped with an array of pillows. A tall window offers a breathtaking view of the city skyline, and a small desk tucked into a corner seems like the perfect place to write or sketch.
“Wow,” I breathe, stepping into the room. “This is incredible.” Plenty of space for the kids and me.
“You must be starving. Why don’t I take you out for a meal? My treat.”
