Page 146 of Roughing It

“Bo found it. It’s in bad shape, but it still works.” She unlocks it and hands it to me. The screen is shattered, but I only need it to send a text.

I’m slow and clumsy, and it takes forever to type out the message. When I’m done, I toss the damned thing on the floor. It served its purpose.

“Who were you texting?” she asks.

“Just sending Kirk your new address.”

“Yeah?”

“Yep.” I tuck a stray hair behind her ear and give her one more soft kiss. “Looks like you’ll be roughing it with me from now on, Spitfire.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Bear.”

epilogue

DAY ONE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED NINETY-ONE

“Okay, BB’s! That’s it for today. Thank you for liking, sharing, and subscribing! We’ll see you in two weeks, where I’ll talk more about how you can sign up for our spring Princess Package.” I wave my daughter’s chubby hand at the camera before blowing it a kiss.

Hudson, Kirk, and Marcus watch from the porch as I make my way inside. Willow totters on wobbly toddler legs, doing her best to beat me. She reaches her dad, and he scoops her up, blowing raspberries on her tummy and neck. Adorable peals of laughter sound around us.

“Great live, BB. Your sponsored post with that new hiking boot company is bringing in massive clicks and sales.” Kirk grins as he gives me a quick update. I’m much less invested in the business side of my socials these days. Now, I post what I want when I want, take sponsorships from companies I want, and spend way less time online. It’s glorious.

He clears his throat, “So, Brandee?”

I shake my head and sigh. Four years of flat-out ignoring the woman, and she still rears her hateful head now and then in an attempt to get money from me. My petty side thinks of making a donation in her name to the Hawthorne food bank, but that would mean engaging. So I’ll make the donation anyway and never tell her.

Hudson’s arm wraps around my waist, pulling me close. “We sent a cease and desist notice. If she violates it, we’ll go from there.”

“Are you guys sure you’re up to Willow-sitting overnight?”

Kirk rolls his eyes. “Yes. Besides, King and Lisse pick her up on Wednesday, so it’s only two nights. And she’s excited to stay with her favorite uncles.” He tickles Willow’s tummy. “Isn’t that right?”

“Don’t let Bo and Gray hear you say that. Those are fighting words.” Hudson’s lips tilt in a half-smile.

“They get to be her favorites all the time. Let me have this.” My manager, and friend, steals my daughter away, he and Marcus closing rank around her, cooing and heaping her with love.

Already, her little life is so different from mine. She’ll never know what it’s like to be hungry, dirty, unloved thanks—in no small part—to the amazing community around us. Kirk and Marcus, Bo, Gray, and the people of Trail Creek continually prove how much they love and support my family. Me.

“Okay, Lolo, have fun with Uncle Kirk and Uncle Marcus. I love you.” I kiss Willow’s honey-blonde curls as Hudson carries her tiny suitcase to the car.

The practical SUV bounces down the road, heading to Kirk and Marcus’ vacation home, a few streets from where we live in the Davis Designs built Piñon Hills neighborhood. Oncethey’re out of sight, I power walk inside and up the stairs to our lofted bedroom.

I have delicious plans for my gorgeous husband, but first, I have to pack. Then he and I are heading to our cabin for four kid-free days. Willow will be two next month, and while Hudson and I find plenty of opportunities to connect, this is our first time staying away from her for multiple days.

And I am here for it.

“We leave in ten,” Hudson barks from the living room.

I look at my empty bag, and like he knows, he adds, “I mean it, Spitfire. I’m leaving your cute ass here if you aren’t packed and ready.”

Rolling my eyes, I stick my tongue out even though he can’t see me. Some things never change.

But so many other things do. The framed pictures decorating our bedroom are a testament to that. I pick up one from our wedding, me with flowers in my hair and Hudson with a jaw-cracking smile on his face.

I toss in everything I need for a couple of days at the cabin. Aside from some soft, warm clothes, I’m bringing some specialty items. A naughty thrill slinks down my spine when I spy them. Toying with my lower lip, I decide it’s time to get things going. I’m setting the tone for our getaway now. I’m banking on the entire drive being nothing but foreplay, and that starts with giving Hudson a sneak peek of what awaits him.

I slip off my oversized sweater and pull down the cups on my lavender bra. My nipples pebble when they meet the cool air. Perfect. Using my elbows, I plump my breasts together and angle the camera to capture the tops and rosy tips.

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