Page 17 of Nanny for the Firefighter

“Oh sure,” I grumble, still a bit on edge about how I’m supposed to work for the guy. “But yeah, I’m grateful. There are still bills and stuff to pay for, so now I actually have a way of doing that. So, thank you, Hudson.”

He waves me off. “Oh, it’s nothing. I’m surprised you didn’t jump more at the chance. I mean, it’s Mason. Working for him will be way better than doing it for some stranger. He’s practically family.”

That insufferable pound of my heart flares, and I have to take another drink of the tea to settle my nerves. Mom looks over atme questioningly, but I just smile and yawn, pretending like I’m just tired.

“I’m a bit distracted, is all. It’s been a long drive to get here, and my brain is still spinning, thanks to the fender-bender.”

“Fender-bender?” Mom’s brows pinch together as she looks over at me.

“Yes. But it’s nothing. I just got rear-ended by a drunk. I’m fine. The car is toast, but with the job, I’ll actually be able to fix it or get a new one.”

Mom slaps a hand down on the table. “It was that damn Boone, wasn’t it. He’s such a menace.”

Hudson and I laugh, confirming her suspicion.

“But what about you, bro? How’s the family?”

With a smile, Hudson leans back in his chair, taking my tea and having a sip.

“They’re good. I can’t wait for you to meet Meredith and Juniper.”

“Me too,” I reply, smiling genuinely this time. “When can I see them?”

He puts his hand to his chin, brushing over his stubble. “Hmm, what about next weekend? You’ll have time to get settled tonight and start working for Mason during the week.”

I nod. “Sounds like a plan. I’ve been wanting to see that trouble-maker in person for a while.”

Mom and Hudson laugh, both knowing Juniper’s reputation for being a little shit. I love watching him on the video calls terrorizing the house.

“Ha! Well good. Maybe you can take him off our hands for an evening. I’m not sure what it’s like to have a date night with my wife anymore.”

We all chuckle, but there’s a thread of pain that zings behind it. Mom watched Juniper for the longest time, but she hasn’t been able to recently.

I know that kills her, and Hudson probably really does need a break.

Before I can say anything, though, Hudson stands up from the table and leans over to give me a hug.

“I’m glad you’re finally back home, B. Weallmissed you.”

My eyes glass over with tears again, and it’s a terrible mixture of relief and terror and nostalgia and heartache.

“Me too,” I whisper, hugging Hudson just a hair longer than usual.

I know he can sense it, but Hudson doesn’t pull away. He lets me have this thing I need so damn much, and again, I’m grateful to have him as my brother.

When we finally separate, Hudson kisses Mom goodbye, and he takes off for his house. I sit with Mom at the table, talking about dumb local news for a while before she gets tired.

“Go get some rest, Mom. I’m not going anywhere.”

She smiles at that. “Damn skippy.”

And then she’s off down the short hallway to her bedroom. I can see how much slower she’s moving, the obvious pain she’s in, and my heart breaks all over again.

Sighing, I lay my head down on the table, unwilling to get up and go to my room just yet. I’m so happy to see them again, but it’s all tarnished with the fear I have over being here.

Jai took me away from my family. At first, I wanted it. I wanted to be in LA, pursuing my singing career.

But he never let me visit them. I rarely called or answered the phone when they did, and he was constantly checking my texts and telling me what to say.

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