Page 50 of While We Waited

“Lily and Jack’s house.”

“Sophia and Weston’s parents?”

“Lily has the family over once a month. She tried doing Sunday dinners but people would cancel. No one cancels for drunk poker night. And before you say anything, Lily and Jack are my family.”

He reaches across the console to squeeze my thigh. “I wasn’t going to say anything. I’m glad you had them when your mother passed away.”

I sigh. “Lily and Jack are the best. Have you ever heard the story of how they fell in love?”

He shakes his head.

“Jack isn’t a native Smuggler. He arrived on the island one summer to do some construction work. He took one look at Lily and was smitten,” I begin.

“And there you have it. The story of how Lily and Jack fell in love,” I conclude as Hudson parks in front of their house.

Maya’s the romantic amongst my group of friends but I appreciate a good love story as much as the next person. I watch Hudson as he rushes around the truck. I blow out abreath. Unfortunately, I don’t believe the ‘love’ story of Nova and Hudson is going to end in a happily ever after.

Hudson lifts me out of the truck and sets me on my feet.

“You’re not going to be able to lift me much longer.” I rub my belly. “Once Sprog starts to grow.”

He crowds me until my back hits the side of the truck. “You don’t think I’m strong enough?”

“Um…” With his heat surrounding me and his sandalwood scent filling the air, I can’t remember the question. I want to lean into him. I want to feel his arms around me, surrounding me. I want his lips on mine, exploring my mouth. Filling me with his taste.

“No making out in the driveway!” Sophia shouts from the front door.

“You’re cheating. I bet five bucks Hudson couldn’t keep his hands off of her,” Weston complains.

“Welcome to family night,” I mutter.

Hudson tweaks my nose. “You can’t scare me off. I have four brothers, remember?”

We begin walking to the house. “I don’t think I’ve met any of your brothers.”

“You’ll meet them soon. And then you’ll wish you hadn’t.”

Silly man. I can’t wait to meet his family. I would have loved to have siblings growing up. A sister to share the burden of caring for Mom when she was sick. A brother to grieve my dad with.

I force thoughts of what I can never have away and smile up at Hudson.

“They can’t be that bad.”

“Logan holds the record for most detentions given at Smuggler’s Hideaway High School.”

I gasp. “You’re kidding. Someone stole Sophia’s record?”

“Hey, Huddy,” Weston greets when we reach the porch.

I glare at him. “His name is Hudson.”

Weston chuckles as he holds up his hands in surrender. “Another one bites the dust.”

“Why is everyone standing on the porch?” Lily pushes her way between Weston and Sophia and smiles at me. “Oh good, you made it. And you brought Hudson with you.” She rakes her gaze over him. “Still as handsome as ever, I see.”

“Sweet flower,” Jack hollers. “No accosting our guests.”

“He’s not a guest. He’s family since he’s with Nova.”

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