Page 62 of Tough Love

Chapter Eighteen

ADDY

Ruby stands at the white gate, Reed behind her. She is practically buzzing. Fairy lights, fire torches, and party decorations are strung around the homestead yard. I kill the engine and jump out, carefully lifting the cake box from the back seat and making my way to the gate.

“Ruby, this is beautiful.”

It really is—it’s like a wonderland. All themed in the aspects Louisa told us about the night we stayed for dinner. Every old oak and willow has twinkly lights wound up the trunk and around the branches, illuminating the old trees. I wonder which one of the brothers was sent up the trees for that task. Knowing Rubes, probably all three of them.

Hudson stands by the grill with a guy that has to be Lawson. They’re so similar. Okay, four of them into the trees, then. The same brown hair, broad shoulders—even their stance matches. The only difference is the clothes. No Wranglers on this one. Levi’s and a button-down charcoal shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He laughs at something Hudson says, sipping a beer.

Hudson.

My stomach flips.

Reed is grinning from ear to ear, his blue eyes full of excitement. He rests his chin on Ruby’s head, slouching so his arms dangle at her sides like a total goof. If I’m not careful, my spot as her best friend might be up for assessment with this new contender. He shifts his head to her side and whispers something to her. She slaps the side of his head, like you would a sibling. He winces, chuckling, and rubs his head, glancing sideways at her with narrowed eyes before opening the gate for me.

“Keep your comments to yourself, Reedsy.” She scoffs.

Reedsy. Okay, that’s new. In my hands is the birthday cake. One enormous yellow cake box. And if I drop this, I might crawl in a hole and wish for death. And when Reed takes it from my hands, I sag with relief. The breeze is cooler than a few days ago when I was out here. The pale blue boho dress I chose for the party tangles around my legs. The cinched waist and sweetheart neckline mold to my curves well, and it has pockets, but now I am regretting not bringing a cardigan. Or a jacket.

My phone buzzes, and I slip it out of my pocket, glancing at the message. Adam. Again. He got a burner phone just to piss me off? I lock the screen, ignoring him, and slide the phone back into my pocket. I wish he would give up.

I push through the gate and wander around the yard, taking in the decorations, before making my way to the kitchen to find Louisa. I have a small gift for her. A bracelet with a ship’s wheel and a few other nautical charms, her four boys’ names on a charm each, and behind the wheel charm is Harry’s.

I hope she gets a chance to wear it. This family is so close. And it’s something so precious. Something I wish for myself one day. The kitchen is buzzing with women, most of whom I don’t recognize, preparing dishes, chatting, and pouring wine. Louisa stands by the kitchen table with Ruby.

“Addy! Come here, sweetheart,” she calls out.

I close the space and fold her in a tight hug before handing her the small ribbon-adorned box. “Happy birthday, Louisa.”

“Oh, honey, you shouldn’t have!”

I beam at her. “I really, really wanted to.”

Shaking her head as emotion fills her eyes, she gently removes the bow and lifts the lid. When she takes out the bracelet and turns it over, a sob chokes her, and she slaps a hand over her mouth. Hudson and Lawson peer through the door, checking on the noise, beers still in their hands.

Louisa’s silver-lined eyes find mine. “Addy, I don’t know what to say...”

I try to respond but the words are lodged in my throat. Hudson walks over, studying the bracelet. Ruby beams at him and glances to me.

“Nice work, Howard.”

I scoff a laugh. “Thanks, Huddy.”

Louisa’s eyes widen as she glances between Hudson and me. She clears her throat. “Her name is Addy, Hudson Andrew Rawlins.”

He walks away, taking a sip of his beer before looking over his shoulder. “I know, Ma.” The cheekiness that lights up his face has Ruby and Louisa gaping.

“Where does a girl need to go to find some wine around here?” I ask, hoping both women will snap their mouths closed and forget that look he gave us.

“I can set you up, Adds. Follow me,” Ruby says, taking my arm.

I am dragged into the heart of the kitchen, to where the wine fridge is packed full. She opens the door and grabs a sparkling white before uncorking it and grabbing two glasses. The girl appears to know her way around this kitchen better than I do. But I guess she has been here all day setting up, organizing, etc. Reed appears by her side like he has been doing for thepast week, and she glances up at him. “You need another beer, Reedsy?”

“Nope. Addy, Lawson wants to meet you.”

“Oh, sure. I was getting there, I promise, but I wanted to see your ma first.”

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