Page 87 of Tough Love

Hudson stands and moves to where I still sit, immobile. “I’m gonna lift you off, okay?

You tell me if you want to be carried or to be let down, once you’re off.”

“Uh-huh.” I scramble for a deep breath. Trying to mentally prepare myself for what comes next. Hudson hugs me and leans his head against mine. “I’ve got you, sweet girl.”

“I know,” I breathe out on ragged breaths.

He wraps his arms around me, and he whispers, “Three, two, one...”

The moment my butt leaves the saddle I grind out a cry through gritted teeth as fire streaks through my stiffened joints. “Keep going,” I choke out.

He pulls me up from the saddle, and my legs drag over the saddle and swing into his. I hold onto him for dear life. His throat works as he steps back from Sergeant. Mack clicks his tongue and Sergeant pushes back up and onto his feet, nickering and shaking his head, mane tossing about his neck.

“Down or carried, Addy?” Hudson asks.

“Down, I think.”

He lowers me to the ground. Louisa walks over, wrapping an arm around Reed’s shoulders, her face pulled with concern. When my feet hit the ground, my hips clunk, aching something fierce. I take a step and whimper.

“Nope.” Hudson’s arms have my feet off the ground and me huddled against him a heartbeat later. I rest my head on his coat, breathing through every lungful, desperate not to cry in front of Harry.

“There are animals that need tending to, vet care required.” Harry steps forward despite the warning written all over Louisa’s face.

Hudson grinds to a halt and turns back to face his father. “Fucking drop it, Harry.”

“The whole point of her riding along was to tend to the needs of the horses and cattle. You have ten minutes to sort yourself out, Addy.”

Hudson growls, then... “I’m sorry about this, sweet girl.”

I glance between Harry and Hudson. Hudson lowers me to the ground and strides to where Harry stands. “Screw your fucking animals. Everything is about the bottom line with you!”

“Someone has to make sure this family is taken care of.”

“Really? ’Cause from where I’m standin’, you’re more worried about your cattle and workhorses than an actual person right now,” Hudson growls.

“You decide, then. Make a decision, Hudson. Because right now, you’re not taking the reins on anything, just following orders, as always.”

Always.

That word is always followed by never with Huddy and me.

“You know what? Here is a decision for you, Harry. Addy comes before your precious fucking herd.”

Louisa fights to hold back a smile. Reed and Mack fist pump like absolute kids.

Harry’s eyes narrow before he turns on his heel and walks away. Hudson stands, watching him leave, hands balled to fists, shoulders shaking.

God, Huddy.

Louisa moves to where I stand. “Hon, I have a hot bath that will fix those sore muscles and stiff joints of yours right up. Can you walk?”

Desperate to see Hudson’s face, I nod, waiting for him to turn around. And when he finally turns back and closes the space between us, he is shaking. Hands cupping his face, I plant a kiss over his lips. “I’m so damn proud of you, Hudson Andrew Rawlins.”

He groans and drops his forehead to mine, closing his eyes. “Then why do I feel like a complete ass?”

I chuckle and cup his jaw. His eyes find mine. “Nobody said decisions were easy, Huddy.”

He forces a small smile and traces a finger over my cheek. “Bath time, smelly.”

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