Page 113 of Pieces

Cupping her face, I tilt her chin up so she has to look at me. “Stop. Don’t go there, Daph. The doctor said it’s going to be okay, and I trust her. But even if it wasn’t, you and me? We’d figure it out. I’ll carry you through this if I have to.”

Her bottom lip trembles, and she nods, sniffling. “I just... I didn’t think I’d feel this way so fast.” She looks down at her belly, her voice barely above a whisper. “About the baby. About you. It’s like somewhere along the way, you became my person. And this baby… I didn’t think I’d get attached so soon, but I have. The thought of not having either of you...it’s unbearable.”

Her words settle over me, carving themselves into a part of me I didn’t know existed. She doesn’t realize it, but she’s describing exactly how I feel too. Somewhere along the way, she became the center of my world. It’s not something I planned or even saw coming, but now it’s as certain as the air I’m breathing. They’re both mine.

“You’re not going to lose us,” I finally say, my voice thick. “Not me, not the baby. I promise you, Daph. We’re in this for the long haul. You and this baby... you’re my whole world now.”

A tear spills over, and she leans into my hand. “I’m so scared, Hudson.”

“I know,” I say. “But I’ve got you both.”

Chapter forty-eight

Daphne

30-31 weeks

Hudson rushes beside me, holding my bag and my chocolate milkshake like some kind of overzealous bodyguard, while I walk next to him, feeling like the biggest pain in the ass.

“Okay,” I say, coming to a halt and trying to grab my bag from his hand. Of course, it’s useless; his grip might as well be iron. “I don’t need you to carry everything for me. Dr. Carter said things are looking good. It’s been weeks, Hudson. You need to let me carry my bag.”

He doesn’t even pause, doesn’t even glance back. “No.”

My jaw drops, and I stand there for a second, stunned, before scrambling to catch up. “No?” I practically squawk, the word bursting out of me. “What do you mean, no?”

Hudson finally glances at me, his expression infuriatingly unaffected. “No means no, Daph.”

My mouth opens, then closes. “I’m an independent woman.” I huff, my frustration mounting. “And you’re making me look like some spoiled princess. I hate it!”

Stopping abruptly, he spins to face me so quickly I almost bump into him. He towers over me, his gaze steady but soft in a way that takes the sting out of my irritation. “You’re not a spoiled princess,” he says firmly. “You’re my princess. There’s a difference.”

I blink up at him, caught between exasperation and butterflies. “Hudson…”

He cuts me off, leaning in just enough that his voice lowers, a teasing edge creeping into his tone. “And if you hate it so much, stop looking so damn cute when you’re all flustered and angry. Makes me want to carry your bagandyou.”

I glare at him, but it’s weak, and he knows it. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“I know,” he shoots back, grinning now as he starts walking again, my bag still firmly in his grip. “Better get used to it, princess.”

I let out a frustrated groan but follow after him anyway, secretly smiling when he’s not looking.

We make it back to my dorm, and he goes for a shower.

I check my phone, replying to Liv’s message:

Liv

Not long and I get to squish you and bubs. Are you excited for your baby shower? I ordered strippers for it. Love you!

I chuckle and type my reply.

Daphne

Ooo strippers, sounds like a good time. Can’t wait to see you soon! X

Then I bring up the family text thread.

Daphne

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