Page 76 of Here's to Tomorrow

Hudson turns toward Joey, who’s now standing at the end of the couch. “No way, bug. It’s past your bedtime.”

“But we have a guest! It would be rude to go to sleep now,” she says so matter-of-factly.

I can see the exact moment Hudson gives in to his daughter. It’s obvious he loves his little girl. “Fine, fine, you win, but just a few episodes ofAdventure Time.”

“Deal. Can I sit there?” she asks, pointing to the small spot between Hudson and me.

Hudson looks to me for approval, and I nod. “Of course! Come here, kiddo,” I tell her, scooting over and patting the spot beside me.

“I’m parched. You girls want anything?” Hudson asks, heading toward the small kitchen.

“Apple juice, please, Daddy,” Joey requests.

“That makes sense now. Same for me, please.”

Left alone with Joey, I study the small child sitting next to me. If I were to ever see Hudson and Joey out together, there would never be a doubt in my mind that she is his daughter. She has shiny jet-black hair just like her father, and hers is cut into a cute shoulder-length bob. Her skin is the same tanned tone as Hudson’s. She even has his nose. The only difference is her eyes. While Hudson’s are a beautiful, captivating mix of blue and green, hers are all bright blue.

She’s adorable.

“You’re pretty. I like your hair,” Joey suddenly announces.

“Thank you. I was just thinking the same thing about yours. You look a lot like your daddy.”

She giggles. “All the people we meet say that, even Nana. She’s at the hospital tonight. Mr. Matthews fell off the roof.”

“Oh, that’s terrible! I sure hope he’ll be all right.”

“He’s old but he’s tough. That’s what Nana told me in the car ride here.”

I smother a laugh. A child’s lack of filter has always been my favorite thing, usually the only part I can relate to.

“Okay ladies, I come bearing apple juices,” Hudson says, setting down the cups. Joey dives for her cup and downs half the glass. “Whoa, slow down, dude. That’s all you’re getting before bed so you better savor it.”

“Fine,” Joey says, her bottom lip coming out in a pout.

Hudson reaches for the remote and turns on the flat screen. He looks to Joey. “Do you know what time it is?”

“ADVENTURE TIME!” she shouts.

They fist-bump. My heart melts.

We spend the next hour—because it turns out the episodes are only about ten minutes long and every time Joey said, “One more, please,” Hudson gave in—watching a show about an awkward kid and his stretchy yellow dog.

Though the night started rocky, this is the easily the best night I’ve ever had.

After about six episodes, Hudson finally reaches up and clicks off the television. “All right, kiddo, bedtime. Go potty and brush your teeth, please.”

“Will you read to me after?”

He winks at her. “You got it.” She tries to wink back, fails miserably, and scurries off to the bathroom.

I watch Hudson watch her. The love on his face is evident and breathtaking. He looks so happy being with his daughter that I have to fight back the tears threatening to spill over.

“You scared off yet?”

“Nah. She’s adorable. She looks and acts just like you.”

He rolls his eyes. “I know. Scares the crap out of me.”

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