Page 87 of Here's to Tomorrow

“Wow,” she says with wonder.

“All right, chatterbox, bedtime. You’re not going to want to get out of bed in the morning and I’m taking you to school.”

She kicks her legs in excitement and barely,just barely, holds in a squeal.

The way she loves her father is so pure, so beautiful. My chest tightens again, something that’s been happening a lot when I’m around these two.

“Goodnight, bug. I love you,” Hudson says, kissing her on the head. “Sleep tight.”

Joey returns his sentiments and Hudson exits the room, leaving me alone with Joey.

“So,” I start. “Goodnight, kiddo. Sleep well.” I have no idea what to do next so I just pat her on the head.

She giggles. “You’re supposed to give me kisses, silly.”

Kisses?I gulp loudly and lean down, pressing my lips against her forehead.

And then I can’t breathe.

I can’t breathe because tiny arms are now wrapped firmly around my neck like a constrictor.

She’s hugging me. Holy crap! She’s freakin’ hugging me!I mentally high-five myself for the good job I’ve done.

“Goodnight, Rae.” She lets me go and I get up, ready to head to the door. “You forgot to tuck the blankies!” she calls.

Damn. So close.

I turn back and tuck them in tight for her. She wiggles loose just a little and closes her eyes, ready to fall into slumber.

I grab hold of the door and turn out the light.

Then I hear it. The sweetest words ever spoken to me. The words that seal my place in Hudson’s life. The words that change my entire world.

“I love you, Rae.”

Tears fill my eyes and I find it hard to swallow.

“I love you too, Joey,” I say honestly. In this moment, I realize I do. Not only do I love Hudson, I love his daughter, too.

I’m so fucking screwed.

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